For many people, the dream to move to the United States starts with a student visa or a work permit. For others, it begins with a family or investment-based application. But once you begin building a life in the U.S., you’ll likely face the choice between getting a Green Card or pursuing full citizenship.
On the surface, a Green Card and U.S. citizenship may seem very similar. Both allow you to live, work, and build a life in the United States. However, when you look closely, you will find clear differences that can affect your rights, responsibilities, and long-term plans.
In this article, we will explain the key differences between a Green Card and citizenship to help you know which option is better for your goals, family, and future.
What Is a Green Card?
A Green Card, also called a Permanent Resident Card, allows a person to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. The U.S. government issues Green Cards to people who qualify through family, work, asylum, or investment programs like the EB-5 visa.
You do not need to become a citizen to live long-term in the U.S. as a Green Card holder. As long as you follow the rules and renew your card every ten years, you can stay in the country, hold a job, and enjoy many of the same rights as citizens.
What You Can Do With a Green Card
If you own a permanent resident card, you can:
- Live in any U.S. state, work in most jobs, and go to school.
- Qualify for federal student financial aid, and also receive discounted in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities.
- Access social services like Medicare, health insurance, and life insurance.
- Access the U.S. justice system.
- Travel in and out of the U.S.
- Buy a home, start a company, and open bank accounts.
What You Cannot Do With a Green Card
You cannot do the following with a Green Card:
- Vote in federal, state, or local elections.
- Hold some government jobs, especially those tied to national security.
- Break U.S. laws or stay outside the country for too long, because you could lose your Green Card.
What Is U.S. Citizenship?
U.S. citizenship is the highest immigration status you can get, as it makes you a full member of the country. If you are born in the U.S. or born to U.S. citizen parents, you become a citizen by birth. If you move to the U.S. and live there as a Green Card holder, you can apply for citizenship through a process called naturalization.
To apply, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a Green Card for at least 3 or 5 years, depending on your case.
- Live in the U.S. for most of that time.
- Show good moral character.
- Pass a U.S. history and civics test and an English test.
- Take an oath of allegiance to the United States.
What You Can Do as a U.S. Citizen
As a citizen, you can:
- Vote in all U.S. elections and help shape laws and policies.
- Run for local, state, and national offices (except for President and Vice President, which require birth citizenship).
- Apply for a U.S. passport, which gives strong international travel rights.
- Sponsor more family members for Green Cards, including parents and married children.
- Enjoy permanent protection from deportation, as your status cannot typically be revoked.
You are also expected to:
- File all applicable U.S. taxes for life, including on income earned abroad.
- Be ready to serve on a jury if called to do so.
- Go through the Selective Service Registration (for males between 18 and 25 years old).
Main Differences Between a Green Card and Citizenship
Below is a summary of the key differences between a Green Card and citizenship:
| Feature | Green Card | Citizenship | |
| 1. | Legal Status | Permanent resident | Full citizen |
| 2. | Voting Rights | Cannot vote | Can vote in all elections |
| 3. | Job Options | Restricted (especially federal jobs) | No restrictions |
| 4. | International Travel | Must avoid long stays outside the U.S. | Can stay abroad without losing status |
| 5. | Deportation Risk | Can be deported for crimes or long absences | Cannot be deported (except for fraud) |
| 6. | Family Sponsorship | Spouse and unmarried children only | Parents, spouse, children (married or unmarried), and siblings |
| 7. | Passport | Uses foreign passport | Can get a U.S. passport |
| 8. | Civic Duties | No jury duty or draft (optional) | Must serve jury duty and register for draft |
| 9. | Duration of Status | Must renew every 10 years | Lifetime |
| 10. | Application Process | Based on visa or family/work eligibility | Requires naturalization process |
Find Your Path Towards U.S. Citizenship With EB5AN
While a Green Card offers strong benefits, citizenship gives you more protection but requires a deeper level of commitment. This is why navigating the path from a Green Card to U.S. citizenship takes planning, time, and the right support. If your immigration journey began through the EB-5 visa program, you don’t have to take the next steps alone.
At EB5AN, we have over a decade of experience in helping investors secure Green Cards while also preparing them for long-term success in the United States. With more than 2,700 families supported across over 70 countries, we can guide you through obtaining your Green Card.
To learn more about how you can become an EB-5 Green Card holder and eventually a U.S. citizen, book a free call with us today.