Academic Employment Categories - Types of university positions eligible for various immigration statuses (e.g., faculty, research, staff).
Adjustment of Status (AOS) - The process of changing from a nonimmigrant status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder) while in the U.S.
Administrative Processing - Additional review by a U.S. consulate or embassy before a visa is issued; may delay visa issuance.
Anti-Fraud Fee - A government-mandated fee paid by the employer when filing certain petitions (e.g., H-1B).
Audit File - Documentation maintained to ensure compliance with federal and institutional immigration regulations.
B-1 Business Visitor - Temporary status for individuals entering the U.S. for specific business activities, not employment.
CBP (Customs and Border Protection) - U.S. agency responsible for border security and issuing I-94 records upon entry.
Consular Processing - Applying for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the U.S.
Concurrent Employment - Working for more than one employer at the same time, each with its own approved petition.
D - F
Department of Labor (DOL) - U.S. agency overseeing labor certifications and prevailing wage determinations.
Dependent - Spouse or child of a principal visa holder who may qualify for derivative status (e.g., H-4, TD, E-3D, O-3).
Designated School Official (DSO) - University official authorized to advise F-1 students on immigration matters.
Dual Intent - The ability to hold a temporary nonimmigrant status while pursuing permanent residence (e.g., H-1B, O-1).
EAD (Employment Authorization Document) - Card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granting temporary work authorization to certain nonimmigrants.
EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 - Employment-based immigrant visa categories for permanent residence:
EB-1: Outstanding Professor/Researcher
EB-2: Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability
EB-3: Professional or Skilled Worker
E-Verify - Federal system for verifying employment eligibility; required for STEM OPT extensions.
E-3 - Nonimmigrant status for Australian citizens in specialty occupations.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) - Online system for visa waiver travelers to obtain authorization before entering the U.S.
Exchange Visitor - Individual in J-1 status participating in an approved exchange program.
Export Control - Federal regulations governing the transfer of certain technologies and information to foreign nationals.
Extension - Request to prolong the validity of a current immigration status.
G - I
Grace Period - Authorized period after employment ends for a visa holder to depart the U.S. or change status.
Green Card - Informal term for lawful permanent resident status.
Hiring Unit - Department or office responsible for initiating sponsorship and employment actions.
I-129 - USCIS form used to petition for nonimmigrant worker status (e.g., H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1).
I-140 - USCIS form used for immigrant petition for alien worker (employment-based green card).
I-485 - USCIS form for adjustment of status to permanent resident. It is a personal petition.
I-539 - USCIS form for changing or extending nonimmigrant status for dependents. It is a personal petition.
I-797 - USCIS notice of action; approval or receipt notice for immigration petitions.
I-94 - Arrival/departure record issued by CBP, indicating immigration status and authorized stay.
Immigrant Petition - Application for permanent residence (green card) based on employment or family sponsorship.
Immigrant Status - Status for individuals seeking or holding permanent residence in the U.S.
J - L
J-1 Exchange Visitor - Nonimmigrant status for individuals participating in exchange programs; limited work authorization.
Labor Certification (PERM) - DOL process to certify no qualified U.S. workers are available for a position; required for some green card categories.
Labor Condition Application (LCA) - DOL form certifying wage and working conditions for H-1B, E-3, and other statuses.
Legal Counsel - Attorney authorized to represent the university or employee in immigration matters.
M - P
Material Change - Significant change in employment (e.g., job duties, salary, location) requiring notification and possibly an amended petition.
Nonimmigrant Intent - Requirement that the visa holder intends to stay in the U.S. temporarily and return home.
Nonimmigrant Status - Temporary visa status for individuals in the U.S. for a specific purpose (e.g., work, study).
Notice of Posting - Required public notice for H-1B and E-3 petitions.
OPT (Optional Practical Training) - Temporary work authorization for F-1 students after graduation.
O-1 - Nonimmigrant status for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement.
Permanent Residence (PR) - Lawful status allowing indefinite stay and employment in the U.S.; also known as a green card.
PERM - Program Electronic Review Management; DOL system for labor certification.
Portability - Ability to transfer work authorization to a new employer (applies to H-1B status).
Prevailing Wage - Minimum wage set by DOL for a specific occupation and location.
Premium Processing - Optional USCIS service to expedite petition review (15 business days).
R - T
Re-Test - New recruitment process required if labor certification is not filed within the required timeframe.
Request for Evidence (RFE) - USCIS request for additional documentation to support a petition.
Resource Library - Online collection of policies, checklists, and educational materials on immigration.
Special Handling - DOL process for permanent residence sponsorship of teaching faculty.
STEM OPT Extension - 24-month extension of OPT for F-1 students in STEM fields.
Status - Legal classification granted by CBP or USCIS indicating authorized stay and activity in the U.S.
Sponsorship - Employer’s support for an employee’s immigration petition.
System Regulation 33.99.09 - Texas A&M University System policy governing employment of foreign nationals.
TD Status - Dependent status for spouses and children of TN visa holders.
TN - Nonimmigrant status for Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA.
Tracker - Online case management portal for immigration sponsorship requests.
U - Z
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) - Federal agency overseeing immigration petitions and benefits.
USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) - Trade agreement governing TN status for Canadian and Mexican professionals.
Visa - Stamp in a passport issued by a U.S. consulate, allowing entry to the U.S. in a specific status.
Visa Bulletin - Monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State showing immigrant visa availability.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - Program allowing citizens of designated countries to enter the U.S. for short-term business or tourism without a visa.
