This word is a legal term used in U.S. Immigration and Nationality laws to describe persons born in a country other than the U.S. who have not obtained U.S. citizenship.

Individuals who believe that they will be persecuted because of race, religion, national origin, political opinion or membership in social group if forced to return to their home country may apply to remain in the US for protection from this persecution. Asylum is the word used to describe this protection. A person granted asylum may reside in the [..]

Consular Officer refers to any official working in U.S. Consulates who have the authority to issue non-immigrant visas and immigrant visas.

A Consulate is an office of the U.S. government in a foreign country. It is a part of the United States Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and located at a U.S. Embassy. Most consulates issue visas and provide information to individuals about coming to the U.S. A listing of US consulates worldwide may be found at http [..]

This is the spouse or child of the principal alien.

At every college and university accredited by the Department of Homeland Security to accept foreign students, there must be a PDSO (there is also often a DS0). They are college employees who are designated by the Immigration authorities to assist students in obtaining and maintaining visa status. They are sometimes called the International Student [..]

The EAD is a card that is used to prove that a person has permission to work in the US. For example, students with F-1 status must have an EAD if they are working off-campus unless they have permission for curricular practical training (CPT). The EAD is the size of a driver's license, has the person's photo on it and gives the beginning a [..]

F-1 visas and F-1 status may be granted to individuals who are bona fide students qualified to pursue a full course of study at an academic or language institution in the U.S.

This form (also called Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 status) is used for the following purposes: by students to obtain an F-1 visa to enter the U.S. to study, to change to student status if the student is within the US, to verify employment eligibility, and to help verify status. It is also sometimes used to obtain a social security card and o [..]

The I-94 (example on dd. 21) is a small white card given to every individual who enters the United States for a temporary stay and whom a U.S. Immigration Official officially inspects. The I-94 may be a different color if sent to you by authorities if you are already in the US. The document indicates the status and amount of time the individual can [..]