The Main Differences Between a Green Card and US Visa
USAFIS has 20 years of experience assisting individuals and families around the world with properly preparing and submitting their applications for the Diversity Visa Program as well as offering other beneficial services.
Start your journey toward a new life in the USA!
Before applying for any type of US Visa, one must first understand the purpose of his/her visit to the United States. There are major differences between a US Visa and a Green Card.
This article will compare a US Visa to a Green Card, which should help you understand which one you would like to apply for.
US Visa benefits are different from Green Card benefits and your rights in the US will vary, depending on if you hold a US Visa or a Green Card.
Table of Contents
What is a US Visa?
In short, a US Visa can be issued only by a US Consulate or Embassy in the country of your residence, but your country of citizenship may play a part in determining the visa requirements and documents you might need to provide when applying for the visa. A US Visa qualifies you to enter the United States, but it doesn’t guarantee you the actual entrance, as you will need to go through the official passport control at the US border – an immigration official makes the final decision on your entry eligibility.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card, or US Permanent Resident Card, is an official document that shows that you have permanent resident status in the United States, which allows you to legally live and work in the United States for an unlimited amount of time. In most instances, only people whose intention to permanently move to the United States, and who meet the requirements for this type of status, apply for it. Only U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has the right to issue a Green Card.
What are the differences between a US Visa and a Green Card?
A US Visa and a Green Card each serve a different purpose. The US Visa is usually a temporary visa that allows you to stay in the US for a specified period of time, upon its expiry, you will be required to leave the country. Otherwise, you will be breaking the law, and might be banned from re-entering the United States in the future. The Green Card is proof of Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status. With a Green Card, you can live in the United States permanently, work in the USA legally, attend educational programs in the US and enjoy other benefits.
With a US Visa, you will be able to:
- Enter the United States lawfully
- Travel within the United States
Depending on the US Visa type you hold, you will also be able to do the following:
- Study in the United States
- Work in the USA
- Apply for a US Visa extension
- Apply for US healthcare insurance
With a Green Card, you will be able to do the following in the United States:
- Live
- Work
- Study
- Apply for US healthcare insurance
- Open and own a business
- Travel within the United States
- Apply for US citizenship 5 years after living in the USA with a Green Card
With A Green Card, You Will Not Be Able To:
- Vote
Types of US Visas
A US Visa and a Green Card each serve a different purpose. The US Visa is usually a temporary visa that allows you to stay in the US for a specified period of time, upon its expiry, you will be required to leave the country. Otherwise, you will be breaking the law, and might be banned from re-entering the United States in the future. The Green Card is proof of Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status. With a Green Card, you can live in the United States permanently, work in the USA legally, attend educational programs in the US and enjoy other benefits.
There are two major US Visa categories, with over 185 visa types in total:
- Nonimmigrant Visa
- Immigrant Visa
Nonimmigrant US Visas that people apply for include the:
- B1/B2 Visitor Visa allows you to visit the United States for a short-period of time, for such purposes as leisure, medical treatment or business (but not to work in the US).
- F1 Student Visa is issued for the purpose of studies in the United States. Its duration equals the duration of the studies.
- J1 Exchange Visitor Visa is a special type of visa, issued to people who are part of an exchange program in the United States or attending certain educational programs.
- H-1B (Temporary Worker in a Specialty Occupation) Visa is issued to foreign workers who have a specialty occupation that requires a Bachelor’s Degree (or the equivalent) or special knowledge.
- O1 (Temporary Worker with Extraordinary Achievement or Ability) Visa is for foreign workers with extraordinary abilities in arts, sciences, business or athletics.
Immigrant Visas are given to new US permanent residents based on specific reasoning and ties of the applicant, and are issued accordingly:
- Family-based
- Employment-based
- Adoption
- Special Immigrant
- Diversity Visa
- For all types of immigrant visa, please visit this site.
Nonimmigrant US Visas
Nonimmigrant US Visas that people apply for include the:
- B1/B2 Visitor Visa allows you to visit the United States for a short-period of time, for such purposes as leisure, medical treatment or business (but not to work in the US).
