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

A green card and visa are different forms of immigration documentation. A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants an individual the right to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. On the other hand, a visa is typically a short-term permit that grants an individual the right to enter the United States for a temporary period of time and/or a specific purpose. Green cards may be obtained through various pathways such as employment, family, refugee/asylum, or the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. In contrast, there are different categories of visas, such as student and work visas, that allow individuals to enter the United States for the purpose of attending school, working, participating in exchange programs, and so forth. Another difference between a green card and visa is the individual’s residency status. An individual with a green card is considered a “permanent resident” and will have all of the rights and privileges associated with living in the United States. On the other hand, an individual with a visa is considered a “nonimmigrant” and will only be permitted to stay in the United States for a specified length of time. In summary, the main differences between a green card and visa are the duration of the individual’s stay in the United States, the associated rights and privileges, and the pathways to obtaining the documents. Green cards are permanent and offer the individual full rights as a resident in the United States, while visas are temporary and typically limited to a specific purpose.

THELAW.TV ofrece respuestas en español a todas las preguntas sobre la ley de inmigración.

La tarjeta verde y la visa son dos vías para que un extranjero ingrese y permanezca en los Estados Unidos. Ambos son necesarios para establecerse legalmente en el país, sin embargo existen algunas diferencias. Una visa es un documento autorizado por el gobierno de los Estados Unidos que autoriza a un extranjero a ingresar al país por un corto período de tiempo. En Virginia no existen visas de residencia por lo que el titular solo puede permanecer por el periodo que le autoriza la visa. La tarjeta verde, por otro lado, es un documento emitido por el gobierno de los Estados Unidos que autoriza la residencia en el país a un extranjero. Esta tarjeta es válida por diez años y el titular puede permanecer en los Estados Unidos durante este periodo de tiempo. También le da a los titulares la opción de aplicar para la ciudadanía estadounidense. En conclusión, la principal diferencia entre una tarjeta verde y una visa es la cantidad de tiempo que el titular puede permanecer en los Estados Unidos. Mientras que una visa generalmente es válida por un corto período de tiempo, la tarjeta verde le permite al titular residir y trabajar en los Estados Unidos durante un período de diez años.

Related FAQs

What is immigration law?
What documents do I need to apply for DACA?
What documents do I need to apply for a visa?
How can I apply for a work permit?
What are the eligibility requirements to become a US citizen?
Can I work in the US with a permanent residency card?
What is the process to apply for an Investor or Entrepreneur visa?
What are my options if my application is denied?
What is the process to apply for a green card?
What are the different paths to US citizenship?

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

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts