Who this is for: People just starting on a visa, green card or naturalization who see a pile of abbreviations and don't know what they mean, or who read forum posts about "a silent update on my 485," "my PD is current" or "got checked" and want to understand them.
How to use it: Find terms by category; each links to a detailed guide. The same abbreviation can have two meanings (for example AP), and the table lists them separately.
Note: these are plain-language explanations to help you understand, not legal definitions. The rules on the USCIS, State Department and CBP websites are what count.
1. Agencies and systems
| Term | Full name | In one sentence | Related guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| USCIS | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services | Decides immigration petitions, changes of status, work permits, naturalization and more; part of DHS | How to check your case status |
| CBP | U.S. Customs and Border Protection | Decides at airports and ports of entry whether to admit you and for how long, and issues the I-94 | Entering the U.S. and the I-94 |
| State Department / consulates | Department of State / U.S. Embassy & Consulate | Issues visas abroad (visa interviews, immigrant visa interviews) | B-1/B-2 visitor visas |
| NVC | National Visa Center | After USCIS approves an immigrant petition, creates the case, collects fees, reviews documents and sends it to the consulate for interview | Immigrant visas through the consulate |
| CEAC | Consular Electronic Application Center | The State Department's online system: DS-160/DS-260 forms, NVC fees and documents, visa status | How to check your case status |
| myUSCIS / USCIS online account | USCIS online account (myAccount) | File online, see original notices, respond to RFEs, change your address, send secure messages | How to check your case status |
| Case Status Online | — | The public page where you enter a receipt number to check a USCIS case | How to check your case status |
| e-Request | — | USCIS's online inquiry tool: cases past processing times, missing notices or cards, USCIS typos and so on | How to check your case status |
| Lockbox | — | USCIS's intake and fee processing facility; your filing goes here first | USCIS fees |
| Service Center / Field Office | — | Service centers review files centrally; local field offices handle interviews (green cards, naturalization, etc.) | How to check your case status |
| CIS Ombudsman | Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman | An office within DHS independent of USCIS; you can ask for help only after trying USCIS first | How to check your case status |
| EVUS | Electronic Visa Update System | An online enrollment that must be valid before each trip to the U.S. for Chinese passports with 10-year B-1/B-2 visas; ⚠️ fee $31.75 from 2026-10-16 | EVUS enrollment |
| SEVIS | Student and Exchange Visitor Information System | The electronic records system for F and J students and scholars; your school maintains your status record in it | Maintaining F-1 status |
| CBP Link / I-94 website | — | The official website and mobile app for checking your I-94 and travel history | Entering the U.S. and the I-94 |
2. Numbers
| Term | What it looks like | In one sentence | Related guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receipt number (case number) | 13 characters: 3 letters + 10 digits, starting with IOE, EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC, NBC, MSC, etc. | USCIS's number for each application, printed on notices and used to check status | How to check your case status |
| A-number (alien registration number) | 7–9 digits, often written A123456789 | DHS's unique number for each noncitizen, on green cards, work permits and some notices; one per person, for life | After you get your green card |
| USCIS Number | 9 digits | Printed on the front of green cards issued after May 10, 2010; the same as the A-number | After you get your green card |
| Online Account Number (OAN) | Account number | The unique number of your USCIS online account, one per person | How to check your case status |
| Online Access Code | A code on the receipt notice | Used to add a paper-filed case to your online account | How to check your case status |
| NVC Case Number / Invoice ID | A case number starting with the consulate's code + an invoice number | Given by NVC in the Welcome Letter; together they log you in to CEAC | Immigrant visas through the consulate |
| DS-160 barcode number | AA + 8 characters | The nonimmigrant visa application number, used to check visa status in CEAC | Filling out the DS-160 |
| I-94 number | 11 characters; since May 2019, "9 digits + a letter + a digit" | The record number of each entry | Entering the U.S. and the I-94 |
| SEVIS ID | Printed on the I-20 / DS-2019 | A student's or scholar's number in SEVIS | F-1 student visas |
3. Notices and forms
