Glossary of Immigration Terms
It is important to familiarize yourself with the following immigration terms and abbreviations. These are common immigration terms used at USCIS offices, United States Embassies and Consulates. You will also find these terms in immigration forms and other legal documents, for this reason it is
vital to understand the meaning of these terms.
Our Glossary of Immigration Terms is organized in alphabetical order and divided into sections due to it's extensive size. Use the menu below to locate the term you are looking for.
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EAD
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a work authorization card that
is issued by the USCIS. The EAD is the size and shape of driver’s license.
Embassy
Official United States government office located in foreign country. Embassies
are usually located in the capital of the country. Embassies deal with
political, economic, and visa issues. The local ambassador is in charge of the
Embassy.
Employer Sanctions
U.S. employers who hire illegal immigrants are subject to civil fines or
criminal penalties if a pattern of violations is found.
Employer Verification
The procedure established by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA)
requiring U.S. employers to verify the identity and eligibility of individuals
to legally work. Form I-9 is used for all individuals (U.S. citizens and aliens)
hired or referred for a fee on or after November 7, 1986. INA Section 274A, 8
USC Section 1324a.
Employment Authorization Document
The official name for a work permit and authorization by the USCIS to legally
take upon work in the United States.
Employment Authorization Letter
An employment letter is needed for employees who wish to be sponsored for
nonimmigrant work status or permanent resident status. The letter is completed
by the sponsoring employer.
Entry Visa
The visa that the US State Department adds to a page in an individual’s
passport. The granting of an entry visa means that the US State Department is
eligible to enter the U.S. for a particular purpose. Note that an expired visa
does not affect an individuals legal stay in the U.S. As long as the I-94 card
is valid, the visa can be expired. However, if the individual leaves the U.S., a
valid visa is necessary to enter again. One cannot enter the U.S. with an
expired visa.
EOIR
Abbreviation for Executive Office of Immigration Review.
Exchange Visitor
An exchange visitor is a foreigner who enters the United States as a partaker in
an official program by the Secretary of State for the purpose temporarily. Some
of the activities could be teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying,
observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, or
receiving training.
Exclusion
Exclusion is the official term for denying an alien entry into the United States
either through an expedited removal procedure or through removal proceedings in
the presence of an immigration judge.
Extension of Stay
The term used to describe the application process of extending the stay period
listed on Form I-94.
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