G

Key terms explained

The technical terms used in the visa process are very specialized. Listed below you will find the most commonly used visa terms with their meaning.

Click the first letter of the word you want to look up.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
G

  • Binding Ties

    Binding Ties mean close ties to the home country or country of origin. For some visa categories, such as B, F or J visas, applicants have to prove binding ties at the interview appointment. The purpose is to convince the consular officer that the applicant intends to leave the U.S. after their term of stay and return to their home country or country of origin. Such evidence includes, among other things, a copy of the employment contract, a copy of the lease or property register entry, and other potential evidence of the applicant’s intention to return to their home country.

  • Global Entry

    The Global Entry Program allows biometrically registered and pre-authorized travelers belonging to certain nationalities to undergo passport control at so-called Global Entry kiosks at selected U.S. airports and thus pass through identity checkpoints at border crossings more quickly.

  • Grace Period

    Grace Period refers to the time before and after the end of the actual program. F, J, and M visa holders may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start of the actual program as indicated on the DS-2019 or I-20 form. After completion of their program, holders of an F-1 visa may still reside in the U.S. for up to 60 days. Holders of M-1 or J-1 visas are allowed to extend their stay in the U.S. for up to 30 days after the end of their programs and to use their visa for travel in the U.S., for example.

  • Green Card Lottery – Diversity Visa Program

    The Green Card lottery is officially called the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. It is a program run by the U.S. government, under which 55,000 GreenCards, i.e. U.S. immigrant visas, are issued annually by lottery worldwide.