| Term | English name | In one sentence | Related guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-797 (NOA) | Notice of Action | The general name for formal notices USCIS mails you, not a form you fill out. The I-797C is often used for receipts, biometrics and interview appointments, and rejections; the I-797 / I-797B often for approvals; the I-797A is an approval with an I-94; the I-797E for requests for evidence | How to check your case status |
| Receipt notice | Receipt Notice (I-797C) | Proves USCIS received your application, with the receipt number and receipt date | How to check your case status |
| RFE | Request for Evidence | USCIS asks for more documents; the deadline is on the notice, at most 12 weeks, with no extensions | How to check your case status |
| NOID | Notice of Intent to Deny | USCIS plans to deny and explains why, giving you a last chance to respond; at most 30 days (plus 3 if mailed); a lawyer is recommended | Choosing an immigration lawyer |
| EAD (work permit) | Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) | A card showing you can work in the U.S. for a period of time, generally applied for with the I-765 | Marriage green card (in the U.S.) |
| AP (advance parole) | Advance Parole | A travel document that lets you return to the U.S. without a visa after traveling abroad while your green card is pending, generally applied for with the I-131; in most cases you must have it before leaving | Marriage green card (in the U.S.) |
| AP (administrative processing) | Administrative Processing | Further review after a visa interview, known on forums as "getting checked," often with a 221(g) | 221(g) administrative processing |
| Combo card | — | Forum slang: a work permit and advance parole on a single card | Marriage green card (in the U.S.) |
| I-94 | Arrival/Departure Record | The electronic record of each entry, showing your class of admission and the date you're allowed to stay until; since October 2026 entry stamps are basically no longer used, and the I-94 is what counts | Entering the U.S. and the I-94 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | The petition a citizen or green card holder files for a relative | Sponsoring your parents |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | The employment-based immigrant petition filed by an employer (or yourself) | Employment-based green cards |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Applying for a green card inside the U.S. (adjustment of status) | Marriage green card (in the U.S.) |
| I-864 | Affidavit of Support | The sponsor's promise to take financial responsibility for the immigrant | Immigrant visas through the consulate |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Extending or changing nonimmigrant status in the U.S. (such as a B-2 extension); file at least 45 days before it expires | B-1/B-2 visitor visas |
| I-751 | Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence | Converting a two-year conditional green card to a ten-year card | I-751 removal of conditions |
| N-400 | Application for Naturalization | The naturalization application | N-400 step by step |
| N-648 | Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions | A doctor's certification to be exempt from the English or civics test because of disability or illness | Taking the test in Chinese |
| DS-160 | Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | The online application for nonimmigrant visas (tourist, student, work) | Filling out the DS-160 |
| DS-260 | Immigrant Visa Electronic Application | The online immigrant visa application, completed in CEAC | Immigrant visas through the consulate |
| I-20 / DS-2019 | — | The school's certificate of eligibility for F-1 / J-1; bring the original when entering | F-1 student visas |
| G-325R | Biographic Information (Registration) | The online form used for alien registration since 2025; people admitted with an I-94 are already considered registered and don't need it | Entering the U.S. and the I-94 |
| AR-11 | Alien's Change of Address Card | Report your new address to USCIS within 10 days of moving | After you get your green card |
| Biometrics | Biometrics | Fingerprints, photo and signature; a common step in USCIS applications | How to check your case status |
| Green card | Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) | Proof of permanent resident status | After you get your green card |
4. Visa numbers and waiting
| Term | English name | In one sentence | Related guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| PD | Priority Date | Your "place in line" date. For family cases, generally the I-130 filing date; for employment cases requiring labor certification, the date the Department of Labor accepted the PERM; otherwise the I-140 filing date | Reading the Visa Bulletin |
