Green Card vs Visa: Differences and Benefits

When we talk about Green cards vs visas, both are essential travel documents allowing citizens to stay in the US. There are ample people who are confused about Visa and green card and the difference between a green card vs Visa is one of the most asked questions. This is because both documents help travelers to get entry, work, study, and live in the United States. Additionally, it is also essential to become familiar with both of the documents and their differences. 

So if you are also in search of the major difference between visas and a green card then it is a great post for you. In this blog, we will learn various things related to green card and visa. Including what is green card or visa, is their benefits, types of visas, and many more. To know more about Green card vs Visa stay tuned with us.

What Exactly is a Green Card?

When we talk about what a green card is then it is a physical card and it indicates that the green card holder is a permanent resident of the United States. It also allows people to travel and work anywhere within the United States. If you want a green card then it is crucial to have an immigrant visa which is made by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If we talk about when green card holders can pursue citizenship then it takes three to five years also depending on the type of green card. Let’s check out the green card types and move forward to Green cards vs visas. 

Classification of Green Card?

Family-based: There are various types of green cards and family-based green cards are among them. To get this type of it is essential to have close relatives of current U.S. citizens and other green card holders. Including parents, siblings, children, and also widows and widowers of either citizens or green card holders. If you have such a relation then you can apply for a green card by filling out an application form. 

Employment-based: It is another type of green card for workers and is also allotted in some cases. Family members of the people who are working in the USA may be given green cards tied to their jobs.

Humanitarian green card holders: This type of green is issued to selected persons including Refugees, asylum seekers, and those victims of human trafficking, crime, or abuse.

Green card lottery winners: From a pool of entries it gets from six geographic regions. Including Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The United States government chooses up to 50000 individuals on a random basis each year. Those from nations with low levels of recent immigration to the US are given preference. 

After knowing the types of green cards next we will look at the benefits of green cards.

Properties of Green Card?

• Pathway to U.S. citizenship

• It allows citizens to live in the US permanently

• Right to work in the United States without any limitations.

• Green card holders can renew their cards after 10 years. 

Read Also:- Permanent Residence vs Citizenship: Does It Make a Difference?

How Would You Define a Visa?

It is an important travel document that allows foreign nationals to enter the USA for a limited period of time. Foreign nationals can use the US visa for tourism, education, and employment. There are various types of US visas that are used for different purposes let's shed light on them and then we will move toward the benefits of visas. 

Types of Visas

If we talk about the types of US visas then there are mainly two types: first is immigrant visas and other is non-immigrant visas. So let's learn more about both types of US visas and become familiar with them. 

Immigrant visas: This type of visa is for foreign nationals who want to work and stay in the United States. This visa is typically sponsored by a family member or employer, while some applicants may apply independently. 

Nonimmigrant visas: When we talk about this type of US visa then it is for those who want to visit the US for a short period of time and because of some reasons. Including tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, or study. There are several types of nonimmigrant visas which are as follows: 

F-1: For foreign academic students

H-1B, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, H-3: For temporary workers

I: For foreign information media representatives

J-1: For exchange visitors

A-2 NATO1-6: For foreign military personnel stationed in the United States

O: For foreign nationals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics

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Characteristics of Visa?

• Allow travelers to enter a specific country for a particular reason. 

• With the help of a visa, passengers will get a port of entry.

• Gives three to 10 years of validity depending on the type of visa. 

• If your visa is valid then you can make multiple entries. 

After discussing a Green card vs a visa it's time to know the difference between a green card and a visa. Next, we will check out the major differences between both of them by which you can choose any of the immigration services based on your interests and uses. 

Green Card vs Visa: Major Difference 

If you are a foreign national then with the help of a Visa and a Green card you can enter the United States. But both have different roles so let’s shed light on the difference between a green card and a visa. 

Purpose: There is a huge difference between a green card vs visa in their usage. When we talk about a green card then it offers permanent citizenship to the USA. apart from this, the US visa enables foreign nationals to visit the United States for a limited time and for particular reasons. Including education, travel, or work.

Duration: A green card allows for permanent residency, whereas a visa is only valid for a short period of time. Since the majority of non-immigrant visas have expiration dates. After the expiry of non-immigrant visas, holders need to re-apply for a US visa or depart from the country. however, a green card needs to be renewed every ten years even though the resident status is permanent. 

Work Authorization: When we talk about green cards vs visas based on work authorization then green cards allow foreign nationals to complete work authorization throughout the US. alongside, work visas are employer-specific. It means that if you ever change your job then a new visa is needed. 

Immigration Status: If you are a US visa holder then you don't need to be an immigrant. Besides this non-immigrant visas are allotted to those who want to visit the US temporarily for a particular reason. However, a green card serves as proof of permanent immigrant status.

Why to Hire Visament for Immigration Services 

In this blog, we talked about a green card vs visa. By going through this readers will get to learn various things related to green cards and visas. Such as their benefits, types, and the differences between them. 

Are you looking for any immigration service or facing difficulties with a visa or green card then must try to hire a Visament. It is one of the greatest immigration service providers and helps its clients with E-Visa, PAN card, Visa Renewal Services, Consultation Services, Indian passport Renewal, USA to UK, Canada, and India Visa, and many more. 

Additionally, by choosing them you will get 24*7 client support, inexpensive prices, privacy/confidentiality, speedy approval, mistakes-free applications, etc. so to get help with your visa, passport, green card, and other services then must try to hire them and enjoy hassle-free services.

Read Also:- Visa Free Countries For Indians - Tips & Required Documents