Glossary

Dual-intent is the concept in immigration where an individual may seek permanent residency in the US while on a temporary non-immigrant visa status. The most common examples are the O-1, H-1B and the L-1.

this petition gets you “in line” to file your actual green card application

Exceptional Ability for EB-2 is six criteria. Applicants must satisfy at least three criteria to qualify.

A related degree, diploma, or certificate from a university
10 years of related full-time experience
A license or certification to practice relevant profession
Salary that is above the 70th percentile
Membership in a professional association
Strong letters of reference from peers

The G-28 is a form included in visa petitions to indicate the representatives for the petition/case, most often your immigration attorney.

Green card is another term for immigrant visa, or permanent residency. This is different from a nonimmigrant visa.

A form submitted to the (USCIS) by a prospective employer to petition an alien to work in the US on a permanent basis.

The Labor Condition Application, or LCA, is a separate "mini"-application filed with the Department of Labor. This piece of paper outlines details like worksite location and salary for the employee. An approved LCA is required for certain work visa categories, like the H-1B.

The Labor Condition Application, or LCA, is a separate "mini"-application filed with the Department of Labor. This piece of paper outlines details like worksite location and salary for the employee. An approved LCA is required for certain work visa categories, like the H-1B.

The National Interest Waiver is a three-part test:

National importance and substantial merit: Will the work create jobs, transform an industry or have an impact on the national economy?
Well-positioned to succeed: Can you demonstrate past success and future plans? Do you have patents, investors, awards, or a business plan?
As a whole, beneficial for U.S. to waive PERM requirement: Is the work time sensitive, do you play a critical role, would progress slow down otherwise?

A confusing term that basically describes a person who is traveling to the US for a specific period of time.

Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) is the system used for obtaining Labor Certification and is the first step for certain foreign nationals in obtaining an employment-based immigrant visa (Green Card).

Securing permanent residency means getting a permanent residency card, which is commonly referred to as a "green card".

The average wage paid to similarly employed workers in a specific occupation in the area of intended employment.The government has their own database of wages, found here (https://flcdatacenter.com/)

The priority date refers to the applicant's place in the line for a green card. The applicant may file for a green card when the priority date becomes "current."

A job that requires highly specialized knowledge and skills, and a bachelor's degree (or higher) or foreign equivalent in a specific field of study.

Your travel documents will vary depending on your immigration status. Visit this page for a list of the travel documents you may need to carry with you to enter the United States after traveling abroad. https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/travel-documents

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the federal agency that oversees immigration to the United States. They manage the visa petition and green card application process.