| Visa Bulletin | Visa Bulletin | The State Department's monthly cutoff dates for immigrant visas by category and country of birth; people born in mainland China use the "China-mainland born" column | Reading the Visa Bulletin |
| Chart A | Final Action Dates | Only if your PD is earlier than this date can a green card be finally approved or an immigrant visa issued | Reading the Visa Bulletin |
| Chart B | Dates for Filing | If your PD is earlier than this date, you can start submitting documents to NVC; whether applicants in the U.S. can use Chart B to file the I-485 depends on USCIS's announcement each month | Reading the Visa Bulletin |
| Current (C) | — | No wait in that category this month | Reading the Visa Bulletin |
| Retrogression | Retrogression | The cutoff date moves backward, so people who were current have to wait again | Reading the Visa Bulletin |
| Immediate relative | Immediate Relative | A U.S. citizen's spouse, unmarried children under 21 and parents (the citizen must be 21 or older); no numerical limit and no wait | Sponsoring your parents |
| Preference category | Preference Category | Categories with numerical limits and waits, such as F1–F4 (family) and EB-1 through EB-5 (employment/investment) | Green card paths overview |
| PERM | Labor Certification | The first step for most employment-based green cards, approved by the Department of Labor | Employment-based green cards |
| AOS / CP | Adjustment of Status / Consular Processing | The two ways to a green card: adjusting status inside the U.S. (filing the I-485), or an immigrant visa at a consulate abroad | Green card paths overview |
5. Visas and status
| Term | English name | In one sentence | Related guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa vs. status | Visa vs Status | A visa is a "ticket" to ask for entry at the port; status is your lawful condition of stay after entry, shown on the I-94. A visa expiring while you're in the U.S. doesn't mean you're out of status | Entering the U.S. and the I-94 |
| Admit Until Date | — | The date on the I-94 you're allowed to stay until; the regulations generally give B-2 visitors at least 6 months | Entering the U.S. and the I-94 |
| D/S | Duration of Status | F, J and similar visitors may stay as long as they maintain status; ⚠️ a new rule changing this to fixed periods was blocked by a court on 2026-09-14 | Maintaining F-1 status |
| 214(b) refusal | INA 214(b) | You didn't show you qualify for the visa category or overcome the presumption of immigrant intent; not a permanent bar, and you can reapply | 214(b) refusals |
| 221(g) | INA 221(g) | Missing documents or administrative processing needed; documents are generally due within a year | 221(g) administrative processing |
| Interview waiver | Interview Waiver | Qualifying applicants can get a visa by submitting documents without an interview | Visa appointments |
| Unlawful presence | Unlawful Presence | Remaining in the U.S. past your authorized stay; leaving after 180 days to under 1 year bars a visa for 3 years, and after 1 year or more for 10 years | Entering the U.S. and the I-94 |
| 222(g) | INA 222(g) | Staying past your I-94 automatically voids your visa | Entering the U.S. and the I-94 |
| Maintain status | Maintain Status | Following the rules of your visa category (such as full-time study and no unauthorized work on F-1) | Maintaining F-1 status |
6. Entry
| Term | English name | In one sentence | Related guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary / Secondary | Primary / Secondary Inspection | The regular check at the entry counter / the area you're sent to for further inspection (known in Chinese slang as the "little black room") | Entering the U.S. and the I-94 |
| Deferred Inspection | — | CBP's deferred inspection offices, where you correct an I-94 error (within 30 days of entry) | Entering the U.S. and the I-94 |
| Basic / advanced search | Basic / Advanced Search | The two ways CBP searches electronic devices: looking through it manually / connecting external equipment to copy and analyze | Entering the U.S. and the I-94 |
| DHS TRIP | Traveler Redress Inquiry Program | DHS's traveler complaint program, for people repeatedly sent to extra screening | Entering the U.S. and the I-94 |
7. Progress and following up
| Term | English name | In one sentence | Related guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing times | Processing Times | Published by USCIS: the time it took to complete 80% of cases in the past 6 months, updated monthly | How to check your case status |
| Case inquiry date | Case Inquiry Date | The earliest date you can inquire, based on the time to complete 93% of cases | How to check your case status |
| SCOPS | Service Center Operations | The combined name shown for service centers in the processing times tool | How to check your case status |
| Expedite | Expedite | A request for priority handling when you meet USCIS's published expedite criteria; USCIS decides | Expedite requests |
