New York Law
New York Immigration Glossary
Understanding probate terminology can make the estate administration process much easier to navigate. This glossary provides clear, straightforward definitions of common probate and estate planning terms, helping you better understand legal documents, court proceedings, and the responsibilities involved in settling an estate.
Adjustment of Status (AOS)
The process that allows certain eligible individuals already in the United States to apply for lawful permanent residence (a Green Card) without leaving the country.
Advance Parole
A travel document that allows certain individuals with pending immigration applications to leave the United States and return without abandoning their immigration case.
Affidavit of Support
A legally binding promise that a sponsor will financially support an immigrant seeking lawful permanent residence if necessary.
Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
A unique identification number assigned by USCIS to identify and track an individual’s immigration record.
Asylum
Protection available to individuals who cannot safely return to their home country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution.
Asylum Officer
A USCIS official specially trained to interview asylum applicants and determine whether they qualify for asylum protection.
Beneficiary
The individual seeking an immigration benefit through a petition filed by a qualifying family member, employer, or other eligible petitioner.
Biometrics Appointment
A USCIS appointment where fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature are collected to verify identity and complete background checks.
B-1 Business Visa
A temporary visa allowing foreign nationals to visit the United States for qualifying business activities, but not for regular employment.
B-2 Tourist Visa
A temporary visa allowing foreign nationals to visit the United States for tourism, vacations, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends.
Border Crossing Card
A document issued primarily to eligible Mexican citizens that permits limited travel into the United States under specific conditions.
Cancellation of Removal
A form of immigration relief allowing certain individuals in removal proceedings to remain in the United States if they meet specific legal requirements.
Case Status
The current stage or progress of an immigration application, petition, or court case pending before a federal immigration agency.
Certificate of Citizenship
An official document issued by USCIS proving an individual became a U.S. citizen through a parent rather than through naturalization.
Certificate of Naturalization
The official document issued after an individual successfully becomes a United States citizen through the naturalization process.
Citizenship
The legal status of belonging to the United States, including the rights, privileges, and responsibilities granted to U.S. citizens.
Civil Surgeon
A physician authorized by USCIS to perform the immigration medical examination required for many Green Card applicants.
Conditional Permanent Resident
A lawful permanent resident who receives a two-year Green Card and must later request removal of the conditions to obtain permanent status.
Consular Interview
An interview conducted at a U.S. embassy or consulate to determine eligibility for an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa.
Consular Processing
The process of applying for an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States.
Continuous Residence
The requirement that certain immigrants maintain an ongoing residence in the United States to qualify for benefits such as naturalization.
Convention Against Torture (CAT)
A form of humanitarian protection preventing removal to a country where an individual is likely to be tortured.
Credible Fear Interview
An interview conducted to determine whether an individual has a credible fear of persecution or torture if returned to their home country.
Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT)
A criminal offense involving fraud, dishonesty, or seriously immoral conduct that may affect immigration status or eligibility for benefits.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The federal agency responsible for inspecting travelers and goods entering the United States through airports, seaports, and land borders.
Deferred Action
A temporary decision by the U.S. government to delay removal proceedings against an individual. Deferred Action does not provide lawful immigration status but may include work authorization.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
A federal program providing temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to certain individuals who came to the United States as children and meet specific eligibility requirements.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The federal department responsible for enforcing U.S. immigration laws through agencies including USCIS, ICE, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Deportation
The legal process of removing a non-citizen from the United States for violating immigration laws. The formal legal term is removal.
Deportation Order
A legal order requiring a non-citizen to leave the United States after an Immigration Judge or authorized immigration official determines they are removable.
Derivative Beneficiary
A spouse or child who qualifies for an immigration benefit based on another person’s approved immigration petition or application.
Derivative Citizenship
Citizenship automatically acquired through a parent who is or becomes a U.S. citizen when all legal requirements are satisfied.
Diversity Visa Lottery
A federal program that awards a limited number of immigrant visas each year to individuals from countries with historically low immigration to the United States.
Dual Citizenship
The legal status of being recognized as a citizen of both the United States and another country at the same time.
