A process to extend and renew the period of stay of a nonimmigrant visa by filing an application with your local U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. Personal interviews and appearance at t [..]

Those family members (must be a spouse or unmarried children under 21) who are eligible to receive immigrant or nonimmigrant visas based on their relation to the visa holder.

The process of adjusting the alien’s status from nonimmigrant to immigrant. This can take place as a part of the “Green Card” process. When all the proper forms and supporting documents are filed with [..]

USCIS permission to travel abroad while adjustment of status is pending approval.

An affidavit of support is the contract that an immigrant’s sponsor signs, agreeing to financially assist the immigrant to prevent him/her from becoming a public charge.

A person who is not a citizen or a national of the U.S. The term refers to all foreign nationals in the U.S., whether they are here temporarily or with permanent resident (“green card”) status.

USCIS Form I-551, also called the “Green Card”. This card holder has obtained permanent residence status. In special limited circumstances, an I-551 stamp may also be placed in your passport by USCIS. [..]

The I-797 form that shows that the petition or form filed with USCIS has been approved. In the case of the alien waiting on an H-1B to be approved, an Approval Notice means their employment has been a [..]

Humanitarian permission to remain in the U.S., based on an Applicant’s well-founded fear of persecution in his/her home country.

An alien who is the recipient of an application filed on their behalf by another individual or organization. This person will receive the immigration benefit applied for, if and when approved.