What is the difference between a non-immigrant visa and permanent resident status?

Non-immigrant visas are temporary permits that allow foreign citizens to enter the United States for a specific purpose, such as studying, working, or visiting, and are valid for a limited period of time. When the visa expires, the individual must leave the United States. Permanent resident status, often referred to as having a “green card,” allows individuals to live and work in the United States indefinitely. This status may be acquired through various routes, including family or employment-based sponsorship. In the context of marriage, permanent resident status can be granted through marriage to a United States citizen. The spouse can apply for the green card while in the United States or while abroad. The process involves filing a petition and attending an interview with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the application is approved, the spouse will receive permanent resident status and will be able to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Non-immigrant visas, on the other hand, are typically granted to a foreign citizen who is already married to a United States citizen or resident. The purpose of the visa is for the foreign citizen to enter the United States for a limited period of time to be with their spouse and, if desired, to pursue work authorization. The visa is typically granted for a period of two years and must be renewed before it expires. Unlike a green card, it does not provide the holder with a path of becoming a permanent resident.

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La diferencia entre una visa de no inmigrante y el estatus de residente permanente es considerable. Una visa de no inmigrante es un permiso temporal que le permite a una persona entrar y permanecer en los Estados Unidos por un periodo de tiempo limitado. Estas visas se otorgan por una variedad de razones, como la educación, el trabajo o el turismo. El estatus de residente permanente es un permiso para que una persona viva y trabaje permanentemente en los Estados Unidos. Es una forma de inmigración legal. La visa de no inmigrante no se puede renovar y la persona tendrá que salir de los Estados Unidos cuando expire. El estatus de residente permanente no tiene un límite de tiempo y la persona puede permanecer en los Estados Unidos indefinidamente. En Washington, el matrimonio con un ciudadano estadounidense le otorga a un extranjero el estatus de residente permanente, mientras que una visa de no inmigrante no lo hará. El matrimonio debe cumplir con los requisitos necesarios para calificar como inmigración legal.

What is the difference between a non-immigrant visa and permanent resident status?

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