Glossary of terms and definitions

Form I-140 (Petition for Immigrant Worker)

Form I-140 is an official petition filed with USCIS to confirm the intent to grant a foreign professional the right to permanent employment in the United States. This is one of the key steps toward obtaining a Green Card through employment. This is the form you need for EB-1.

Download the form from the official USCIS website: link

The petition can be filed by an employer or by the applicant themselves (in EB-1A and EB-2 NIW categories).

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After filing I-140, the applicant is assigned a "priority date." Two paths follow approval:

• If already in the U.S. — file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
• If outside the U.S. — consular processing through a U.S. embassy.

RFE (Request for Evidence)

An official notice from USCIS indicating that additional documents or clarifications are needed for further review of your petition. This is not a denial — it's a request to supplement or confirm already submitted materials.

If USCIS has questions about your case, instead of immediately denying it, they send an RFE specifying exactly what information or evidence needs to be provided. It's crucial to carefully review the request and provide all requested documents within the deadline.

Premium Processing — expedited review

An additional paid service from USCIS that allows you to receive a decision on your petition in a shortened timeframe — usually within 15 calendar days.

Available for categories including O-1, EB-1, and EB-2 NIW (45 days for EB-2).

Premium Processing cost as of December 2025: $2,805 (for 15-day review) or $1,685 (for EB-1C/EB-2 45-day). Always verify the current price on the USCIS website.

Adjustment of Status (AOS)

Adjustment of Status is the process you can use to apply for lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) while you are in the United States, without having to return to your home country for visa processing.

Key features of AOS:

• Within the U.S.: AOS is available for those already in the U.S., usually on a temporary visa.
• Avoiding consular processing: One major advantage is avoiding overseas consular processing.
• Limitations: Not all foreign nationals qualify for AOS (e.g., those who entered illegally).
• Work authorization: After filing for AOS, you typically receive work authorization while your application is pending.

Form I-129

Form I-129 is a petition filed by an employer or agent with USCIS to hire a foreign professional on a temporary visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.). This form is filed by the employer, not the worker.

Petition Letter (Cover Letter)

This is the main document you submit along with your visa petition. It's a detailed text explaining to the USCIS officer who you are, what you've achieved, and why you qualify for the requested visa category.

Usually 15–30 pages, it structures your evidence and references supporting documents in the appendices.

Recommendation Letter

A letter from an expert in your field confirming your professional achievements. Typically written by university professors, company executives, or industry leaders who can attest to the significance of your contributions.

A strong recommendation letter should clearly describe what the expert knows about you, why your contributions are important, and how they've impacted the field. 5–8 recommendation letters are usually included in a petition.

Beneficiary

In immigration terminology, the beneficiary is the person for whom the petition is filed and who will benefit from the visa or immigration status. In EB-1A self-petitions, the petitioner and beneficiary are the same person.

NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny)

A notice from USCIS informing that they intend to deny your petition. Unlike RFE, NOID means the officer has already made a preliminary negative decision. You are given a deadline to respond and provide additional arguments or evidence.

Sustained National or International Acclaim

This is the key concept for EB-1A and O-1A visas. USCIS requires you to demonstrate not just past achievements but ongoing recognition in your field. Your accomplishments must be recognized at the national or international level, and this recognition must be sustained over time.