Visas, permits, authorizations, and residency terms

Immigration & Residency

Educational explanations of visa, permit, residency, and travel-authorization terms. These pages explain terminology only and do not provide immigration advice.

Scope note: These pages explain terminology and context only. Requirements, deadlines, eligibility, and legal effect depend on the relevant country, authority, document, policy, and facts.
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Immigration & Residency

What Is a BRP?

A careful explanation of the UK Biometric Residence Permit concept, what it has traditionally represented, and why readers should check current official rules.

Last reviewed June 12, 2026 • UK immigration document terminology

Immigration & Residency

What Is an eTA?

A neutral explanation of electronic travel authorizations, including how they differ from visas and why rules depend on the country.

Last reviewed June 12, 2026 • Electronic travel authorization terminology

Immigration & Residency

What Is a TRV?

A plain-language explanation of temporary resident visas, how they differ from permits and status, and why the exact meaning depends on the country.

Last reviewed June 12, 2026 • Temporary resident visa terminology

Immigration & Residency

What Is a Green Card?

A general explanation of the U.S. Green Card concept, permanent residence terminology, and why official immigration guidance matters.

Last reviewed June 12, 2026 • United States permanent resident terminology

Immigration & Residency

What Is a Work Permit?

An educational explanation of work permits, how they relate to immigration status, employers, countries, and conditions.

Last reviewed June 12, 2026 • Permission to work terminology

Immigration & Residency

What Is Permanent Residency?

A careful explanation of permanent residency as a general immigration concept, how it differs from citizenship, and why rules vary by country.

Last reviewed June 12, 2026 • Permanent residence terminology