What is the difference between a visa and a green card?

A visa and a green card both provide permission for a person to live and work in a foreign country. The main difference between a visa and a green card is the length of time each allows a person to stay in the United States. A visa is a short-term permission to enter or stay in a foreign country for a specific purpose and length of time. This permission may be for a few weeks to a few years and is typically used by people who are visiting, studying, or working in the United States temporarily. A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, is a document issued by the U.S. government that grants permission for a foreign national to live and work in the United States for an indefinite period of time. A foreign national who has a green card can typically stay in the United States and receive most of the benefits that citizens do, such as the ability to work, educational opportunities, healthcare, and more. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is the primary agency responsible for managing immigration matters including visas and green cards. In Florida, you must file an application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to apply for either a visa or a green card. A USCIS field office in Florida will make a decision on the application and, if approved, issue a visa or green card to the individual.

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La diferencia entre una visa y una tarjeta verde es la duración de la autorización de estadía y de trabajo. Una visa es una autorización temporal para entrar a los Estados Unidos, mientras que una tarjeta verde es un documento de residencia permanente y de trabajo. Para quienes se encuentran en los Estados Unidos, una visa puede proporcionarles autorización temporal para entrar, permanecer y salir de los Estados Unidos, para profesiones específicas, visitas turísticas, estudios de posgrado, visitas de trabajo, etc. Aunque los titulares de una visa pueden permanecer en los Estados Unidos por un periodo limitado de tiempo, no son residentes permanentes y no pueden obtener un empleo a tiempo completo en el país. Por el contrario, la tarjeta verde es un documento de inmigración emitido por el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional que otorga la residencia permanente a las personas autorizadas. Los titulares de una tarjeta verde tienen derecho a trabajar en los Estados Unidos, reciben protecciones bajo la ley de inmigración de los Estados Unidos, y pueden optar por la ciudadanía de los Estados Unidos después de un periodo de tiempo específico.

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What is the difference between a visa and a green card?

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