- F1 Student Visa is issued for the purpose of studies in the United States. Its duration equals the duration of the studies.
- J1 Exchange Visitor Visa is a special type of visa, issued to people who are part of an exchange program in the United States or attending certain educational programs.
- H-1B (Temporary Worker in a Specialty Occupation) Visa is issued to foreign workers who have a specialty occupation that requires a Bachelor’s Degree (or the equivalent) or special knowledge.
- O1 (Temporary Worker with Extraordinary Achievement or Ability) Visa is for foreign workers with extraordinary abilities in arts, sciences, business or athletics.
Immigrant Visas are given to new US permanent residents based on specific reasoning and ties of the applicant, and are issued accordingly:
- Family-based
- Employment-based
- Adoption
- Special Immigrant
- Diversity Visa
- For all types of immigrant visa, please visit this site.
Immigrant Visas
Immigrant Visas are given to new US permanent residents based on specific reasoning and ties of the applicant, and are issued accordingly:
- Family-based
- Employment-based
- Adoption
- Special Immigrant
- Diversity Visa
- For all types of immigrant visa, please visit this site.
There Are Various Ways That One Can Apply And Obtain A US Green Card:
- Via sponsorship by a US-citizen who is a family member
- Via sponsorship by a US employer
- Via humanitarian programs, such as asylum, or refugee status request
- Via the Diversity Visa Program
Processing Fees for a US Visa
Because there are so many different US Visa types, fees vary accordingly.
However, for most Nonimmigrant US Visa types, there is a one-time, non-refundable fee that is around $160- $190 USD. If you already know the type of US Visa you want to apply for, you can refer to this table of costs to find out exactly how much the visa processing will cost you.
Processing fees for a Green Card
Obtaining a Green Card for the United States can be a lengthy and costly process. Generally, individuals should expect for their total costs to range from about $1,200 USD to over $3,000 USD. This cost includes the application filing fees established by the government, biometric services (to obtain fingerprints and photographs) as well as lawyer’s fees. The expense may increase if additional documentation is required or if expedited processing is chosen. To get an exact estimate of how much it will cost, it is recommended to speak with a US immigration attorney who specializes in Green Card applications. They will be able to provide more detailed information about the associated fees and also help you better understand your options in regards to timelines and processing strategies.
What does a US Visa and a Green Card look like?
A US Visa and a Green Card are two very important documents for anyone travelling to or residing in the United States. A US Visa is an endorsement issued by the American Embassy or Consulate which is placed on the page of a passport from a foreign country that allows an individual to enter the United States for a specified amount of time. This can be for business, pleasure, education, immigration or other purposes. In contrast, a US Green Card is an identification card issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to foreign nationals authorizing permanent residence in the United States. It should be noted that a US Immigrant Visa is valid for a specific amount of time for the purpose of permitting a new Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the United States to enter the USA, however, the plastic Green Card is carried long-term as identification and proof of LPR status.
On the US Visa there is information such as the bearer’s name, photograph, date of birth and nationality, and its expiration date.
A US Green Card features an individual’s name, place of birth, USCIS Number, validity dates (a Green Card is periodically renewed) and other information, along with unique biometric features such as a photo and fingerprint.
US Visa Validity vs Green Card Validity
In this case, the term validity refers to the duration of time you can reside in the United States, in other words the length of your legal stay that is permitted.
For instance, on a B1/B2 US Visa, one may be allowed to stay for up to 180 days.
With a US Green Card, the time of stay is indefinite, unless you have a conditional permanent residency status. In this instance, you might need to renew the Green Card in a timeframe that has been indicated to you by USCIS.
What are the benefits of a US Visa vs a Green Card?
Benefits Of US visa
- You can stay in the US for a period of time which is determined by the type of visa you hold
- You can enter the United States lawfully
- You can travel within the United States
- You can study (depends on the visa)
- You can work (depends on the visa)
- You can apply for a visa extension
(depends on the visa)
Benefits Of Green Card
- You can lawfully live in the US indefinitely unless stated otherwise
- You can work
- You can study
- You are eligible to apply for US healthcare insurance
- You can open and own a business
- You can travel within the United States
- You can apply for US citizenship 5 years after living in the US with a Green Card
What are the cons of a US Visa vs a Green Card?
