What is the difference between permanent resident and citizen

Many countries allow visa-free travel for U. There are no restrictions on the number of days a citizen can remain outside the United States.

Many federal and state government grants, scholarships, and other benefits are available only to U. Your spouse, unmarried children under age 21, and parents will be considered immediate relatives, and will be eligible to immigrate just as soon as you can get through all the paperwork and interviews.

Your married children and children over age 21, as well as your brothers and sisters, are considered preference relatives, and can be put on a waiting list to immigrate. This can take several years, however, especially for the siblings. If you are interested in the benefits of U. Browse All Immigration Topics ». The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site.

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Lawyer Directory. Call us at 1 Permanent Resident vs. Citizen: What's the Difference? Green card holders can in theory stay in the U. What Lawful Permanent Resident Status Means A lawful permanent resident is someone who has been granted the right to live in the United States for an indefinite time; possibly their entire life. Green card holders U. Will they receive an identity document? Yes, a green card, also called Form I Do they qualify for a U. Yes, after applying for it, with a few exceptions.

Can they vote in U. No; doing so could make them deportable. Can they petition for family members to immigrate? Yes, for spouse and unmarried children, and with limited visas available per year. Do they qualify for government benefits? Yes, but on a more limited basis than U. Yes, if they meet the basic eligibility criteria. Rights and Benefits of U. Lawful Permanent Residence A lawful permanent resident receives a photo identity card that is, literally, green.

Citizenship U. Talk to a Lawyer Need a lawyer? Start here. Practice Area Please select Zip Code. How it Works Briefly tell us about your case Provide your contact information Choose attorneys to contact you. Immigration Law. Immigration Law Basics. Getting a Visa, Green Card or Asylum. Getting a Green Card. Becoming a U. Family Sponsors Petitioning for Immigrants. Employers Sponsoring Immigrant Workers.

How to Get a Green Card. See All Immigration Law Articles. Related Products More. Any absences of one year leads to the presumption that you have abandoned your permanent residence.

It is extremely difficult to overcome that presumption. If you know you will be outside the U. A reentry permit is typically issued with a 2 year validity, and does not guarantee that you will be granted entry to the U. Up to 6 months prior to the expiration date of your alien registration card, you may apply for a renewal of the card by filing Form I application to replace permanent resident card. If you are a conditional permanent resident , you must use Form I petition to remove the conditions on residence.

Permanent residents are eligible to petition for close family members spouse and unmarried children to receive permanent residence and join you. After a certain length of time — five years in most cases, three years for spouses of U. The application is filed using Form N application for naturalization.

State department. Many countries allow visa-free travel for U. There are no restrictions on the amount of time you can remain outside the United States. Many federal and state government grants, scholarships and benefits are available only to U. Your spouse, unmarried children under age 21, and parents will be considered immediate relatives, and will not have to wait to receive permanent resident status beyond the processing time of the petition and interview process.

Your married children and children over age 21, as well as your brothers and sisters, are considered preference relatives, and can be put on a waiting list to immigrate. The waiting period for siblings can be several years.