Definition
USCIS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
USCIS is the DHS agency responsible for adjudicating applications and petitions for immigration benefits, including green cards, work permits, asylum, and naturalization. It is the successor to the benefits function of the former INS.
See also
More immigration terms
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USCIS Receipt Number
A 13-character identifier assigned to each USCIS case (e.g., MSC2090123456).
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USCIS Service Center
A USCIS facility that processes paperwork only — never visited in person.
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VAWA Self-Petition
Self-petition path to a green card for abuse victims of U.S. citizen or LPR family members.
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Visa Bulletin
Monthly DOS publication showing which priority dates are eligible to move forward.
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Visa Overstay
Remaining in the U.S. beyond the period authorized by the I-94.
Not legal advice. Definitions are provided for educational use. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.