Cons Of US visa
- Given for a short period of time
- Limits your rights to the type of visa issued
- You will have to leave the US by the end of the duration of your visa
Cons Of Green Card
- It is given for an unlimited period of time, unless stated otherwise
- Gives you almost the same rights as a US citizen
Gives you the pathway to US citizenship & a US passport (you can apply for this after living in the USA for 5 years as a US Green Card holder
US Green Card vs Visa vs Citizenship
The main differences between a US Visa and a Green Card is that the US Visa is short-term, will require you to leave the United States after its expiration, and limits you to certain activities in the USA, such as work (unless your visa is specific for work) or study. A Green Card, on the other hand, is more expensive to attain, the process might be long and exhausting, however, obtaining permanent residency can have long-term financial benefits, such as access to US employment opportunities as well as social security benefits that would not otherwise be available without holding a Green Card. Being a permanent resident of the US will allow you to apply for US Citizenship after five years, which will give you the full rights of an American citizen, including voting and running for political office, and you will be able to acquire a US passport.
How To Choose Between The US Visas And A Green Card?
If you want to remain in the United States for an extended period of time, then obtaining a US Green Card will provide you with permanent residency. If you have a family member who is a US citizen, applying for a family-based Green Card may suit you the best. There are also five employment-based Green Cards. Another option to receive a US Green Card is the Diversity Visa Program which has two key requirements: you must have been born in an eligible country and you need to satisfy the education or work experience criteria.
On the other hand, US Visas are more suitable for those who just need temporary permission to stay in the US for specific reasons such as visiting family, studying abroad or business trips. There are several types of US Visas available which vary depending on the purpose you have in mind. Some examples include Student Visas, Tourist Visas, Investor Visas and Work Visas.
Once you make a decision for the purpose of your visit or stay in the United States, you can refer to the list of all visas available, and choose the one that best suits your needs. If you are uncertain, you might want to consult a US immigration specialist.
Conclusion
Approximately 50 – 170 million people visit the US each year. One million students came to the US between 2021 and 2022.
Around 200,000+ employment-based Green Cards were issued in 2022.
No need to emphasize further how the US is the most desired destination in the world to be visited, or for obtaining an education, or for settling in permanently.
Whatever the reason you want to come to the United States, let USAFIS help you to succeed in getting there.
FAQ's
What is the difference between a US Visa and a Green Card?
A US Visa is given for a short-term stay in the US, whereas a Green Card is for permanent residency in the United States and has the option to become an American citizen after five years.
What is better – a Green Card or a US Visa?
Only you can answer this question, since it solely depends on the purpose you are seeking to achieve. If your goal is moving permanently to the United States, then holding a Green Card is the optimal solution for you.
Do I need a US Visa if I have a Green Card?
No, a US Green Card is a Permanent Resident Card that proves you are a Lawful Permanent Resident of the US. The Green Card is issued after you receive an Immigrant Visa to initially enter the United States, however, you will carry your Green Card long-term as official identification showing that you are a US permanent resident and you will present your Green Card when entering the United States.
What is the difference between a US Visa and a Permanent Resident Card?
A Green Card is also known as a Permanent Resident Card and it proves that you are an LPR (Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States). A US Visa grants you entry to the United States for a limited amount of time for the purpose in which it is intended (travel, studies, work, etc.).
Can I apply for a Green Card if I am in the USA on a Non-Immigrant Visa?
Yes, you can apply for a Green Card while in the United States on a Non-Immigrant US Visa. The process is known as “adjustment of status” and involves filing Form I-485 with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Should I apply for a US Visa or a Green Card?
In general, you will need to determine whether you want to live in the USA for a limited amount of time or permanently, what the purpose of your stay in the US will be and what you are eligible to apply for. You might want to consult a professional, in order to help you make that decision. The steps to apply for a US Visa are very different from those for a Green Card application. Getting professional assistance might save you time and money in the process.
What Our Clients Say
