Adjustment of Status (AoS): The last step to becoming a permanent resident, this is when a person changes from nonimmigrant

status to immigrant status. It allows eligible applicants to become lawful permanent residents of the US without having to go abroad and apply for an immigrant visa. The alternative to this step is consular processing, which allows you to apply and process a visa through a US consulate abroad. Advance Parole (AP): Commonly given to people in the last step of the permanent residence process, this classification gives foreigners permission to reenter the US after leaving temporarily. B-1 Visa: When foreigners come to the US for conferences or meetings, they are entering with this visa. People with this status can also do some work, but the kind of work is very limited. B-2 Visa: You might call this a tourist's pass. It allows people to visit the U.S. for pleasure or medical treatments. E-1 or E-2: The US has reciprocal treaties with various countriessuch as Australia and Britainthat permit people in either place to invest and trade in the other's territory. The E-1 is for those who partake in substantial trade in a US business. An E-2 allows you actually to participate in and/or create a business in the US. Employment Authorization Document (EAD): A plastic card given by USCIS, this is usually valid for one year and is based on eligibility in one of many categories. It grants proof that the nonimmigrant is able to work in the US, according to USCIS. F-1 Visa: Given to academic or language students on entering the US, this classification is encountered by all international students. Form I-20: This document must be filled out by those who want F-1 status (or M-1, which is for vocational students) in order to attend school in the US. The form certifies that you have met the requirements of admittance to a particular university or school, will pursue a full course of study, and have shown that you can afford to live and study in the US. It has a period of validity. When time runs out, you can no longer stay in the country. Form I-539: All persons who want to change immigration status or extend their stay in the US must complete this form. Green Card: Also known as Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR), this gives you official immigrant status in the US. H-4: Referring to the classification of dependents of someone with an H-1B visa, this term describes wives and children under age 21 of international MBA graduates working with H-1Bs. J-1 Visa: Anyone coming to the US under the auspices of an educational or cultural exchange is eligible for this visa, including researchers, exchange students, dancers, and performers. L-1 Visa: With this nonimmigrant visa, a US entity can request the transfer of a person from a non-US entity. For example, IBM could transfer a vice-president from one of its European offices to New York. Labor Certification (LC): This is the first step in the permanent resident process. It involves your employer proving it cannot find a US worker to do the job you're doing. Nonimmigrant Status: When people are coming to the US for a temporary stay, they are given this status on entry. It is also given to those extending their stay or changing their status. If persons with

nonimmigrant status fail to comply with the rules and regulations of this status, they could lose the right to US benefits and become deportable. Petition: What an employer does on behalf of foreign employees to help them become permanent residents.