Adjustment of Status (AOS)
If a Foreign National is inside the U.S. in valid status, they could elect to file their green card application as "AOS". This would mean that they can adjust their status from inside the U.S., without having to travel abroad.
Advance Parole (AP)
Foreign Nationals (FNs) who are applying for the green card as Adjustment of Status (AOS) will receive AP. Once the AP is approved, they can travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. while their green card application is pending.
A-Number
A unique number assigned to Foreign Nationals by the Department of Homeland Security. A-Number is also referred to as the Alien Registration Number.
Adjustment of Status (AOS) Interview
Foreign Nationals (FNs) who are applying for the green card as Adjustment of Status (AOS) will attend an AOS interview before their green card can be approved.
Argo
Argo provides interview prep for both Consular and AOS clients. For example, interview prep before the immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Consulate.
Articles
We have a large selection of articles in Intercom. Articles are a great resource for further information.
Audit
The Department of Labor (DOL) can issue audits to filed Labor Certification (LCs), typically asking for recruitment documents to ensure that all mandatory recruitment steps were completed. If an audit is issued, this will typically extend the timeline for when DOL will approve the LC.
Beneficiary
In the EB-3 Unskilled context, the Beneficiary is the foreign national being sponsored for the EB-3 job.
Child
Under immigration law, a "child" must be under 21 years old and unmarried. Children of the primary applicant may be eligible for immigration benefits.
Citizenship
"Citizenship" is different than "nationality". Typically, citizenship is evidenced by a person's passport. Nationality is where the person was born. You can change your citizenship but not your nationality. For example, someone can be a U.S. citizen but a national of Vietnam.
Citizenship test
A test administered during an in-person interview as part of the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen. Candidates for citizenship must show that they can speak, read, and write in English, and must also show a basic knowledge of American civics, including the country’s history and political system.
Client Services (CS)
Client Services (CS) is the team at BDV responsible for helping clients with their relocation process after their I-140 is approved and they have obtained their work authorization. CS ensures that clients have housing, transportation, childcare, etc. and coordinate the client's start date with their sponsor. CS also maintains relationships with sponsors and clients after they start work. Through CS, BDV remains accessible to clients throughout their 1-year work commitment to their sponsor.
Consular processing (CP)
Consular processing means applying from the green card from outside the U.S. Once approved, the Foreign National (FN) will be issued an immigrant visa to enter the U.S. as a Lawful Permanent Resident.
Consulate
The U.S. Consulate abroad is where Foreign National(s) who are Consular processing will attend their immigrant visa interview and obtain their immigrant visa to enter the U.S.
Cross-chargeability
A Foreign National's (FN's) place in line for when they can apply for and receive their green card is based on their employment-based category plus their country of birth. A few countries of birth have long visa backlogs (such as India and China). “Cross-chargeability” is a useful exception. Under cross-chargeability, if an FN and their spouse were born in different countries and they both want to apply for green cards, they may elect to both be “charged” to one spouse's country if the green card line for that spouse’s country is faster. For example, if one spouse was born in India and one spouse was born in France, they can both be "charged" to France to qualify for green cards more quickly.
Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
CBP is a U.S. government agency within the Department of Homeland Security. CBP officials protect the U.S. border, enforce customs and immigration regulations, and inspect new arrivals before admitting them to the United States.
Cut-off date
The dates on the Visa Bulletin are called "cut-off" dates. The Foreign National's (FN's) priority date must be before the relevant cut-off date on the Visa Bulletin to file the green card application and/or receive the green card.
