Differences Between Green Cards, Visa, and Citizenship

The United States has long been a destination for individuals seeking opportunities for work, study, or a new life. Three pivotal legal statuses—the visa, green card, and citizenship—are central to this journey. 

Each represents a different step in the immigration process, offering varying levels of access, rights, and responsibilities within the country. Thus, it is important to understand the distinction between immigrant visas and citizenship. While these terms are often mentioned in discussions about U.S. immigration, they are not interchangeable and serve distinct purposes.

A visa provides temporary permission to enter and stay in the United States for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, education, or employment. There are two main types of visas: non-immigrant visas, which allow short-term stays, and immigrant visas, which grant a path to permanent residency.

A Green Card, on the other hand, signifies permanent residency, allowing individuals to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. It is typically obtained through family sponsorship, employment-based applications, refugee or asylum status, or the Diversity Visa Lottery program.

While both visas and Green Cards play crucial roles in the immigration process, they serve distinct purposes—one providing temporary access and the other offering long-term residency.

On the other hand, citizenship embodies full membership in the nation, setting it apart in the debate of immigrant visa vs. citizenship by conferring rights such as voting, holding a U.S. passport, and eligibility for certain federal benefits. Understanding the differences between these statuses, such as immigrant visa vs citizenship, is essential for immigrants and those seeking a broader perspective on how U.S. immigration functions.

In this blog, you will learn about each status's roles, processes, and implications, clarifying their significance in shaping lives and futures in the United States.

What is a Visa?

A visa is a temporary authorization that allows a foreign national to enter and stay in the United States for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, work, or study. Visas are broadly categorized into:

• Non-immigrant visas – for temporary stays (e.g., tourist visa, student visa, work visa).
• Immigrant visas – for those intending to move permanently to the U.S.

An immigrant visa is a crucial step toward obtaining a Green Card and eventually applying for U.S. citizenship.

What is a Green Card (Permanent Residency)?

A Green Card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, grants lawful permanent residency in the U.S. It allows individuals to live and work indefinitely in the country. Green Card holders enjoy many rights similar to U.S. citizens but do not have privileges such as voting in federal elections or holding a U.S. passport.

Green Cards can be obtained through:

• Family sponsorship
• Employment-based applications
• Refugee or asylee status
• Diversity Visa Lottery

While permanent residency does not expire unless abandoned or revoked, Green Card holders must renew their card every 10 years.

What is Citizenship?

Citizenship is the highest legal status in the U.S. and offers full rights and responsibilities, including:

• The right to vote in elections
• A U.S. passport
• Eligibility for federal jobs and benefits
• Protection from deportation

A Green Card holder can apply for citizenship through naturalization after meeting specific residency and eligibility criteria, including maintaining a continuous presence in the U.S. and passing a citizenship test.

Read Also: Impact of H-1B Visa Program on U.S. Economy and Immigration Law

What Is The Purpose Of a Visa?

A visa is an official document or stamp issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate that allows a foreign national to travel to the United States. It indicates that the holder can seek entry into the country for a specific purpose and period. However, possessing a visa does not guarantee entry; the final decision lies with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry.

Visas fall into two main categories:

• Non-Immigrant Visas: These are for temporary stays and are issued for purposes such as tourism (B-2 visa), business (B-1 visa), study (F-1 visa), or work (H-1B visa).
• Immigrant Visas are for individuals planning to live permanently in the U.S. and are obtained as a precursor to obtaining a Green Card.

The validity and conditions of a visa depend on the type and the individual’s situation. They require adherence to specific rules, such as maintaining student or employment status during the stay.

Read Also: The Green Card Lottery: How the Diversity Visa Program Works

Benefits of US Citizenship

U.S. citizenship offers the highest level of legal status in the country. Citizens enjoy a wide range of rights and privileges, including:

• Voting Rights: The ability to participate in federal, state, and local elections.
• Government Jobs: Access to positions that require U.S. citizenship, particularly in federal agencies.
• Family Reunification: Citizens can sponsor a broader range of family members, including parents, siblings, and married children, for immigration to the U.S.
• Freedom from Deportation: Unlike Green Card holders, citizens cannot be deported unless citizenship is obtained fraudulently.
• Global Mobility: U.S. citizens have access to a U.S. passport, allowing for easier international travel and access to consular services abroad.

