Glossary

A unique seven-, eight- or nine-digit number assigned to a noncitizen by the Department of Homeland Security. Also see USCIS Number.

Outside the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. See INA 101(a)(38). 

Note that “abroad” includes the U.S. territory of American Samoa. American Samoa is considered as abroad because it is not included in the definition of United States at INA 101(a)(38).

A modification of an existing practice or procedure that will enable an applicant with a disability to participate in the application process.​

USCIS’ review of a petition or application to determine if a petitioner or applicant is eligible for that immigration benefit .

Eligibility of a foreign national to lawfully enter the United States after inspection and authorization by an immigration officer.

An 11-digit number found on Form I-94 or Form I-94A Arrival-Departure Record.

Any person not a citizen or national of the United States. “Foreign national” is a synonym and used outside of statutes when referring to noncitizens of the U.S.

USCIS offices where applicants usually have their biometrics (such as fingerprints, photograph and signature) taken.

The Arrival and Departure Record is the I-94, in either paper or electronic format, issued by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer to foreign visitors entering the United States. As of April 30, 2013, most Arrival and/or Departure records are created electronically upon arrival. For more information, see uscis.gov/i-94information.

A foreign national in the United States or at a port of entry who is unable or unwilling to return to his or her country of nationality, or to seek the protection of that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. Persecution or the fear thereof must be based on religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.

A Department of State J-1 cultural exchange program that provides exchange visitors between 18 and 26 years old the chance to participate in the home life of a U.S. host family. All au pair participants provide child care services to the host family and attend a U.S. post-secondary educational institution.