{"id":1135,"date":"2018-06-21T05:49:08","date_gmt":"2018-06-21T05:49:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.usgreencardoffice.com\/?p=1135"},"modified":"2024-04-18T12:03:40","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T11:03:40","slug":"the-difference-between-green-cards-and-visas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/the-difference-between-green-cards-and-visas","title":{"rendered":"The difference between Green Cards and Visas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Working and living in the United States has many benefits. However, getting to the country can be confusing when you start thinking about Green Cards and visas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step is knowing the difference between Green Cards and visas. Once you do, it becomes much easier to apply for the right category so you can travel, work, or live in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong><u>Green Cards<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/US-Green-Card.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"257\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/US-Green-Card.jpg\" alt=\"Green Cards\" class=\"wp-image-797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/US-Green-Card.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/US-Green-Card-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Green Cards are always issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) office. You will obtain a Green Card if you want to become a full-time legal citizen of the USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a Green Card (officially known as a\u00a0Permanent Resident Card)\u00a0allows you to live, work or study permanently in America. The steps you must take to apply for your Green Card will vary depending on your personal situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The process of obtaining a Green Card is lengthy and must be started by a \u201csponsor\u201d who is already a citizen of the USA unless you apply for your Green Card via the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/introduction\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery<\/a> (also known as the Green Card Lottery).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>To be eligible for the Green Card Lottery, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/step-by-step\">you must follow the 16 steps<\/a>. Each step is very important, which is all the more reason why you should use an immigration service.In 2017, 1,183,505 people became lawful permanent residents (LPRs), also known as green-card holders, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><br>How many Singles and Families apply for the Green Card Lottery?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><br><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For the DV-2021 program, 23.2 million qualified applications were registered. The program is so popular that it had a massive 19 percent increase over the previous year. The application number varies each year depending on which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/qualifying-countries\">countries are eligible<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there are currently only 50,000 available slots for Green Cards. The list of eligible countries changes each year, as it depends on immigration statistics from the previous 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong><u>Visas<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/work_visa.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"249\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/work_visa.jpeg\" alt=\"Work VIsa USA\" class=\"wp-image-782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/work_visa.jpeg 375w, https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/work_visa-300x199.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Work Visa USA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A visa\u00a0is a temporary permission to travel to the\u00a0United State for one of many reasons.We have listed\u00a0 the different categories of visas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tourism &amp; Visit<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Study &amp; Exchange<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Business<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Immigrate<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Employment<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Other visa Categories<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Importantly, you can only take part in certain activities when in the US under a visa. For example, if you apply for a tourism visa, you can\u2019t get a job. With a business visa, you can attend various business-related activities but must be paid by your foreign employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>All visas always have an expiration date stamped on the visa pages that are placed in the visa holder\u2019s passport. This visa must be shown to immigration when a visa holder enters\u00a0the USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhs.gov\/visa-waiver-program-requirements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">40 visa-free countries<\/a>, meaning travelers can legally enter the US for up to 90 days without needing a visa. It makes things like tourism much simpler. The countries include\u00a0Canada,\u00a0the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Australia and South Korea, to name a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>While citizens from these countries can enter the US without a visa, they still need one for work-related reasons if they plan to get a job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Where visas become confusing is there can be several different subcategories within the above-listed categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span lang=\"UZ-CYR\">The Difference Between Green Cards and Visas<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on the above information, the difference between Green Cards and visas should be fairly obvious. To break it down in a bit more detail, here are the main differences between the two:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You\u2019re issued with a visa before traveling, whereas you\u2019re issued with a Green Card once you enter the US.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>While you must apply for both before traveling, you must renew a Green Card every 12 months while living in the country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visas don\u2019t allow you to stay indefinitely; they always have an end date. If your Green Card is renewed, you can stay in the US for as long as you want.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A non-immigrant visa doesn\u2019t start you towards citizenship. While an immigrant visa does, it in itself isn\u2019t residency status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A Green Card gives you lawful permanent resident status, which you can convert into citizenship after 5 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A Green Card is your permission to live and work in the US. Technically, a visa will only give you the right to work, if you apply for that, of course.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:42px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"The difference between Green Cards and Visas in United States\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tCArvO4DEtM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span lang=\"UZ-CYR\">Choosing Between Green Cards and Visas<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how do you choose between Green Cards and visas? Ultimately, it comes down to the purpose of your trip. If you\u2019re going on vacation, a business trip, or are planning some kind of workaway job, a visa will be fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s worth looking into the different kinds of visas to see what they entitle you to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A Green Card, however, is the right choice if you want to live permanently (or at least long term) in the US. Therefore, it shouldn\u2019t actually be that difficult of a decision to make. After all, it\u2019s based on what you want to do in the US, and how long you plan to stay there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span lang=\"UZ-CYR\">Applying for Green Cards and Visas<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Applying for visas isn\u2019t as complicated or long-winded as Green Cards. That said, you should always seek advice from a lawyer or your national US consulate\/embassy if you\u2019re unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Most immigrants apply for the Green Card Program because it is an easy pathway to become legal citizens of the United States. It\u2019s the more suitable option if you want long-term employment in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Like a visa application, though, you should stick to reputable sources to avoid any potential immigration scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You should always apply directly on <\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/introduction\"><strong>US GREEN CARD OFFICE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/ref\/test\/2b293034.html\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/public\/affiliate_new\/accounts\/default1\/banners\/2b293034.gif\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/public\/affiliate_new\/scripts\/imp.php?a_aid=test&amp;a_bid=2b293034\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:37px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Working and living in the United States has many benefits. However, getting to the country can be confusing when you start thinking about Green Cards and visas. The first step is knowing the difference between Green Cards and visas. Once you do, it becomes much easier to apply for the right category so you can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":797,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1135","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-about-the-usa-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1135","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1135"}],"version-history":[{"count":47,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1135\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5459,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1135\/revisions\/5459"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/797"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1135"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1135"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1135"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}