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
A temporary visa allowing nationals of certain treaty countries to enter the United States to conduct substantial international trade.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
A temporary visa allowing nationals of certain treaty countries to live and work in the United States after making a substantial investment in a U.S. business.
EB-1 Visa
An employment-based immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and certain multinational executives or managers.
EB-2 Visa
An employment-based immigrant visa for professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability in their field.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
An exception allowing certain EB-2 applicants to seek permanent residence without employer sponsorship if their work benefits the national interest of the United States.
EB-3 Visa
An employment-based immigrant visa for skilled workers, professionals, and certain other qualified employees sponsored by a U.S. employer.
EB-4 Visa
An employment-based immigrant visa for certain special immigrants, including some religious workers and other categories established by federal law.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
An immigrant visa allowing qualified foreign investors to obtain permanent residence by investing in a U.S. business that creates qualifying jobs.
Employment Authorization
Official permission allowing a non-citizen to work legally in the United States under a qualifying immigration status or approved application.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
The official card issued by USCIS proving an individual has legal authorization to work in the United States. Commonly called a Work Permit.
Employment-Based Immigration
Immigration based on a qualifying job offer, employer sponsorship, investment, or other employment-related eligibility.
Employer Sponsorship
The process through which a U.S. employer petitions for a foreign national to obtain a temporary work visa or permanent residence.
ESTA
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization used by eligible travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)
The federal agency within the Department of Justice that oversees Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Expedited Removal
A fast-track removal process allowing immigration officers to remove certain individuals without a hearing before an Immigration Judge.
Extreme Hardship
A legal standard requiring proof that denying an immigration benefit would cause exceptional hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative.
F-1 Student Visa
A temporary visa allowing foreign nationals to study full-time at an approved academic institution in the United States.
Family-Based Immigration
The process allowing U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for qualifying family members to immigrate to the United States.
Family Preference Category
A family-based immigration category subject to annual visa limits for certain relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Fiancé Visa (K-1)
A visa allowing the foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States to marry within 90 days of arrival.
Good Moral Character
A legal requirement for many immigration benefits, including naturalization, based on an applicant’s conduct, honesty, and compliance with the law.
Green Card
The common name for a Permanent Resident Card, allowing a non-citizen to live and work permanently in the United States.
Green Card Interview
An interview conducted by USCIS or a U.S. consular officer to verify eligibility for lawful permanent residence.
Green Card Renewal
The process of replacing an expiring, lost, stolen, or damaged Permanent Resident Card by filing Form I-90.
H-1B Visa
A temporary work visa allowing U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations requiring specialized education or experience.
H-2A Visa
A temporary visa allowing U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for seasonal or temporary agricultural jobs.
H-2B Visa
A temporary visa allowing U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for seasonal or temporary non-agricultural jobs.
Humanitarian Parole
Temporary permission allowing certain individuals to enter or remain in the United States for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
The federal employment form used by employers to verify a new employee’s identity and authorization to work in the United States.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
The federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the United States, including investigations, detention, and removal operations.
Immediate Relative
A spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen who qualifies for a family-based immigrant visa without annual visa limits.
Immigration Attorney
A lawyer who advises and represents individuals, families, and businesses in matters involving U.S. immigration law.
Immigration Bond
Money paid to secure the release of an eligible individual from immigration detention while their case remains pending.
Immigration Court
The federal court that hears removal proceedings and decides many forms of immigration relief. Immigration Courts are administered by EOIR.
Immigration Interview
A meeting with a USCIS or consular officer to verify information and determine eligibility for an immigration benefit.
Immigration Judge
A federal administrative judge who presides over Immigration Court and decides removal cases and applications for immigration relief.
Immigration Petition
A request filed with the federal government asking that another individual become eligible for a specific immigration benefit.
Immigration Status
A person’s current legal classification allowing them to remain in the United States, such as visitor, student, worker, or permanent resident.
Immigration Visa
A visa issued to an individual intending to enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
Immigrant Visa
A visa allowing a qualifying individual to enter the United States with the intention of becoming a lawful permanent resident.
