fbpx

Green Card vs. work visa – what are the differences

Rush In
Rush In
Max  3min read
Share

Are you considering a move to the United States? If so, you may be wondering about the differences between a Green Card and a Visa.

 

While both of these documents allow you to enter the country legally, there are some significant differences between the two. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about which option is right for you.

 

In this article, we will take a closer look at the difference between Green Card and Visa.

 

Read on to learn more about the key differences between these two important documents, including the pros and cons of each. 

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document that gives you permanent residency in the United States. With a Green Card, you can legally work and live in the country, and you have the same rights and protections as a U.S. citizen, except for the right to vote. You can also travel outside of the country and re-enter without needing a visa.

There are several ways to obtain a Green Card, including through family sponsorship, employment sponsorship, refugee or asylee status, and the Diversity Visa Lottery. However, the process can be lengthy and complicated, and not everyone is eligible to apply. It’s also important to note that there are annual quotas on the number of Green Cards issued in each category, so getting one can be competitive.

Pros of a Green Card:
  • You have permanent residency in the United States, which means you can live and work in the country indefinitely.
  • You have the same rights and protections as a U.S. citizen, except for the right to vote.
  • You can travel outside of the country and re-enter without needing a visa.
  • You can sponsor family members for Green Cards once you have one.
Cons of a Green Card:
  • The application process can be lengthy and complicated, and not everyone is eligible to apply.
  • There are annual quotas on the number of Green Cards issued in each category, so getting one can be competitive.
  • You may be subject to deportation if you commit certain crimes or violate immigration laws.

What is a US work permit visa?

A Work Visa, also known as a Temporary Employment Visa, allows you to work in the United States for a specific period of time. There are several types of Work Visas, including the H-1B Visa for skilled workers, the L-1 Visa for intra-company transfers, and the O Visa for people with extraordinary ability in arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.

 

To obtain a Work Visa, you need to have a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor your visa application. The employer must show that they were unable to find a qualified U.S. worker to fill the position and that hiring you will not harm the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.

Pros of a US Work Permit Card:
  • You can work legally in the United States for a specific period of time.
  • You can bring your spouse and children with you on a dependent visa.
  • You may be eligible to apply for a Green Card later if your employer is willing to sponsor you. 
Cons of a Work Visa:
  • You need to have a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor your visa application.
  • You are tied to your employer and cannot change jobs without risking losing your visa status.
  • You may need to leave the country when your visa expires or if you lose your job. 

Visa vs Green Card: Which One to Choose?

When deciding between a work visa vs green card, it’s important to consider your long-term goals and plans. If you are looking to make a permanent move to the United States and establish a life there, a Green Card is the way to go.

 

However, if you are not sure if you want to stay in the country indefinitely or if you only plan to work in the U.S. for a specific period of time, a Work Visa may be a better fit.

 

It’s also important to consider the application process and eligibility requirements for each option. While obtaining a Green Card can be a lengthy and complicated process, not everyone is eligible for a Work Visa either. You need to have a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor your visa application, and there are specific requirements and quotas for each type of visa.

Green Card vs Work Permit: How to obtain one?

If you are considering living and working in the United States, you may be wondering about the differences between a Green Card and a Work Permit, and how to obtain one. Here is some information that can help you understand the processes. 

How to get a Green Card?

To obtain a Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements and go through an application process. Here are the general steps: 

  • Determine your eligibility: There are several ways to qualify for a Green Card, including through employment, family sponsorship, refugee or asylum status, and diversity lottery.
  • Submit a petition or application: Once you determine your eligibility, you need to submit a petition or application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The requirements and process vary depending on the category of Green Card you are applying for.
  • Attend an interview: If your application is approved, you will be invited to attend an interview with a USCIS officer to verify your identity and eligibility.
  • Receive your Green Card: If your application is approved, you will receive your Green Card in the mail.
How to get a Work Visa?

To obtain a Work Permit, also known as a Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you need to be in a certain immigration status that allows you to work in the United States, such as having a pending Green Card application or being in a temporary protected status. Here are the general steps:

  • Determine your eligibility: You need to be in a certain immigration status to be eligible for a Work Permit. The eligibility requirements vary depending on your situation.
  • Submit a Form I-765: You need to submit a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS.
  • Attend a biometrics appointment: After you submit your application, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment to have your fingerprints, photo, and signature taken.
  • Receive your Work Permit: If your application is approved, you will receive your Work Permit in the mail.

Getting a Green Card after a Visa?

Are you currently working in the United States under a work visa, but you want to obtain a Green Card to live and work here permanently? If so, you may be wondering if it’s possible to obtain a Green Card while you already have a work visa. The answer is yes! Let’s dive into the details.

 

First, it’s important to note that having a work visa doesn’t disqualify you from obtaining a Green Card. In fact, having a work visa may even increase your chances of obtaining a Green Card. Here’s why:

  • If you’re already working in the US under a work visa, you likely have a job offer from a US employer. This can be a valuable asset in your Green Card application, as having a job offer from a US employer can help demonstrate that you have ties to the US and that you’re likely to contribute to the US economy if you’re allowed to stay.
  • If you’ve been working in the US under a work visa for some time, you may have already established a life here. You may have a lease or mortgage, a bank account, and other ties to the community. All of these things can be used as evidence of your ties to the US and your intent to remain here permanently.
  • Certain work visas, such as the H-1B visa, are dual-intent visas, which means that you can have the intent to immigrate to the US while still maintaining your nonimmigrant status. This can make it easier to transition from a work visa to a Green Card.

That being said, obtaining a Green Card while you already have a work visa can still be a complicated process. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • The process for obtaining a Green Card can vary depending on the type of work visa you have, as well as other factors such as your country of origin and your employer. It’s important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to determine the best path forward for your specific situation.
  • Depending on your situation, you may need to go through a labor certification process or obtain a National Interest Waiver in order to obtain a Green Card. Again, an immigration attorney can help guide you through these processes.
  • You may need to wait for your priority date to become current before you can apply for a Green Card. This can take several years in some cases, so it’s important to be patient and plan accordingly.

Work Permit vs Green Card: How we can help

Are you looking to obtain a Green Card or a Work Visa? The process can be complicated and time-consuming, but RushIn Documentation can make it easier for you. In this section, we’ll explore how we can assist you in obtaining the necessary documents for a successful application.  

Apostille and Legalization Services:
  • We provide Apostille and Legalization Services, which means we can help authenticate and legalize your documents for use in foreign countries – especially here in the United States
  • Our experts can guide you through the process of getting your documents ready for submission
  • The cost is reasonable, and our services include the government fee
Document Translation Services:
  • If your documents are in a language other than English, we offer translation services
  • Our translators are professional, certified, and experienced in legal and immigration matters
Green Card and Work Visa Applications:
  • We can help with the application process for both Green Cards and Work Visas
  • Our experts are knowledgeable about the latest immigration laws and regulations, which can change frequently
  • We can advise you on the best approach to take based on your individual circumstances 

RushIn Documentation can help obtaining a Green Card or Work Visa easier for you. We offer a range of services, including document authentication and translation, as well as assistance with the application process. If you’re looking to obtain a Green Card or Work Visa, consider using our services.

 

So, why wait? Contact RushIn Documentation today to get started on your Green Card or Work Visa application!

FREE
CONSULTATION
FILL THE FORM
Full Name(Required)
Indicate your status(Required)
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Latest Blog

Спасибо!
Мы получили Ваше сообщение.
Thanks for your request.
We’ll contact you soon!