Immigrating to the United States can be a complex process, especially for those applying for employment-based green cards. Understanding the key terms used in U.S. immigration law can help applicants navigate the system with confidence. This glossary provides clear explanations of important immigration terms that every applicant should know.

Green Card
A Green Card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, allows a person to live and work permanently in the United States. It is an important step for anyone wishing to establish long-term residence in the country. Green Card holders can also eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.

USCIS
USCIS stands for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is the government agency that handles immigration applications, including Green Cards, work visas, and citizenship applications. USCIS processes petitions, conducts interviews, and makes decisions on eligibility.

Visa
A visa is an official document issued by a U.S. consulate or embassy that allows a foreign citizen to enter the United States. Visas can be temporary, like work or student visas, or they can lead to permanent residency, such as immigrant visas.

I-140 Petition
The I-140, also known as the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is filed by an employer or self-petitioner to request an employment-based Green Card. This petition proves that the applicant qualifies for a specific visa category based on their skills, education, or achievements.

National Interest Waiver (NIW)
The National Interest Waiver allows certain highly skilled individuals to apply for a Green Card without needing an employer’s sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate that their work benefits the United States. Many professionals in science, technology, business, or medicine use the NIW route. For example, some people ask, Can entrepreneurs apply for NIW Green Card? The answer is yes, as long as they show that their business activities have national importance.

Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A)
EB-1A is a category for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, such as science, arts, education, or business. Applicants must provide evidence of their achievements, awards, publications, or contributions that set them apart from others in the field.

Labor Certification (PERM)
Labor Certification is a process that proves there are no qualified U.S. workers available for a job before an employer can hire a foreign worker for a Green Card. This step is required for some employment-based categories but is waived for NIW applicants.

Adjustment of Status (I-485)
Adjustment of Status is the process by which an applicant already in the United States changes their status to permanent resident without leaving the country. The I-485 form is submitted to USCIS for this purpose. Applicants may be required to attend an interview and provide additional evidence.

Priority Date
The priority date is the date when an applicant’s petition is filed. It determines an applicant’s place in the queue for visa availability. In categories with annual limits, such as EB-2 and EB-3, the priority date is very important because applicants can only move forward when their date becomes current.

Request for Evidence (RFE)
An RFE is a notice from USCIS requesting additional documents or information to make a decision on a petition. Responding carefully and promptly to an RFE can improve the chances of approval.

Approval Notice
An Approval Notice is the official document from USCIS confirming that a petition or application has been approved. For Green Card applicants, this notice is an important milestone in the immigration process.

Understanding these key immigration terms can make the Green Card application process much easier. From knowing what a priority date means to understanding the difference between an NIW and EB-1A, applicants who are informed can make better decisions and avoid common mistakes. Whether you are a researcher, entrepreneur, or professional, learning this terminology is essential for a smooth and successful immigration journey.