Petitioner

A party in whose behalf writs are filed, issued or ordered.

A person who starts a lawsuit; the party seeking to be paid for an injury or because his or her rights have been violated.

The person filing a certain type of action in a court of original jurisdiction. Also, the person who appeals the judgment of a lower court. See respondent.

A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member or employer (or the employer's agent) who files a family-based or employment-based immigrant visa petition with USCIS.

The individual who applies to the INS on behalf of a foreigner for that individual's immigration to the States, based on ties of family, employment, etc. The petitioner must complete an I-864 or I-134.