May 27 2008
Immigration 101
Ever wondered what the difference between an H1 visa and F1 visa was? Or who qualifies for a green card versus non-immigrant status?
Well, Business Week offers a pretty concise Immigration Glossary to put everything in perspective.
Most of my friends are (or were) on the F-1 Visa, which is given to all international students. However, there is also the J-1 Visa, which is also given to students — but generally for a short educational or cultural exchange (e.g. researchers, exchange students, dancers, and performers).
There’s the highly coveted H-1B Visa (which has me wondering what a H-1A Visa is), which a non-U.S. citizen who will be temporarily employed in a specialty occupation. From this type of visa, many immigrants move on to obtain a Green Card, which makes you into a permanent resident. Before that? You may be given Adjustment of Status (AoS) or Advance Parole (AP), which are part of the last steps to becoming a permanent resident.
Then there are visas B-1, B-2, E-1, E-2, H-4, L-1 … oh the list goes on. While all this is fascinating, all I can say is I’m glad I’m a U.S. citizen.
Here’s to understanding immigration’s alphabet soup!
I’m too lazy to go to Business week…can you at least provide a summary, thus keeping me inside your blog for a longer period of time?
I’ve expanded the blog post just for you Twin. Hope it works for you and your lazy butt now! hehe.