The ImmInfo Library: Before You Begin

The immigration system has many unique concepts and terms. For example, most people routinely confuse the concept of "visa" with that of "status". This type of mistake can result in catastrophic consequences. The articles in this section will provide you with a basic education in the fundamentals of U.S. immigration issues.

• Nonimmigrant visa chart
• How the system works
• Grounds of inadmissibility
• Grounds for refusal of a visa
• Priority dates
• Immigration acronyms
• Immigration terminology
• Working in the United States
• The difference between "visa" and "status"
• The concept of "visa"
• The concept of "status"
• Maintaining status and "unlawful presence"
• What information is on an I-94 arrival/departure record?
• What information is on a green card?
• How to read a form I-797 notice of action
• Interpretation of “Period of Stay Authorized by the Attorney General” in determining “unlawful presence” under INA section 212(a)(9)(B)(ii).
• The CIS Adjudicator's Field Manual discussion of Maintaining Status and "Unlawful Presence".
• Translations of foreign language documents
• "Material Misrepresentations" defined for immigration and naturalization purposes.
• CIS security background check issues
• FAQ: Basic Information
• FAQ: When and how to hire a lawyer
• FAQ: What is employment based immigration?
• FAQ: What is family based immigration?