A green card itself is not exactly a visa in the traditional sense. Here’s the breakdown:
- Green Card: A physical card that signifies lawful permanent resident status in the United States. It allows you to live and work indefinitely.
- Visa: A document permitting temporary entry into a country for a specific purpose (e.g., tourism, work, study).
However, there is a connection:
- Green card as a type of visa: Technically, a green card is classified as a type of visa – an immigrant visa – specifically designed for permanent residence.
- Obtaining a green card: To get a green card, you typically need an immigrant visa first (which allows you to travel to the U.S. for the green card process).
In short:
- Green card = permanent resident status (not a traditional visa)
- Green card holders can eventually become U.S. citizens.
- An immigrant visa is often required to get a green card.
For more details: https://www.usa.gov/green-card-permanent-resident-immigrant-visa