Getting a job in the USA is no small task. You need your education, an impressive resume, and some serious contacts. If you are an international student, you also need a work visa.
Getting a work visa is no easy task either. And getting a Green Card requires an extensive application and interview process.
But how do these two types of visas differ?
This guide will help you understand the key differences between a work visa vs green card.
Read on to learn more!
What is a Work Visa?
A work visa is a document that allows a foreign national to enter and work in a country for a specified period. Work visas are typically issued for a specific job and a specific employer.
Most work visas also require the applicant to have a valid passport and to show proof of financial solvency. Work visas are generally categorized as either temporary or permanent.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card allows a person to live and work permanently in the United States. To get a Green Card, you must be sponsored by a family member or employer in the United States. You will also need to meet specific qualifications by USCIS, such as having a job offer from a U.S. employer.
A Green Card makes you eligible to apply for US Citizenship after 5 years of staying as a Green Card holder.
In What Ways Do Work Visa vs Green Card Differ?
There are many ways in which a work visa and a green card differ. Let’s have an overview of these differences.
Length of Stay
There are a few key ways in which a work visa and a green card differ in terms of length of stay. A work visa typically allows for a shorter period of stay in the United States, usually just a few years. By contrast, a green card provides permanent residency status and allows the holder to live and work in the United States indefinitely.
Additionally, a work visa generally requires renewals every few years, while a green card does not. Finally, green card holders may eventually apply for U.S. citizenship, something that is not an option for work visa holders.
Employment Restrictions
A work visa allows an individual to work in the United States for a specific employer, whereas a green card allows an individual to work for any employer. There are also differences in the employment restrictions placed on holders of each type of visa.
Work visa holders may only work in the occupation specified on their visa, and they are not allowed to change employers unless they obtain a new visa. Green card holders, on the other hand, are free to work in any occupation and can change employers at will.
Finally, work visa holders typically must return to their home country after their visa expires. Green card holders, on the other hand, can remain in the United States indefinitely.
Benefit Eligibility
Green card holders are eligible for more government benefits, while work visa holders may be eligible for more employee benefits. For example, green card holders are eligible for Medicaid, while work visa holders are not.
Green card holders are also able to vote in U.S. elections, while work visa holders cannot. Work visa holders may, however, be eligible for more employee benefits, such as health insurance and vacation days. It is important to note that the eligibility for government and employee benefits will vary depending on the country of origin and the type of visa or green card.
How to Apply for a Work Visa?
There are many different types of work visas available to individuals looking to come to the United States to work. The most common type of visa is the H-1B visa, which allows individuals with specialized skills or knowledge to come to the United States to work in their field for up to six years.
To apply for a work visa, individuals must first identify the type of visa they need and then gather the necessary documentation. This includes a passport, a completed visa application, and evidence of their qualifications.
Once the paperwork is in order, applicants must schedule an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy. During the interview, consulate officials will determine whether the applicant is eligible for a work visa. If approved, the applicant will be issued a visa and can then begin the process of applying for a job in the United States.
How to Apply for a Green Card?
The green card application process is fairly simple. The first step is to gather the necessary documents, which include a passport, birth certificate, and proof of employment. The next step is to complete the online application, which will ask for personal information such as your name, address, and date of birth.
After the online application is complete, you will need to submit it, along with the supporting documents, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The USCIS will then review your application and, if approved, will issue you a green card. If you intend to have other plans, make sure to know the details ahead, so you can as well detail your application and purpose for getting a green card.
It Is Important To Know Which Between a Work Visa vs Green Card to Apply For
It is important to know the difference between a work visa vs green card when applying for a job in the United States. A work visa allows you to work in the United States for a specific period, while a green card allows you to live and work in the United States permanently.
If you are interested in working in the United States, you should research the requirements for both a work visa and a green card to see which one is right for you.
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