What is the difference between Visas and Green Cards?

What Are Visas?

Visas are a document prepared by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), which gives someone the right to present themselves at a U.S. boundary or port of entry and attempt entry. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the border or airport makes the final decision whether to allow someone into the country or not. Nonetheless, having a visa is a good indication that entry will be permitted.

An immigrant visa lets a person become a permanent citizen immediately upon U.S. entry; they will receive a green card soon after that. A non-immigrant visa is only temporary, which means a person cannot live as a legal residency in the country. The person will need to leave by the date shown on the 1-94 that he/she is issued at entry.

What Are Green Cards?

Green cards are used for the plastic photo ID card that someone receives upon becoming a U.S. lawful permanent resident. It includes cases where the person recently entered the U.S. using an immigrant visa and cases where the person applied for permanent residence from within the United States. The term “green card holder” is often used for lawful permanent legal residency and lawful conditional residents, though the latter’s status expires in two years.

Green Cards vs. Visas: What is the Main Difference Between Them?

The main difference between Green Cards and Visas has to be the fact that one represents legal residency, while the other merely makes travel within the U.S. that bit easier. Immigrant visas can open the opportunities for green cards, but they never imitate residency in themselves.

Expiration Dates

Green cards by representatives do not come with expiration days. Cards are only valid for ten years; residency is permanent and requires an application for a new card using Form 1-90 when that period ends.

The only expiration date on a green card comes from crimes committed or those who fall within the EB-5 visa category for approval. Non-immigrant visas will remain for only a few years, while immigrant visas are valid for just six months after their interview date.

Ability to travel

Visas are intended to add easy to the process of travel around the U.S. Many make the misconception of imagining this benefit also comes along with green cards, but that’s not the case. Green Card holders must live permanently in the U.S., or they sacrifice their residency.

Work

Green cards allow people to work within the U.S., While visas are only viable for those passing through or aiming to apply for a green card at some stage.

Which is Best for You: Visas or Green Cards?

Deciding between a green card and a visa comes down to crucial considerations which include:

     ⦁ The time you will be spending in the U.S.

     ⦁ Your reason for visiting

     ⦁ Your residency intentions

In some cases, non-resident people find that a visa serves for their tour purposes, saving potentially long-winded green card permanent citizen processes. But, if you expect to get permanent U.S. resident status, there’s simply no accommodation on what a green card can offer, no matter what green card category you fall into.

If you need any help related to visas, green cards, or legal residency, you can contact Reyes & Schroeder Associates and Law, where experienced lawyers will help you understand the entire process and how it will be beneficial to you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!

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