A period after job loss during which an H-1B worker may remain in the U.S. to seek new sponsorship or change status.

American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act of 2000, a law with provisions benefiting H-1Bs.

The practice of placing an H-1B worker in unpaid status when there is not work – a violation of H-1B rules.

The person who will receive the immigration benefit being sought (e.g., the H-1B worker).

H-1B petitions not counted toward the annual cap, often due to employer type.

Automatic extension of F-1 status/OPT bridging the gap until H-1B start date (Oct 1).

H-1B petitions that count against the annual visa quota (lottery-bound).

An application to change from one nonimmigrant status to another without leaving the U.S.

A unique identifier given when an H-1B registration is submitted.

Obtaining a visa at a U.S. consulate/embassy abroad, as opposed to change of status within the U.S.

A school representative responsible for assisting and overseeing F-1 students' immigration matters.

An immigration doctrine allowing nonimmigrant visa holders to have immigrant (permanent) intent as well.

A work visa exclusively for Australian nationals in specialty occupations, similar to H-1B but not cap-subject in the same way.

A requirement that the H-1B employer have the right to control the worker's employment.

A unit within USCIS focused on detecting immigration fraud and threats to national security.

The U.S. government's accounting year, running from October 1 to September 30.

The petition form used by employers to apply for H-1B and other nonimmigrant workers.

A $500 fee for new H-1B and L-1 petitions used to fund anti-fraud measures.

Slang for U.S. lawful permanent resident status, evidenced by a green-colored card.

An employer that has a high ratio of H-1B workers to total employees, triggering additional obligations.

The online lottery entry process employers must complete to try to secure an H-1B cap number.

A variant of the H-1B visa for citizens of Chile and Singapore, with its own annual quota.

Immigrant petition for alien worker – second step employment-based green card filing by employer.

Official communication from USCIS, often refers to approval or receipt notices.

Arrival/Departure Record issued to international visitors indicating status and authorized stay period in the U.S.

Old USCIS rule that required a detailed work itinerary for H-1B workers at multiple worksites.

A required filing with DOL attesting to wage and labor standards for H-1B workers.

The general limit that an individual can only be in H-1B status for 6 years total, with some exceptions.

A nonimmigrant visa for individuals of extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

Temporary work authorization for F-1 students to work in their field of study after graduation.

A type of USCIS online account for companies to submit H-1B registrations and petitions.

Not in compliance with the terms of one's visa status, or beyond the authorized stay.

The process where the Department of Labor certifies no qualified U.S. workers are available for a job – prerequisite for many employment green cards.

In immigration, a request filed by a sponsor (like an employer) for a benefit on behalf of a beneficiary.

The entity (person or organization) filing an immigration petition on someone's behalf.

An optional USCIS service that expedites processing of certain petitions for a fee.

The average wage paid to similarly employed workers in the same occupation and area.

A file that employers must keep, containing certain documents related to the H-1B worker's employment and LCA.

A $4,000 additional fee required for certain large H-1B employers who heavily employ H-1B/L workers.

Reclaiming unused days of H-1B time spent outside the U.S. to extend the status.

A unique 13-character identifier for a case once filed with USCIS.

A letter from USCIS asking for additional information before making a decision.

The notification USCIS provides when an H-1B registration is selected in the lottery.

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System – a DHS database for F, M, J visa holders.

An unannounced inspection by USCIS's FDNS officers to verify H-1B petition details on the ground.

An occupation that requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field of study.

An RFE questioning whether the job truly requires a specialized degree.

A location that is not the H-1B employer's own office, but a client or partner site where the worker performs duties.

A work visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA (NAFTA) agreement.

Period of stay in the U.S. after one's I-94 expiration (or violation) without legal authorization, which can trigger bars to reentry.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that handles immigration benefits.

The sticker placed in a passport by a U.S. consulate allowing travel to a U.S. port of entry in a specific visa category.