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

A visa and a green card are two different ways that individuals may become legally allowed to live and work in the United States. A visa is a temporary permit that allows an individual to enter and remain in the United States for either a short-term or a longer-term visit. On the other hand, a green card is a more permanent form of immigration that allows individuals to become legal immigrants. A visa is issued to individuals who are admitted to the U.S. for a limited period of time to attend school, travel, or to take up a job. This document is granted to the person while they are outside the United States and they must have it to enter the country. Visas generally have an expiration date, and the individual must leave the country by that date or face possible deportation. In contrast, a green card gives the holder the right to live and work permanently in the United States. This is often done through an employer, family member, or a special lottery. If an individual is granted a green card, they are subject to the same laws that govern citizens, with the notable exception of being able to vote. Once the green card holder has been in the U.S. for a certain amount of time, they can apply for citizenship. In short, a visa is a short-term permit to enter and stay in the United States, while a green card is a more permanent form of immigration that allows an individual to live and work legally in the United States.

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La diferencia entre una visa y una tarjeta verde es enorme. Una visa es un documento que te permite viajar a EE. UU. temporalmente para viajes de negocios, visitas turísticas o reuniones de familia. La cantidad de tiempo para el que se permite el ingreso depende del tipo de visa que se haya obtenido. Una tarjeta verde, por otro lado, se conoce como un documento de residencia permanente. Esto significa que el titular de la tarjeta está autorizado para vivir y trabajar legalmente en EE. UU. indefinidamente. El proceso para obtener una tarjeta verde es más largo y generalmente incluye una petición presentada por un pariente cercano, patrocinador de empleo o un estado que indique el deseo de quedarse en EE. UU. a largo plazo. En la mayoría de los casos, para obtener una tarjeta verde, una persona necesita primero obtener una visa. La visa sirve como una puerta de entrada o paso para obtener una tarjeta verde. En Washington, hay diferentes tipos de visas disponibles para aquellos que desean obtener una tarjeta verde. Antes de solicitar una visa o una tarjeta verde, siempre es recomendable hablar con un abogado especializado en leyes de inmigración para obtener asesoramiento legal.

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