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By Vipul Jain | 13 Jan, 2025
Many immigrants dream of gaining US citizenship. The dream of living in America starts with getting a Green Card and later gaining U.S. citizenship. While these two statuses offer noteworthy advantages, they are not the same.
In this blog guide, you will understand the significant differences between permanent residence and citizenship, allowing you to make a rational decision about your future.
To prove you have a permanent resident status in the United States, you need an identification card, which is a Green Card. In the US, a green card is officially known as permanent resident status. It lets foreign individuals study, live, and employ themselves permanently in the country. However, as a green card holder, you might not have all the rights that are granted to US citizens.
The privileges of permanent residency grants are great, like having the ability to work legally and travel outside the United States temporarily. However, green card holders must maintain continuous residence to avoid any serious crimes and renew their card within the timeframe. Now, if your card is lost, then you must report the lost permanent resident card to the official authority and apply for the card replacement through USCIS.
The meaning of U.S. citizenship is that you are a complete member of the country with all the constitutional rights. US citizens can get a US passport, vote, and cannot be deported. Becoming a US citizen is a commitment that gives all the benefits and protection the United States has to offer.
When comparing permanent residence vs. citizenship, it is evident that United States citizenship has to offer a higher level of rights and security. Permanent residents have to maintain their green card status, and in the case of certain crimes, they have to face possible deportation. But when it comes to the citizens of the United States, they enjoy full legal protection and benefits.
If you have citizenship in the US, you have
- The voting rights
- The ability to apply for grants and federal jobs
- The eligibility for specific government benefits
- The right to apply for and get a U.S. passport for international travel
In a nutshell, the benefits of U.S. citizenship are a lot more than what a Green Card offers.
Permanent residents do have important rights, but they cannot apply for federal jobs, vote, or stay outside the US for too long, because if they do so, they'd be risking their permanent resident status. To renew a green card, green card holders have to file a USCIS application and pay USCIS fees that are applicable for renewing the green card.
If you choose to become a U.S. citizen, you have to apply for U.S. citizenship through the official website of USCIS. In the procedure, you will be submitting asked documentation, attending an interview round, and having to pass the civics and English tests. Full details for the application process are available on the USCIS website.
USCIS, also known as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is a government agency that is authorized to process the applications related to green cards and citizenship. Whether you are looking to adjust your green card status or come out to be a citizen, check the USCIS website or even visit the USCIS offices to streamline the process.
It is a serious matter if you lose your green card. So, if in any case, you have lost your permanent resident card, you need to report it as soon as possible. Furthermore, if you fail to renew a green card on time, it can cause some serious complications while proving your status or even traveling.
Depending on the service, the USCIS fees vary. Applying for a citizenship application or filing for a green card replacement both have different significant expenses, which are displayed on the USCIS website.
If you are a green card holder, you have to be cautious about being outside of the US for extended periods. If you abandon your US residence for too long, you might be at risk of losing your permanent resident status.
Not every individual who has a green card goes for citizenship and becomes one of the US citizen. Some people prefer to keep their authentic nationality, bypass additional taxes, or keep up with dual residency arrangements. However, to avoid any immigration complications, you must monitor your green card status.
The official USCIS website has valuable resources to offer for people with green cards and going to be US citizens. The website provides detailed guides, offers value, online application and filing options, and will also help you schedule an appointment for the USCIS offices nationwide.
It can be an overwhelming decision to decide between permanent resident status or applying for U.S. citizenship. You need to weigh the benefits of U.S. citizenship and permanent residence against the responsibilities it holds. Whether you want to remain a green card holder or want to become a citizen, the preference should align with your long-term goals and lifestyle choices.
So, are you excited and ready to take the next step in your journey of immigration? Let Visament guide you, from Green Card to US citizenship, we can help you through all.
No, a green card is not the same as citizenship
No right to vote, No automatic extension, Non-transferrable, Expiration, Deportation, and Lower priority for sponsoring family are some of the disadvantages of having a green card.
It generally takes 3 to 5 years to become eligible for US citizenship after you have taken your green card.
Green card's validity is 10 years.
No, the U.S. government prohibits citizens from taking away their green cards.
No, U.S. tax residents are taxed in the same manner as U.S. citizens on their worldwide income.
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