By Danielle Perez, Immigration Attorney
Key Takeaways
● Permanent residents can live and work permanently in the U.S., but they don’t have all the same rights as U.S. citizens.
● U.S. citizens can vote in federal, state, and local elections, get a U.S. passport, and sponsor a wider range of family members for immigration.
● Most permanent residents can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years, while certain qualifying spouses of U.S. citizens might be eligible after three years.
● Green card holders can travel outside the U.S., but extended absences might affect their permanent resident status or future naturalization eligibility.
● Permanent residents must maintain their immigration status, while US citizenship generally provides greater long-term security and protections.
● The biggest difference between a U.S. citizen and permanent resident comes down to the additional rights, protection, and opportunities that citizenship provides
Understanding the permanent resident vs citizen distinction is important if you’re building a long-term future in the United States. While both statuses allow you to live and work in the U.S., there are some meaningful differences when it comes to travel, voting, and other long-term rights. Keep reading, and we’ll break down the specific differences, how each status works, and what becoming a U.S. citizen can offer.
What Does Permanent Residency Mean in the U.S.?
Permanent residency allows a person who’s not a U.S. citizen to live and work in the United States on an ongoing basis. Permanent residents are commonly called green card holders because they receive a Permanent Resident Card as proof of their status.
Having a green card comes with many of the same everyday freedoms U.S. citizens have, including the ability to work for most employers and live anywhere in the country. However, permanent residency does come with certain limitations and responsibilities. For example, permanent residents generally can’t vote in federal, state, and local elections, and spending an extended period outside of the United States can sometimes put their residency status at risk.
For many immigrants, becoming a permanent resident is also an important step toward citizenship. Once a person meets the applicable residency and other requirements, they might be eligible to apply for naturalization.
What Does Citizenship Mean in the U.S.?
U.S. citizenship provides a broader set of rights and protections than permanent residency. A person might become a citizen by birth or, if eligible, through the naturalization process.
Citizens have rights that permanent residents generally don’t, including the right to vote in federal elections, obtain a U.S. passport, and remain in the United States without having to maintain permanent residency status. Citizenship can also provide additional options for sponsoring certain family members for immigration benefits.
For green card holders considering naturalization, the process will usually involve meeting eligibility requirements, submitting an application, completing an interview, and passing English and civics requirements unless some kind of exemption or accommodation applies.
What Is the Difference Between a U.S. Citizen and Permanent Resident?
It’s easy to confuse permanent residency with citizenship because both can allow someone to live and work in the United States long term. The biggest difference is that a permanent resident remains a citizen of another country and holds U.S. immigration status. In contrast, a U.S. citizen has the full legal rights and protections that come with citizenship.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) | U.S. Citizen |
|---|---|
| Can permanently live in the U.S. as long as permanent resident status is maintained | Has the right to permanently live in the U.S. |
| Can legally work for most U.S. employers | Can legally work in the U.S., including in certain government positions restricted to citizens |
| Generally cannot vote in federal, state, or local elections | Can vote in federal, state, and local elections if otherwise eligible |
| Uses a passport from their country of citizenship for international travel | Can obtain a U.S. passport |
| Extended travel abroad can affect permanent resident status | Can generally live or travel abroad without losing U.S. citizenship |
| Can sponsor certain relatives for green cards | Has broader options for sponsoring qualifying relatives |
| May be subject to removal from the U.S. under immigration law | Generally cannot be deported, although citizenship obtained through naturalization can be revoked in limited circumstances |
| May eventually qualify to apply for U.S. citizenship | Already has U.S. citizenship |
Can Permanent Residents Travel Outside the U.S.?
Yes. Permanent residents can travel outside the U.S. and generally return using a valid green card. However, longer trips can raise questions about whether the person still considers the U.S. their permanent home. Trips lasting more than 6 months can also affect eligibility for citizenship, while an absence of one year or longer can create more serious reentry and residency issues.
What Are the Benefits of U.S. Citizenship Over Permanent Residency?
● Voting rights in federal, state, and local elections and other elections for which the person is eligible.
● A U.S. passport and access to U.S. consular assistance while abroad.
● More family immigration options, including the ability to petition for parents, siblings, and married children.
● No risk of abandoning permanent resident status because of extended time living abroad.
● Greater protection from removal, since U.S. citizens generally cannot be deported.
● Access to certain federal jobs and elected offices that require U.S. citizenship.
