Understanding immigration terminology is crucial for tracking your application progress. Here's a comprehensive guide to common terms used in the U.S. immigration process.
Visa Bulletin Terms
Table A (Final Action Dates)
Table A dates determine when you can receive final approval for your green card. When your priority date is earlier than the Table A date, a visa number is available for you to complete the final step.
- In the U.S.: You can receive final approval of your I-485
- Outside the U.S.: You can proceed with consular interview and receive immigrant visa
Table B (Dates for Filing)
Table B dates determine when you can submit your green card application. When your priority date is earlier than the Table B date, you can:
- In the U.S.: File I-485 Adjustment of Status application
- Outside the U.S.: Begin NVC document preparation
Note: USCIS announces monthly whether Table B filing is accepted. Check the current bulletin for confirmation.
Priority Date (PD)
Your priority date is your "place in line" for immigration, determining your order in the green card waiting queue.
How Priority Date is Determined:
- PERM Labor Certification: PD = Date PERM application was received by DOL
- I-140 Petition (no PERM required): PD = Date I-140 was received by USCIS
- Family-based I-130: PD = Date I-130 was received by USCIS
Current
When the visa bulletin shows "C" or "Current," it means there are no backlog restrictions for that category. Eligible applicants can immediately file applications or receive approval.
Unavailable
When the visa bulletin shows "U" or "Unavailable," it means no visa numbers are currently available for that category.
Employment-Based Categories
EB-1: Priority Workers
The highest priority employment-based category, including:
- EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability - No employer sponsorship required
- EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers
- EB-1C: Multinational Managers and Executives
EB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals
For professionals with master's degrees or higher, or exceptional ability:
- EB-2 PERM: Requires labor certification and employer sponsorship
- EB-2 NIW: National Interest Waiver - No employer sponsorship required
EB-3: Skilled Workers
Includes three subcategories:
- Skilled Workers: Requires at least 2 years of experience
- Professionals: Requires a bachelor's degree
- Other Workers (EW): Unskilled labor positions
EB-5: Immigrant Investors
Green card through job-creating investment:
- Direct Investment: Standard $1,050,000, or $800,000 in TEA areas
- Regional Center: Investment through USCIS-approved regional centers
Application Forms
I-140
Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
Employment-based petition filed by employers to demonstrate that the foreign worker meets the requirements of the applicable immigration category.
I-485
Application to Register Permanent Residence (Adjustment of Status)
Form used to apply for a green card from within the U.S. After filing, applicants may receive:
- EAD (Employment Authorization Document): Work permit
- Advance Parole (AP): Travel permit
I-130
Petition for Alien Relative
Immigration petition filed by U.S. citizens or permanent residents for their foreign relatives.
I-765
Application for Employment Authorization
Form used to apply for an EAD work permit.
I-131
Application for Travel Document
Form used to apply for Advance Parole or refugee travel documents.
PERM Labor Certification
PERM
Program Electronic Review Management
The Department of Labor's electronic labor certification system. Employers must prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.
PWD (Prevailing Wage Determination)
The minimum wage standard determined by DOL based on the position and location. Employers must pay at least this wage.
Recruitment Process
Before PERM filing, employers must conduct required recruitment, including:
- 30-day job posting on State Workforce Agency website
- Two Sunday newspaper advertisements
- Additional recruitment steps for professional positions
Other Important Terms
NVC (National Visa Center)
Part of the Department of State, handles the intermediate stage of immigrant visa processing, including fee collection and document gathering.
Consular Processing
The process of applying for an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate abroad, for applicants outside the United States.
AOS (Adjustment of Status)
Changing from a non-immigrant status to permanent resident status through the I-485 process while in the U.S.
RFE (Request for Evidence)
A notice from USCIS requesting additional materials or evidence for a pending application.
NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny)
A notice issued by USCIS before formally denying an application, giving the applicant an opportunity to respond.
Backlog
Delays that occur when the number of pending applications exceeds normal processing capacity.
Retrogression
When priority dates move backward due to application numbers exceeding available visa numbers.