Glossary
100+ key terms for US immigration, visas, real estate, and relocation.
📋E-2 Visa(15)
Directing and Developing
The E-2 investor must have operational control of the business, not be a passive investor.
DS-160
The online nonimmigrant visa application form required for all E-2 visa applicants applying at a US embassy or consulate.
E-2 Business Plan
A detailed plan submitted with the E-2 petition showing the business model, financial projections, and job creation.
E-2 Dependent
The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an E-2 visa holder, who may apply for derivative E-2 status.
E-2 Employee
An essential employee of the same nationality as the E-2 investor who performs executive, supervisory, or specialized functions.
E-2 Renewal
E-2 visas can be renewed indefinitely in two-year increments as long as the business continues to operate and meet requirements.
E-2 Spouse Work Authorization
E-2 spouses can apply for an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) to work for any US employer without restriction.
E-2 Visa
A nonimmigrant visa for citizens of treaty countries who invest a substantial amount of capital in a US business.
Irrevocable Commitment
Funds must be committed to the business and at risk of loss. Uncommitted funds in escrow do not count toward the investment.
Marginality Test
The E-2 business must generate significantly more income than just providing a living for the investor and family.
Proportionality Test
For lower-cost businesses, a higher percentage of total investment is required. For a $100K business, investing 80-90% is typical.
Source of Funds
Documentation proving the investment capital was obtained through lawful means — personal savings, business profits, loans, or gifts.
Substantial Investment
The amount of capital invested must be enough to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise. There is no fixed minimum.
Treaty Country
A country that has a commerce and navigation treaty with the United States, qualifying its citizens for E-2 visas.
Treaty Investor
A foreign national who qualifies for E-2 status by investing in and directing a US-based enterprise.
🟢Green Card / EB-5(15)
Adjustment of Status (AOS)
The process of changing from nonimmigrant to permanent resident status while remaining in the United States (Form I-485).
Concurrent Filing
Submitting the I-485 adjustment of status application at the same time as the immigrant petition (I-140 or I-526E).
Conditional Permanent Residence
The initial two-year green card status granted to EB-5 investors before conditions are removed via I-829.
Consular Processing
Obtaining an immigrant visa at a US embassy abroad, as an alternative to adjustment of status within the US.
EB-1 Visa
An employment-based green card for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, or multinational executives.
EB-2 NIW
National Interest Waiver — an employment-based green card path that does not require employer sponsorship or labor certification.
EB-5 Visa
An immigrant visa for foreign investors who invest at least $800,000 in a TEA or $1,050,000 elsewhere and create 10 full-time jobs.
Green Card
US permanent resident card granting the holder the right to live and work permanently in the United States.
I-526E Petition
The immigrant petition filed by EB-5 investors to demonstrate eligible investment and job creation.
I-829 Petition
Filed to remove conditions on EB-5 permanent residence, proving the investment was sustained and jobs were created.
PERM Labor Certification
A process where employers prove no qualified US workers are available for the position before sponsoring a foreign worker.
Priority Date
The date used to determine an immigrant's place in the visa queue. For EB cases, it is usually the PERM filing date.
Regional Center
A USCIS-designated entity that sponsors EB-5 projects and allows indirect job creation to count toward the 10-job requirement.
Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
A rural area or area with high unemployment that qualifies for reduced EB-5 investment minimums.
Visa Bulletin
A monthly publication by the State Department showing available visa numbers and current priority date cutoffs by category.
🛂US Visas(12)
B-1/B-2 Visa
Nonimmigrant visa for temporary business visitors (B-1) or tourism and medical treatment (B-2).
Dual Intent
The concept that certain visa holders (H-1B, L-1) can have immigrant intent while maintaining nonimmigrant status.
E-1 Visa
Treaty trader visa for nationals of treaty countries who carry on substantial trade between their country and the US.
ESTA / Visa Waiver Program
Allows citizens of 41 countries to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business.
F-1 Visa
Student visa for full-time academic study at a SEVP-certified institution in the United States.
H-1B Visa
A work visa for specialty occupation workers requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a related field.
J-1 Visa
Exchange visitor visa for participants in approved programs including interns, trainees, teachers, and researchers.
K-1 Visa
Fiancé(e) visa allowing a US citizen's foreign fiancé(e) to enter the US for marriage within 90 days.
L-1 Visa
Intracompany transferee visa for executives, managers, or specialized knowledge employees moving to a US office.
O-1 Visa
Nonimmigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
TN Visa
A work visa available to Canadian and Mexican citizens under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) for qualifying professions.
Visa Stamping
The process of having a visa physically placed in your passport at a US embassy or consulate abroad.
🏛Immigration(13)
Advance Parole
A travel document allowing certain applicants to re-enter the US while their adjustment of status is pending.
Biometrics Appointment
A USCIS appointment to collect fingerprints, photograph, and signature for background checks during immigration processing.
CBP
Customs and Border Protection — the agency that manages entry and exit at US ports of entry.
Deportation / Removal
The formal process of expelling a foreign national from the US for immigration violations or criminal grounds.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
A card issued by USCIS granting permission to work in the US, available to certain visa holders and AOS applicants.
I-94
Arrival/Departure record issued by CBP at port of entry, documenting your authorized stay period and status.
Naturalization
The process of becoming a US citizen after meeting residency, physical presence, and other requirements.
