Is a green card the same as U.S. citizenship?

Green card holders can in theory stay in the U.S. indefinitely, but it’s not as secure a status as U.S. citizenship. The terms “permanent resident” and “U.S. citizen” are often confused with one another.

How many years do you need a green card to become a citizen?

five years
To become a U.S. citizen, you must: Have had a Permanent Resident (Green) Card for at least five years, or for at least three years if you’re filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.

Is a green card the same as an US citizen?

While both the Green Card and U.S. citizenship confer rights to reside and work in the United States legally, they mean very different things. A Green Card holder or lawful permanent resident (LPR) is someone who has been granted the right to live in the United States indefinitely and is given a photo ID commonly known as Green Card that proves their status.

Is a green card considered citizenship?

Get a Green Card. A Green Card holder (permanent resident) is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants a person a permanent resident card, commonly called a “Green Card.”.

Are green card holders citizens?

U.S. citizenship is the highest status someone can attain under U.S. immigration law. It means a truly permanent right to live in the United States. Citizens are not subject to the grounds of deportability that affect green card holders.

Can I apply for citizenship with a conditional green card?

Conditional green cards are valid only for two years. To apply for U.S. citizenship, you must have lived as a green card holder in the U.S. for at least a five year period. If you are conditional resident, you must first apply to remove conditions on your status.