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Glossary

Plain-English glossary for USCIS, EOIR, visa, green card, asylum, waiver, and immigration court terms.

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214(b)

a nonimmigrant visa refusal based on failure to qualify for the visa classification

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221(g)

a temporary refusal or hold often tied to missing documents or administrative processing

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Alien Registration Number

an identification number used in many immigration records

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Adjustment Of Status

applying for permanent residence from inside the United States

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Administrative Processing

additional consular review after a visa interview

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Advance Parole

travel permission for certain applicants before leaving the United States

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Affidavit Of Support

financial sponsorship document in many family immigration cases

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Biometrics

fingerprints, photo, or signature collected for identity and background checks

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Cancellation Of Removal

a form of relief requested in immigration court

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CAT Protection

protection under the Convention Against Torture

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Consular Processing

applying for a visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad

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Continuous Residence

naturalization requirement involving residence in the United States

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Employment Authorization Document

a work permit card issued under a qualifying category

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Extreme Hardship

waiver evidence standard focused on qualifying relative hardship

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Good Moral Character

naturalization and relief concept based on conduct during a required period

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Form I-94

arrival and departure record showing admission details

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Inadmissibility

a legal barrier to admission or green card approval

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Notice Of Intent To Deny

a USCIS notice warning that a case may be denied unless concerns are answered

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Notice To Appear

the charging document that begins immigration court proceedings

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Permanent Bar

a serious inadmissibility problem involving unlawful presence and reentry in some cases

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Physical Presence

time actually spent in the United States for certain benefits

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Priority Date

the filing date that helps determine immigrant visa availability

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Public Charge

inadmissibility ground related to likely reliance on certain public benefits

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Receipt Notice

USCIS notice confirming a filing was received

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Removability

a legal ground the government alleges supports removal from the United States

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Request For Evidence

a USCIS request for missing or additional evidence

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Unlawful Presence

time in the United States that can trigger reentry bars in some situations

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Visa Bulletin

the Department of State publication showing immigrant visa availability

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Voluntary Departure

permission to depart the United States instead of receiving or after receiving removal consequences

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Withholding Of Removal

protection from removal to a country where persecution is more likely than not

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