Citizenship is acquired by birth within U.S. territory or through naturalization. Naturalization typically requires applicants to hold a Green Card for at least five years (three years for certain categories), demonstrate knowledge of English and U.S. history, and swear an oath of allegiance to the United States.

Read Also: O-1 Visa Processing Time: Duration and Steps Involved

Process of Obtaining a Green Card

The process of obtaining a Green Card, often compared in discussions of immigrant visa vs citizenship, varies depending on the eligibility category but generally involves the following steps:

1. Determine Eligibility: Applicants must qualify under family sponsorship, employment, refugee or asylee status, or the Diversity Visa Lottery.
2. File a Petition: A family member, employer, or the applicant themselves (in some cases) files the appropriate petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
3. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing:
   
   1. If already in the U.S., the applicant may apply for an adjustment of status.
   2. If outside the U.S., they must go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
4. Medical Examination and Background Checks: Applicants undergo a medical exam and security screening.
5. Attend an Interview: A USCIS officer or consular officer interviews the applicant to assess eligibility.
6. Receive Decision: Approval results in the issuance of a Green Card.

Process Of Obtaining a Visa

The visa application process involves several steps, which may vary depending on the visa type:

• Determine the Visa Type: Applicants must identify whether they need a non-immigrant or immigrant visa based on their purpose of travel.
• Complete the Application: Applicants must fill out the appropriate forms, such as the DS-160 for non-immigrant visas or the DS-260 for immigrant visas.
• Pay the Fees: Visa application fees vary by type and must be paid before the interview.
• Schedule and Attend the Interview: Most visa applicants must attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, they may be asked to provide supporting documents, such as proof of financial stability, educational qualifications, or ties to their home country.
• Security and Background Checks: All applicants undergo rigorous screening, including biometric data collection, to ensure they do not pose a security threat.
• Receive Decision: The visa is stamped in the applicant’s passport if approved.

Each visa type has specific eligibility criteria and conditions for use, offering a clearer understanding of immigrant visas vs. citizenship and how each pathway differs.

Read Also: Understanding H-1B Visa Travel Requirements and Restrictions

How Can Alma Help With The Visa Application Process?

Alma assists with the visa application process by offering tools, resources, and personalized support tailored to your needs. 

Here's how Alma can help:

• Eligibility Assessment: Alma's platform evaluates your circumstances to identify the visa type that aligns with your goals, whether for work, study, family, or travel. The assessment tool provides a clear understanding of your options.
• Guidance on Documentation: At Alma, we simplify the preparation of required documents by outlining what is needed for your visa application. This helps minimize errors and avoids missing paperwork that could delay the process.
• Step-by-Step Process Overview: Our platform breaks down the visa application process, guiding you through each stage, from submitting your application to attending an interview.
• Expert Support: At Alma, our immigration attorney answers all your questions, offers insights, and reviews your application to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Customized Updates and Notifications: To help you stay on track, Alma provides reminders and notifications about deadlines and updates specific to your application.
• Interview Preparation: If an interview is part of the process, we offer resources and tips to help you prepare, increasing your confidence and readiness.
• Post-Visa Support: Once your visa is approved, we provide guidance on the next steps, including preparing for travel, understanding your rights and responsibilities, and complying with visa regulations.

By combining practical tools with expert assistance, Alma makes the visa application process more manageable and helps you focus on your goals.

Conclusion

Green Cards, visas, and citizenship represent different stages and aspects of an individual’s relationship with the United States. This emphasizes the importance of understanding immigrant visas vs. citizenship in making informed decisions. A Green Card provides permanent residency and work authorization, a visa allows temporary entry for specific purposes, and citizenship confers a range of rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. 

Together, they reflect the structured approach the U.S. government takes to regulate immigration and residency, ensuring diverse pathways for individuals to engage with the country based on their goals and qualifications.

Suppose you're considering your pathway to the United States or seeking clarity on which status aligns with your goals—whether an immigrant visa or citizenship—take the first step by assessing your options. 

Schedule a free consultation to gain personalized insights and guidance tailored to your immigration journey.