By Jonathan 
Did you know that as of 2023, there are 47.8 million immigrants residing in the United States, according to the latest American Community Survey (ACS) from the US Census Bureau?The United States remains a top destination for immigrants globally.
If you are looking at US immigration options, it is important to consider the difference between a green card and a visa. According to green card and visa lawyer Sanjay Sobti, a green card lets a non-citizen live and work in the US permanently, giving them permanent legal residency. For some people, this is the next step toward becoming a citizen and getting naturalization.
A visa on the other hand is a short-term document that lets people work or study in the US. There are both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas.
Let’s look at the difference between green cards and visas to help you better understand the complicated US immigration system.
Understanding Visas: Types and Purposes
There are so many types of visas and you can get one based on your needs. For instance, a tourist visa may be issued for tourism with a view to culture exploration; a student visa, on the other hand, would allow you to travel abroad and acquire skills. Immigration lawyers from https://www.destinolegal.com/ say that you can also obtain a visa for a family-based immigration.
Under family-based immigration, you might be granted a marriage visa or fiance visa while your child may receive a child visa so he or she is able to come with you to the US.
Each visa is another opportunity to connect with communities or enrich life. So whether you seek excitement or self-growth, there is a visa option available for you.
What ‘s a Green Card? Rights and Benefits
The Green Card, or the Permanent Resident Card as it is known, provides you an opportunity to live or work inside the US on a permanent basis.
Possessing a Green Card holds many benefits awarded to a permanent resident, such as educational opportunities, healthcare choices, and traveling in and out of the country without the constraints of a visa. After all the requirements are fulfilled, you may file for citizenship.
A Green Card gives some stability and a feeling of belonging to the community upon which the holder can then build their life while doing worthy societal work.
Key Differences Between Green Cards and Visas
Both Green Cards and visas give legal permission to remain in the United States but do so with diverse applications, privileges, and restrictions.
Normally, a visa is granted for a temporary period and contains two parts: one is the time allowed for the stay, depending on the actual purpose of the holder’s stay, and the other is the working or studying duration.
A Green Card means you have permanent residency to live and work in the United States forever. It is a way to finally ask for citizenship after fulfilling all other requirements. Often, you must keep certain conditions fitted with a visa while Green Cards provide more stability.
How to Obtain a Visa vs. Applying for a Green Card
Usually, immigration authorities issue a visa as a first entry permit into the U.S. for a stated purpose, such as working or studying. Candidates must select the appropriate type, assemble the necessary documents, and then set off for a U.S. consulate or embassy to file their application.
Green Card application, on the other hand, refers to an establishment of permanent residence. This process will take longer and could require sponsorship from a family member or employer. You will be required to fill out forms, go through background checks, and even attend interviews.
Implications of Holding a Green Card or Visa in the U.S
Holding a Green Card or a visa in the U.S. entails a series of implications affecting your rights and responsibilities.
Having a Green Card means permanent residency: the right to live and work anywhere in the country. You become eligible for citizenship upon fulfilling certain conditions. That must be considering that an alien with a conditional residence must maintain that residence and can lose his status upon excessive absences outside the United States.
Meanwhile, a visa normally grants temporary stays for a certain purpose, i.e., work or studying. You have to respect the conditions and periods allotted. Remember, having any violation puts your status in danger.