● Certain government benefits or programs that may have citizenship requirements, although many benefits are also available to qualifying permanent residents.
When Do Permanent Residents Become Eligible for Citizenship?
Most permanent residents can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years. Certain permanent residents who have been married to and living with the same U.S. citizen spouse for at least three years may qualify to apply after three years instead. Applicants must also meet other naturalization requirements, including continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, and English and civics requirements unless an exception applies.
How Long Does it Take to Get U.S. Citizenship vs Permanent Residency?
The timeline for getting U.S. permanent residency, or a green card, can actually vary quite a bit. Depending on how you qualify, the process might take anywhere from several months to several years. Family relationships, employment categories, visa availability, and processing times all play a part in how long it takes to get a green card.
The U.S. citizenship timeline is usually longer because most immigrants must first become permanent residents and then wait a certain amount of time before applying for naturalization.
| Immigration Status | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Permanent Residency (Green Card) | Often takes several months to several years, depending on the type of green card and visa availability |
| U.S. Citizenship | Most permanent residents can apply after five years. Certain qualifying spouses of U.S. citizens may apply after three years. Applicants must then complete the naturalization process. |
Can Permanent Residents Sponsor Relatives to Come to the U.S?
Yes. U.S. permanent residents can sponsor certain family members for a green card, including a spouse and unmarried children. However, their options are more limited than what is available to U.S. citizens, and relatives might need to wait for an immigrant visa to become available. Becoming a U.S. citizen can open up additional family sponsorship options, including the ability to petition for parents, siblings, and married children.
What Do Permanent Residents Have to Do to Maintain Their Status?
Getting a green card gives you the right to live permanently in the United States, but there are still a few important requirements for maintaining permanent resident status you’ll want to be aware of:
● Make the U.S. your permanent home. Long or frequent trips abroad can raise questions about whether you have abandoned your U.S. residency.
● Follow U.S. laws. Certain criminal convictions or immigration violations can put permanent resident status at risk.
● File U.S. tax returns when required. Claiming to be a “nonresident” for tax purposes can create immigration concerns in certain circumstances.
● Keep your green card current. Most 10-year green cards need to be renewed when they expire. Conditional permanent residents have separate requirements for removing conditions.
● Update USCIS after moving. Most permanent residents are required to report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days.
Keep in mind that a green card expiring doesn’t automatically mean permanent resident status has expired, but keeping valid proof of your status can make employment, travel, and other everyday matters much easier.
The Permanent Resident vs Citizen Conclusion
Whether you’re working toward permanent residency or thinking about becoming a U.S. citizen, each step can have a really big impact on your future. The important thing is understanding what your current status allows and what options might be available to you next.
If you’re looking for a trusted and experienced immigration attorney, contact our team at Ginsburg & Perez. Immigration paperwork, deadlines, and eligibility rules can get complicated really fast, and having an attorney in your corner can make the process much easier to understand. We can answer all your questions, help you avoid unnecessary mistakes, and guide you toward the best path forward for your unique situation. We can help you with all kinds of immigration situations, including VAWA visas, military parole in place, marriage visas, and more.
FAQs
Can Permanent Residents Be Deported?
Yes. Having a green card doesn’t provide the same protection from removal as U.S. citizenship. Permanent residents can potentially be deported for certain criminal convictions, immigration violations, fraud, or other grounds under U.S. immigration law.
Can You Travel With a Permanent Resident Card?
Yes. A valid Permanent Resident Card, or green card, generally allows permanent residents to return to the United States after temporary international travel.
Does the U.S. Allow Dual Citizenship?
Yes. The United States allows dual citizenship and doesn’t generally require U.S. citizens to give up another nationality. However, the other country may have different rules, so it's important to understand the citizenship laws of both countries.
How Long Does It Take to Get U.S. Citizenship?
Most permanent residents become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after five years with a green card. Certain qualifying spouses of U.S. citizens may be eligible after three years. The naturalization process itself takes additional time, and USCIS processing times can vary.
Can a Permanent Resident Become a U.S. Citizen?
Yes. Many permanent residents can eventually become U.S. citizens through the naturalization process. In addition to meeting the required residency period, applicants must meet other requirements involving physical presence, good moral character, English and civics knowledge, unless an exception applies.
Is a Green Card the Same as Permanent Residency?
A green card is the document that serves as evidence of lawful permanent resident status in the United States. That’s why the terms “green card holder” and “permanent resident” are often used to describe the same person and immigration status.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