| Silent update | Silent Update | Forum term: a backend timestamp in your online account changed but the status didn't; doesn't mean approval or progress | How to check your case status |
| Public Inquiry Form | — | The official form for contacting NVC; wait for a reply within the published timeframe and don't submit repeatedly | How to check your case status |
8. Naturalization
| Term | English name | In one sentence | Related guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| N-400 | Application for Naturalization | The naturalization application | N-400 step by step |
| Civics | Civics Test | The test of U.S. history and government; the 2008 or 2025 version depending on your filing date | Civics test |
| 50/20, 55/15, 65/20 | — | Age and years-as-a-green-card-holder conditions at filing that exempt you from English and let you take the test in your language | Taking the test in Chinese |
| Continuous residence | Continuous Residence | Living in the U.S. continuously since getting your green card; a single trip of 6 months or more may be seen as breaking it | N-400 step by step |
| Physical presence | Physical Presence | Being physically in the U.S. for at least 30 months of the past 5 years (18 months of 3 years for the marriage path) | N-400 step by step |
| GMC | Good Moral Character | You must show good moral character during the statutory period; a holistic assessment since 2025 | Naturalization interview day |
| N-14 | Request for Evidence (naturalization) | The request for evidence in naturalization cases | If you did not pass |
| N-652 | Naturalization Interview Results | The interview results notice: approved, continued or denied | If you did not pass |
| N-445 | Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony | The oath ceremony notice | After the oath |
| N-336 | Request for a Hearing | Requesting a hearing after a naturalization denial | If you did not pass |
| Certificate of naturalization | Certificate of Naturalization | Your proof of citizenship received after the oath; the original is needed to apply for a U.S. passport | After the oath |
FAQ
1. Which meaning of AP is it? It depends on context: when talking about green cards, trips home or the I-131, it's Advance Parole; when talking about waiting after a visa interview or "getting checked," it's Administrative Processing.
2. What's the difference between a receipt number and an A-number? A receipt number identifies one application, one per application; an A-number identifies you as a person and never changes.
3. Is the I-797 a form I need to fill out? No. The I-797 is a notice USCIS sends you; keep the original safe.
4. What does "my PD is current" mean? Your PD is earlier than the cutoff date for your category and country (mainland China born) in this month's Visa Bulletin, so you can move to the next step.
5. If my visa expired, do I have to leave right away? Not necessarily. Your lawful stay is shown by your I-94, not your visa. But you'll need a valid visa to come back after leaving.
6. Are CEAC and myUSCIS the same thing? No. CEAC is the State Department's system (visas, NVC); myUSCIS is the USCIS account.
Official links
- USCIS glossary: https://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary
- USCIS: Form I-797 types and functions: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/form-i-797-types-and-functions
- USCIS Policy Manual: evidence, RFEs and NOIDs: https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-1-part-e-chapter-6
- USCIS: Employment Authorization Document: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/employment-authorization-document
- USCIS: visa availability and priority dates: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-and-priority-dates
- USCIS: checking your case status online: https://www.uscis.gov/tools/checking-your-case-status-online
- USCIS: alien registration requirement: https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration
- USCIS: I-539: https://www.uscis.gov/i-539
- State Department: Visa Bulletin: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html
- State Department: visa denials: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-denials.html
- State Department: CEAC FAQs: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/step-2-begin-nvc-processing/ceac-faqs.html
- CBP: I-94 website FAQ: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/help
- CBP: border search of electronic devices: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/cbp-search-authority/border-search-electronic-devices
- DHS CIS Ombudsman: https://www.dhs.gov/case-assistance
Disclaimer: This glossary gives plain-language explanations compiled from public information from USCIS, the State Department, CBP and DHS, for reference only; it is not legal advice. Policies, fees and form editions change; follow the latest official pages.