Inadmissibility
The legal grounds that prevent a person from entering the United States or receiving certain immigration benefits.
Individual Hearing
A formal Immigration Court hearing where testimony and evidence are presented before an Immigration Judge.
Inspection
The process through which Customs and Border Protection officers determine whether a traveler may legally enter the United States.
Intent to Reside
The intention to maintain the United States as a person’s principal place of residence, which may affect eligibility for certain immigration benefits.
IR-1 Visa
An immigrant visa issued to the spouse of a U.S. citizen when the marriage has existed for at least two years before permanent residence is granted.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
A temporary visa allowing foreign nationals to participate in approved educational, cultural, research, or professional exchange programs in the United States.
Joint Sponsor
A person who agrees to share financial responsibility for an immigrant when the primary sponsor does not meet the required income guidelines.
K-1 Fiancé Visa
A visa allowing the foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States to marry within 90 days of arrival.
K-3 Visa
A temporary visa allowing the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States while an immigrant petition is pending.
Labor Certification (PERM)
The process through which many employers demonstrate that qualified U.S. workers are unavailable before sponsoring a foreign worker for permanent residence.
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
A person authorized to live and work permanently in the United States. Lawful Permanent Residents are commonly called Green Card holders.
L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa
A temporary visa allowing multinational companies to transfer executives, managers, or specialized employees to a U.S. office.
Master Calendar Hearing
The initial Immigration Court hearing where scheduling, legal issues, and procedural matters are addressed before an Individual Hearing.
M-1 Student Visa
A temporary visa allowing foreign nationals to attend approved vocational or technical schools in the United States.
Marriage-Based Green Card
Lawful permanent residence granted to the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident through a qualifying marriage.
Motion to Reconsider
A request asking USCIS or an Immigration Judge to review a decision because the law or evidence was applied incorrectly.
Motion to Reopen
A request asking USCIS or an Immigration Judge to reopen a case because new facts or evidence have become available.
National Interest Waiver (NIW)
An exception allowing certain EB-2 applicants to seek permanent residence without employer sponsorship if their work benefits the national interest of the United States.
Naturalization
The legal process through which a Lawful Permanent Resident becomes a United States citizen.
NEXUS Program
A trusted traveler program allowing pre-approved, low-risk travelers to move more quickly across the U.S.-Canada border.
Nonimmigrant Visa
A temporary visa issued for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, education, or temporary employment.
Notice of Action (Form I-797)
An official USCIS notice acknowledging receipt, approval, denial, or other action taken on an immigration application or petition.
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)
A USCIS notice informing an applicant that a case may be denied unless additional evidence or legal arguments are submitted.
Notice to Appear (NTA)
The official document that begins removal proceedings in Immigration Court by outlining the government’s allegations against a non-citizen.
O-1 Visa
A temporary visa for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in business, science, education, athletics, or the arts.
Oath of Allegiance
The oath taken during the naturalization ceremony through which an applicant officially becomes a United States citizen.
Order of Removal
A final legal order requiring a non-citizen to leave the United States after being found removable under immigration law.
Overstay
Remaining in the United States beyond the period authorized by a visa or admission, which may create immigration consequences.
Parole
Temporary permission allowing an individual to enter or remain in the United States without being formally admitted under immigration law.
Permanent Resident
A person authorized to live and work indefinitely in the United States. Permanent Residents are commonly known as Green Card holders.
Permanent Resident Card
The official identification card issued to Lawful Permanent Residents. It is commonly known as a Green Card.
PERM Labor Certification
The Department of Labor process many employers must complete before sponsoring a foreign worker for permanent residence.
Petitioner
The person, employer, or organization that files an immigration petition on behalf of another individual.
Petition
A formal request asking the federal government to determine that someone qualifies for a specific immigration benefit.
Physical Presence
The amount of time an individual has actually spent inside the United States, often used to determine eligibility for immigration benefits.
Priority Date
The date an immigration petition is filed, establishing an applicant’s place in line for visas subject to annual limits.
Prosecutorial Discretion
The authority of immigration officials to decide whether and how immigration laws will be enforced in a particular case.
