Understanding the difference between a permanent resident vs citizen is essential if you're planning to live permanently in the United States. Although both statuses allow you to live and work in the U.S., they differ significantly in voting rights, travel privileges, government benefits, family sponsorship, and protection under U.S. immigration law.
In this blog, we'll compare permanent resident status and U.S. citizenship, explain their benefits and responsibilities, and help you determine which option is right for you
A permanent resident is legally allowed to live and work in the United States indefinitely with a valid Green Card but cannot vote in federal elections or obtain a U.S. passport. A U.S. citizen enjoys full constitutional rights, including voting, holding certain government jobs, and unrestricted international travel with a U.S. passport.
A lawful permanent resident (LPR) is a person who has the legal right to live, work, and study in the United States permanently. Permanent residents receive a Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card, which serves as proof of their immigration status.
As a Green Card holder, you can:
However, permanent residents remain citizens of their home country unless they later become U.S. citizens through naturalization.
Citizenship is the highest legal status granted by the United States. It provides all constitutional rights, legal protections, and civic responsibilities.
A person may become a U.S. citizen through:
Unlike permanent residents, U.S. citizens do not need to renew their immigration status and cannot generally lose their citizenship except in rare legal situations.
A Permanent resident offers various benefits, which are:
Having a citizenship of a country unlocks many benefits, like:
Although both statuses allow individuals to live and work in the United States, there are several significant differences.
Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections. Permanent residents cannot legally vote in national elections.
A U.S. citizen can obtain a U.S. passport for international travel. Permanent residents must continue using the passport issued by their country of citizenship along with their Green Card when re-entering the United States.
Many federal and security-related government positions require U.S. citizenship. Permanent residents may qualify for some public-sector jobs but not all.
Both citizens and permanent residents may sponsor eligible family members. However, U.S. citizens can sponsor a broader range of relatives, and processing is often faster.
A lawful permanent resident may lose their status because of certain criminal convictions, immigration violations, or abandonment of residency. U.S. citizens generally cannot be deported
Most lawful permanent residents may apply for U.S. citizenship after maintaining permanent resident status for at least five years.
Here are some of the general eligibility requirements given below to apply for U.S. citizenship:
Yes. A permanent resident may lose their status if they:
If you expect to stay outside the United States for a long time, applying for a re-entry permit before departure may help preserve your permanent resident status.
If you plan to make the United States your permanent home, becoming a U.S. citizen may offer additional security and opportunities.
Citizenship may be the better choice if you want to:
However, permanent resident status remains an excellent option for individuals who are not yet ready to complete the naturalization process.
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Chat NowPermanent resident and citizenship both allow an individual to live in a country, but with different laws, rights, and privileges.
As we have seen, permanent resident offers individuals a long-term stay in the country with an indefinite period, but they need to renew their green card every 10 years.
Whereas, citizenship allows individuals many rights, like the right to vote, work, study, apply for jobs in government offices, and get the opportunity to serve in the military.
To get more information about permanent residents or U.S. citizenship, you can visit the USCIS website or consult with a Visament expert through the online website.
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.
No, with a green card you cannot get the citizenship of US. A green card is only issued to a lawful permanent resident of the US, and they can apply for US citizenship using the naturalization process, by filling out application form N-400.
No, a permanent resident is not a U.S. citizen until he or she completes the naturalization process. Once they fill out the N-400 application form, they can become US citizens.
If you are a permanent resident in the US, then you cannot vote in the US elections.
Yes, a US permanent resident can travel outside the US, and they will need a valid Alien Registration card to return to the U.S. Additionally, a permanent resident should have a valid passport of another country.
If your green card expires, then you can apply for the renewal of your green card by filling out the form I-190 from the USCIS website up to six months before the expiry of your Alien Registration Card.
Yes, a permanent resident can sponsor their family members and help them obtain permanent residence and live in the US. If your members are considered relatives, then it will result in a limited number of immigrant visas, and they have to wait about a year to enter the US or get a green card.
No, generally, there is no way that you can expedite the naturalization application. However, for permanent residents and US citizens, there is an application process for expedited naturalization.
Vipul Jain is the Co-Founder of Visament, a trusted platform dedicated to simplifying Indian immigration, consular, and NRI services for applicants across the globe. With extensive expertise in OCI cards, Indian passport services, visa assistance, apostille and document legalization,... See Full Bio
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