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)
A USCIS notice indicating the agency intends to deny the case but allowing a response period.
Petition vs Application
A petition (e.g., I-129, I-140) is filed by a sponsor. An application (e.g., I-485, DS-160) is filed by the beneficiary.
Premium Processing
An optional USCIS service providing 15 business-day processing for certain petitions, currently costing $2,805.
Public Charge Rule
A ground of inadmissibility where USCIS assesses whether an immigrant is likely to become dependent on government benefits.
Request for Evidence (RFE)
A USCIS notice requesting additional documents or information to support a pending petition or application.
USCIS
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services — the federal agency that processes immigration petitions and applications.
🏠Real Estate(15)
Board Package
A comprehensive financial and personal application required by NYC co-op boards before approving a purchase.
Buyer's Agent
A licensed real estate agent who exclusively represents the buyer's interests in a property transaction.
Closing
The final step in a real estate transaction where documents are signed, funds are transferred, and ownership changes hands.
Closing Costs
Fees and expenses beyond the property price paid at closing — typically 2-5% for buyers and 6-8% for sellers.
Co-op (Cooperative)
A form of ownership common in NYC where you buy shares in a corporation that owns the building, not the unit itself.
Common Charges
Monthly fees paid by condo owners for building maintenance, amenities, staff, and shared expenses.
Condominium (Condo)
A type of ownership where you own your individual unit and share ownership of common areas with other unit owners.
Escrow
A neutral third party that holds funds and documents during a real estate transaction until all conditions are met.
FIRPTA
Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act — requires 15% withholding on the sale price when a foreign person sells US property.
Foreign National Loan
A mortgage product designed for non-US citizens who lack a US credit history, typically requiring 30-50% down payment.
HOA (Homeowners Association)
An organization that manages a residential community, collecting fees for shared amenities and enforcing community rules.
Mansion Tax
A New York transfer tax of 1% to 3.9% on residential purchases of $1 million or more, paid by the buyer.
Pre-Approval Letter
A document from a lender stating the maximum loan amount a buyer qualifies for, based on preliminary financial review.
Property Tax
An annual tax assessed by local government based on the property's assessed value. Rates vary widely by state and city.
Title Insurance
A policy that protects the buyer and lender against claims or defects in the property's ownership history.
💼Business & Legal(12)
Articles of Incorporation
The formal document filed with a state to legally create a corporation, specifying its name, purpose, and structure.
Business Visa Interview
The consular interview required for most visa categories where an officer evaluates eligibility and intent.
C-Corporation
A business entity taxed separately from its owners, commonly used for companies seeking outside investment.
Certificate of Good Standing
A state-issued document confirming that a business entity is current on all filings and taxes.
DBA (Doing Business As)
A registration allowing a business to operate under a name different from its legal entity name.
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
A 9-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify a business entity for tax purposes, similar to a Social Security Number.
Franchise
A business model where you purchase the right to operate under an established brand, commonly used for E-2 applications.
LLC (Limited Liability Company)
A flexible US business structure that provides personal liability protection and pass-through taxation.
Operating Agreement
A legal document that outlines the ownership structure, management, and operating procedures of an LLC.
Power of Attorney
A legal document authorizing someone to act on your behalf in business, legal, or financial matters.
Registered Agent
A person or company designated to receive legal documents and government notices on behalf of a business.
S-Corporation
A tax election allowing business income to pass through to shareholders, avoiding double taxation. Limited to US residents.
✈Relocation(10)
Credit Score
A numerical rating (300-850) reflecting creditworthiness, used by lenders, landlords, and service providers in the US.
Driver's License (State ID)
A state-issued identification document that also serves as the primary form of photo ID in the United States.
Health Insurance (US)
Private or employer-provided medical coverage. The US has no universal healthcare — insurance is essential.
I-20
A certificate of eligibility issued by a SEVP-certified school required for F-1 student visa applications.
ITIN
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number — issued by the IRS to individuals who need a US tax ID but are not eligible for an SSN.
Lease Agreement
A legal contract between landlord and tenant specifying rent, duration, rules, and responsibilities for a rental property.
Private School
Independent tuition-based schools offering specialized curricula, smaller class sizes, and selective admissions.
Public School
Free education funded by local taxes, available to all children residing in the school district regardless of immigration status.
Security Deposit
An upfront payment (typically one month's rent) held by the landlord as protection against damages or unpaid rent.
Social Security Number (SSN)
A 9-digit number issued by the SSA, required for employment, credit, and tax filing in the United States.
💰Tax & Finance(8)
1031 Exchange
A tax-deferred exchange allowing investors to sell a property and reinvest proceeds into a like-kind property without paying capital gains tax.
1099 Form
A tax form reporting non-employment income including freelance earnings, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Capital Gains Tax
Tax on profit from selling assets. Long-term (held over 1 year) rates are 0-20%. Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income.
Depreciation (Real Estate)
A tax deduction allowing property owners to recover the cost of investment property over 27.5 years (residential) or 39 years (commercial).
FATCA
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act — requires foreign financial institutions to report accounts held by US persons to the IRS.
FBAR
Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts — required annually if your foreign accounts exceed $10,000 in aggregate.
Tax Treaty
An agreement between countries to prevent double taxation and define tax obligations for cross-border income.
W-2
An annual form from employers showing total wages earned and taxes withheld, used for filing federal and state tax returns.