Public Charge
A legal standard used in certain immigration cases to determine whether an applicant is likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance.
Refugee
A person who is outside their home country and cannot safely return because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution.
Removal Proceedings
The legal process conducted in Immigration Court to determine whether a non-citizen may remain in or must leave the United States.
Removal of Conditions
The process through which certain Conditional Permanent Residents apply for a permanent ten-year Green Card.
Reentry Permit
A travel document allowing certain Green Card holders to remain outside the United States for an extended period while preserving permanent residence.
Request for Evidence (RFE)
A USCIS notice requesting additional documents or information before a decision can be made on an immigration application or petition.
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE)
A USCIS notice requesting documents that were missing when an immigration application or petition was originally filed.
Returning Resident Visa (SB-1)
A visa allowing certain Lawful Permanent Residents who remained abroad for an extended period to resume permanent residence in the United States.
Secondary Inspection
Additional screening conducted by Customs and Border Protection before a traveler is admitted into the United States.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
A humanitarian immigration benefit available to certain children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents.
Sponsor
A person or employer who supports an immigration petition or agrees to accept financial responsibility for an immigrant when required.
Spouse Visa
An immigrant visa allowing the husband or wife of a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident to immigrate to the United States.
Stay of Removal
A temporary order preventing the government from carrying out a removal order while additional legal proceedings are pending.
Student Visa
A temporary visa allowing eligible foreign nationals to study at approved educational institutions in the United States.
Status Violation
A failure to comply with the terms of an immigration status, such as unauthorized employment or remaining beyond an authorized stay.
T Visa
A temporary immigration benefit available to certain victims of human trafficking who assist law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting trafficking crimes.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
A person who creates a will.
A temporary immigration status allowing eligible nationals of designated countries to remain and work in the United States because of armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions.
A temporary immigration status allowing eligible nationals of designated countries to remain and work in the United States because of armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions.
Travel Document
An official document issued by the U.S. government allowing certain non-citizens to travel outside the United States and return lawfully.
U Visa
A temporary immigration benefit available to certain victims of qualifying crimes who have assisted law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the offense.
Unlawful Presence
The period during which an individual remains in the United States without lawful immigration authorization.
Unlawful Presence Waiver
A waiver allowing certain applicants to request forgiveness for unlawful presence before receiving an immigrant visa or permanent residence.
USCIS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency responsible for processing most immigration applications, petitions, and immigration benefits.
USCIS Receipt Notice
An official notice confirming that USCIS has received an immigration application or petition and assigned it a receipt number.
USCIS Processing Times
The estimated timeframes published by USCIS showing how long it may take to process specific immigration applications and petitions.
Visa
An official authorization allowing a foreign national to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission for a specific purpose.
Visa Bulletin
The monthly publication issued by the U.S. Department of State showing when immigrant visas become available for categories subject to annual limits.
Visa Overstay
Remaining in the United States beyond the period authorized after admission under a visa or other lawful entry.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
A program allowing eligible citizens of designated countries to visit the United States for business or tourism without first obtaining a visa.
Voluntary Departure
Permission allowing certain individuals in removal proceedings to leave the United States voluntarily instead of being formally removed.
Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
A legal request asking the federal government to forgive certain grounds that would otherwise prevent approval of an immigration benefit.
Withholding of Removal
A form of humanitarian protection preventing the United States from removing an individual to a country where they would likely face persecution.
Work Authorization
Legal permission allowing a non-citizen to work in the United States under a qualifying immigration status or approved application.
Work Permit
The common name for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) proving an individual has legal authorization to work in the United States.
Young Adult Deferred Action
A general term sometimes used to describe certain discretionary immigration protections available to qualifying young immigrants under federal policy.
Zero Tolerance Policy
A term commonly used to describe federal immigration enforcement policies emphasizing criminal prosecution for certain immigration-related offenses.
You don't have to walk alone.
Life is full of challenges. We've faced the obstacles and can guied you on the journey.
Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a Consultation
A downtown Manhattan law firm built around the moments that matter most — from immigration to business, from estates to probate — serving clients across New York and beyond.