The United States grants over 9 million visas every year, yet only a fraction of those people are eligible for green cards. This single statistic alone illustrates the vast difference between visas and green cards. Many people confuse these two essential elements of U.S. immigration, but understanding the difference is crucial for anyone planning to visit or live in the United States.
If you’ve ever wondered about the green card vs. visa debate, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll break down the difference between a green card and a visa, how each one works, and what they mean for those hoping to live, work, or study in the U.S.
What is a Visa?
If you want to visit, work, or immigrate to the United States, you’ll likely need a visa to enter. A visa is an official document allowing a foreign national to travel to the U.S. for a specific purpose and a set period. The key point to remember? A visa gets you in the door, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you can stay indefinitely.
Visas are generally divided into two main categories: non-immigrant and immigrant visas.
- Non-Immigrant Visas
These visas are intended for individuals seeking temporary entry into the United States for specific purposes like tourism, employment, education, or medical care. For example, if a person receives a job offer in the United States but intends to go back to their home country in a few years, they will probably seek a non-immigrant visa for work purposes. Likewise, students enrolled in American universities might receive F-1 or M-1 student visas. Non-immigrant visas have a set expiration date, and individuals must depart the U.S. when their visa expires. It is important to note that these visas do not offer a direct route to gaining permanent residency.
- Immigrant Visas
On the other hand, immigrant visas are for people who intend to move to the United States permanently. The process to obtain an immigrant visa is much more involved, usually requiring a sponsor such as a family member or employer with legal residency or citizenship in the U.S. An immigrant visa is the first step toward receiving a green card, which grants the holder permanent resident status. It’s important to note that obtaining an immigrant visa does not automatically make you a U.S. resident or citizen—it’s just part of the process.
What Is a Green Card?
A green card, or a Permanent Resident Card, signifies an individual’s permanent authorization to reside and work in the United States. Although classified as a visa, green cards carry more rights and responsibilities than non-immigrant or immigrant visas. Having a green card means you are recognized as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and can experience the advantages of living in the United States.
Green cards differ from non-immigrant visas, permitting holders to remain in the U.S. permanently, provided they update their card every 10 years. Green card holders can work for any employer in the United States, travel globally, and seek U.S. citizenship within three to five years, depending on how they acquired their green card.
There are various ways to obtain a green card.
- Based on family
Close family members of American citizens or legal permanent residents can also seek a green card. This group comprises husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, and bereaved spouses of deceased citizens or green card holders.
- Based on employment
Employees in specific high-demand fields, together with their immediate family members, could receive green cards through sponsorship by their employer. This route frequently includes receiving a job offer from an employer in the United States.
- Basis of humanitarian assistance
Refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals who have been victimized by crimes such as human trafficking or domestic violence may qualify for green cards under humanitarian programs.
- Lottery for the Green Card
The Diversity Visa Lottery Program provides a maximum of 50,000 green cards annually to individuals from countries with traditionally low immigration levels to the United States.
Green Card vs. Visa: What Are the Key Differences?
When comparing a green card vs. a visa, the most significant difference is clear: permanence. A non-immigrant or immigrant visa allows entry into the U.S., but it doesn’t necessarily grant the right to stay. On the other hand, a green card proves that you are legally allowed to live and work in the U.S. long-term.
Here are the key distinctions:
- Visa: Pre-Entry Requirement
A visa must be obtained before entering the United States. It’s essentially permission to cross the U.S. border, but it doesn’t guarantee a permanent stay. - Green Card: Post-Entry Permanent Status
A green card can only be obtained after arrival in the U.S. It grants the holder permanent resident status, giving them much more freedom to live and work in the U.S. without a set end date. - Temporary vs. Permanent
Most non-immigrant visas are temporary, with a defined expiration date. Green cards, while requiring renewal every 10 years, allow for indefinite residence in the U.S. unless certain conditions are violated. - Path to Citizenship
Non-immigrant visas typically don’t provide a direct path to citizenship. Green cards do—holders can apply for U.S. citizenship after a certain period of permanent residency.
More: Can I Travel While My Green Card Is Under Process?
Visa and Green Card: Application Processes Compared
The application usually starts at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country, where the applicant would apply to get a visa. They must demonstrate that they meet the requirements for the specific visa they are applying for, which may involve an interview, proof of financial support, and submission of various documents.
On the other hand, obtaining a green card can be more complex. The path to permanent residency can include family sponsorship, employment offers, or even winning the Diversity Visa Lottery. For refugees or asylum seekers, the process may also involve demonstrating a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country.
Contact 360 Immigration Law for Your Immigration Needs
At the 360 Immigration Law Group, we understand how overwhelming the green card vs. visa process can be. Whether you’re navigating the system as a tourist, student, or prospective permanent resident, we’re here to guide you through every step. We proudly assist clients throughout Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Tamarac, Parkland, Deerfield Beach, Sunrise, Oakland Park, Fort Lauderdale, and Plantation, offering consultations in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
For personalized advice and support, call us at 954.667.3660 and schedule your free consultation today!