Glossary · Concepts & rules
NTA (Notice to Appear)
The document that initiates removal proceedings in immigration court.
Since February 2025, USCIS has been issuing NTAs inside the 60-day grace period on denied filings (e.g., a denied I-539 to B-2 for job-search purposes). An NTA puts you in immigration court, with the government seeking your removal. You have due process and can fight it, but it's expensive and stressful. The simplest defense is not to file an I-539 with stated job-search intent — use B-2 only for genuine non-employment reasons.
Related terms
B-2 (Visitor)
Tourist/visitor classification. Allows up to 6-month stay for genuine non-employment purposes.
I-539 (Change/Extend Nonimmigrant Status)
The form you file to change from H-1B to H-4, F-1, B-2, or to extend nonimmigrant status without leaving the US.
60-day grace period
8 CFR 214.1(l)(2): up to 60 days (or until I-94 expiry, whichever sooner) after your last day worked to file a transfer, change of status, or depart.
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