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10 Immigration Law Terms You Should Know

Immigration attorneys have spent so long in their field, they sometimes forget that people don’t know all of the terms associated with immigration law. This leaves some people very confused. Here are the 10 most common terms within immigration law.

  1. Adjustment of Status
    This is the process for applying for and being able to permanently live within the United States. Adjustment of status is done without having to leave the country. Only certain people are eligible for this as there are certain criteria each person must meet. Adjustment of status is abbreviated “AOS” in some circumstances. 
  2. Civil Surgeon
    A civil surgeon is a medically trained, licensed individual who has experience in practicing as a doctor within the United States. They are certified by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. These individuals provide examinations during the adjustment of status process.
  3. Counsular Processing
    Counsular processing is the process of applying for an immigrant visa, or green card, when you’re outside of the United States. The interview process usually happens at a United States embassy or consulate overseas.
  4. Green Card
    A green card, also known as an immigrant visa, is the common term used for the documentation of lawfully permanent residence. Now, immigrant visas are multiple colors, but in the past, it was a solid green card which was provided to those who immigrated to the United States. Immigrant visas now are much more sophisticated and contain biometric information about the holder.
  5. I-94 or Arrival/Departure Record
    This is a small green or white card placed in the passport of immigrants when they are admitted into the United States. As of April 2013, the system became automated that is accessed using the United States Customs and Border Protection website. This form or record shows the date of a person’s arrival and when their authorized stay expires.
  6. Immigrant Visa
    This is a visa that allows an immigrant to reside and work in the United States permanently. They’re obtained through consular processing and through the adjustment of status process. This might also be called a green card in some circumstances due to the historical background of immigrant visas.
  7. Lawful Permanent Residence
    Lawful permanent residence, or “LPR”, is the status of immigrants who have been granted permission to live and work within the United States. This type of status has no expiration date. It can be obtained through several ways like the acquisition of an immigrant visa or through asylum. Typically after five years, residents are eligible for naturalization.
  8. Naturalization
    Naturalization is the immigration process where a non-United States citizen obtains citizenship. It is obtained three ways: after a five-year waiting period from the date someone receives their immigrant visa, through marriage to a U.S. citizen, or through active military duty. There are certain criteria a person must meet such as residency requirements, good moral character, and they must make an oath of allegiance. 
  9. Non-Immigrant Visa
    This is the type of visa that allows an individual to enter the United States for a temporary amount of time and for a limited purpose. The person is only allowed residence for the amount of time on their arrival/departure record, unless extended or changed. This includes visitor or tourist visas, student visas, and employment visas.
  10. Visa
    A United States visa grants an individual permission to apply for entry to the country. A visa does not grant the person the right to enter. Only the United States Border Protection can allow admission, length of stay, and conditions of the bearers stay. The two types of visas available: immigrant and non-immigrant. 
Last Updated: January 04, 2016