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Green Card Glossary: What Is an RFE, Priority Date, EAD, AP and More

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Updated November 4, 2026. Sources: USCIS.gov.

Not legal advice. GreenCardBlog.com is an independent information site, not a law firm and not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. Immigration rules, fees and timelines change. Always confirm details on USCIS.gov and consider speaking with a licensed immigration attorney about your situation.

Quick answer: This glossary explains the green card terms you see on USCIS forms, notices and the Visa Bulletin, in plain English, with a link to the tool or guide where each one matters. Definitions are summaries; the USCIS glossary and the forms themselves are the official source.

Adjustment of status · Advance parole · A-Number · Biometrics · Country of chargeability · Conditional permanent resident · Dates for Filing · EAD · Final Action Date · Form I-797 / NOA · Interview waiver · Lawful permanent resident · Priority date · Receipt number · RFE · USCIS filing fee

What is Adjustment of status (AOS)?

The process of applying for a green card from inside the United States, using Form I-485, instead of getting an immigrant visa at a US consulate abroad.

Next: I-485 document checklist

What is Advance parole (AP)?

A travel document (Form I-512L), requested on Form I-131, that lets some people with a pending application seek to re-enter the US after a trip abroad. It does not guarantee re-entry.

Next: Advance parole while your I-485 is pending

What is A-Number (Alien Registration Number)?

A unique 7 to 9 digit number USCIS gives to many noncitizens. It appears on green cards, work permits and many notices.

Next: Where to find your A-Number

What is Biometrics?

Your fingerprints, photograph and signature, collected at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) after you file. USCIS uses them for background checks and to make your card.

Next: USCIS biometrics appointment guide

What is Country of chargeability?

The country your green card counts against for Visa Bulletin limits. It is usually your country of birth, not your citizenship.

Next: Visa Bulletin

What is Conditional permanent resident?

A person with a 2-year green card, for example through a marriage less than 2 years old at approval. They must file to remove conditions before the card expires.

Next: Conditional green card

What is Dates for Filing?

A Visa Bulletin chart showing the earliest point you may submit a green card application. USCIS says each month whether I-485 filers use it.

Next: November 2026 Visa Bulletin

What is EAD (Employment Authorization Document)?

A work permit card, requested on Form I-765. Many people with a pending I-485 apply for one so they can work while they wait.

Next: Green card fee calculator (includes I-765)

What is Final Action Date?

The Visa Bulletin date that shows when a green card can actually be approved for your category and country.

Next: November 2026 Visa Bulletin

What is Form I-797 / NOA (Notice of Action)?

The USCIS form used for official notices such as receipts (I-797C), approvals and appointment notices. People often call these NOAs.

Next: USCIS processing time checker

What is Interview waiver?

When USCIS decides, case by case, that it does not need to interview an adjustment applicant before deciding the case.

Next: I-485 interview waived: what it means

What is Lawful permanent resident (LPR)?

The legal term for a green card holder: someone allowed to live and work in the US permanently.

Next: I-485 approved: what to do next

What is Priority date?

Your place in line for a family or employment green card. It is usually the date USCIS received your I-130 or I-140, or the labor certification filing date for many employment cases.

Next: Check the Visa Bulletin

What is Receipt number?

The 13-character case number on your USCIS receipt notice (for example IOE, MSC or EAC followed by 10 digits). You use it to check your case status.

Next: USCIS processing time checker

What is RFE (Request for Evidence)?

A notice asking you to send more documents or information before USCIS decides your case. It gives a deadline to respond.

Next: How to respond to a USCIS RFE

What is USCIS filing fee?

The amount USCIS charges to process a form, listed on Form G-1055. Sending the wrong fee gets the filing rejected.

Next: USCIS fees 2027

Tools: green card fee calculator · USCIS processing time checker · USCIS fees 2027

Sources

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an EAD and advance parole?

An EAD lets you work; advance parole is a travel document that lets some applicants seek to return after a trip abroad. They are separate forms (I-765 and I-131).

More green card guides

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