"Immigration status" refers to the way in which a person is present in the United States. If not a US citizen, every person who enters the US has either an immigrant or a non-immigrant status. Below are examples of the documents that can be used to determine your immigration status:
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status - I-20;
- Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status - DS-2019;
- Employment Authorization Card - I-766;
- Notice of Action - I-797;
Immigration status is determined based on your occupation. Common immigration statuses include F-1 - Student, J-1 - Teacher/Researcher, J-1 - Trainee, etc.
Info: If you are under visa waiver program and you are present in the US for primary purpose studying, and have I-20, your immigration status is F-1 Student.