What are the main differences between a green card and visa?

The main difference between a green card and a visa is the type of legal permission each provides. A green card is a form of permanent residency in the United States. It grants the holder the right to live in any state in the United States, including Arkansas, without the need for a visa and without time limits. A visa is a form of temporary residency in the United States. It grants the holder permission to remain in the United States for a specified period of time with limited rights and access. A green card is often referred to as a "lawful permanent resident" (LPR) and enables the holder to eventually become a US citizen. A visa, on the other hand, is intended for short-term visits to the United States with a specified purpose, such as attending school, conducting research, or engaging in commerce. Depending on the type of visa, those who visit may be allowed to stay for a certain amount of time and be required to leave once the visa expires. In Arkansas, a green card holder has the right to live and work in the state without restriction. LPRs can also participate in certain government programs, such as Social Security, and can apply for citizenship after five years of continuous residence. A visa holder, however, does not have the same rights and privileges as a green card holder. They cannot receive government benefits, and must leave the United States once their visa expires.

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Las principales diferencias entre una tarjeta verde y una visa son los requisitos y el tiempo que toma obtenerlos. Una tarjeta verde indica el estado de residencia permanente de una persona, mientras que una visa provee el permiso temporal de entrar en un país. Para obtener una tarjeta verde, una persona debe cumplir con algunos requisitos. Entre éstos figuran estar empleado o casado con alguien que ya sea un ciudadano estadounidense, poseer el estatus de refugiado, ser hijo de un ciudadano estadounidense, tener una relación familiar con alguien que ya sea un residente permanente o un ciudadano estadounidense, entre otros. Por lo general, el proceso de solicitud de tarjeta verde toma cinco a siete meses y, una vez aprobada, la tarjeta dura entre diez y doce años. En cuanto a una visa, hay diferentes tipos y cada una tiene sus propios requisitos. Por ejemplo, una visa de trabajo requiere una oferta laboral, una visa de estudiante una aceptación universitaria, una visa de turista el propósito de un viaje, entre otros. El proceso de solicitud de visa toma menos tiempo que el de una tarjeta verde, aunque la duración varía según el tipo de visa. Una visa puede tener una vigencia de algunos meses hasta algunos años.

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What are the main differences between a green card and visa?

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