Is a green card the same as a work permit?

It is a common misconception among Americans and foreign national immigrants alike that a green card and a work permit is pretty much one and the same. However, this is far from the truth. In this article we will distinguish the differences between a green card and a work permit and explain when you should apply for a work permit versus when you ought to apply for a green card.

If you need help with either of the two processes or anything else to do with your immigration status, we strongly suggest that you waste no time in consulting an immigration lawyer. This is not the time to guess or bring out your lucky coin and base this decision off a coin toss. There is some science to this, there is some math to this, you need some legal help in decided which route you should travel.

Green Card 

To begin with, let us talk about the similarities between a green card and a work permit. The only similarities between the two legal documents are that they are both considered as photo identities and that they both facilitate the holder to work in America. Even though you may work in America irrespective of whether you have a green card or a work permit, they each represent rather distinctive immigration statuses as per immigration attorneys.

We are all familiar with the term green card, but it seems like most people do not truly understand what it implies. The term green card is actually the unofficial term used to refer to the Alien Registration Card and was coined many years ago because the card was actually green in color back then. Over the years, they have changed colors including pink and white but currently green cards are back again.

The main objective of issuing this card is to validate that the holder is actually a lawful resident (permanent or conditional resident) of the US. So as per immigration lawyers, a permanent residency is more in line with a green card than a work visa. Of course by the virtue of being a lawful permanent or conditional resident of America you can also legally work in America.

Apart from the right to work in the country, green card holders also have certain other advantages such as being able to travel in and out of America frequently. They can petition for their partner or children to also become green card holders, and after they have completed a certain term as a green card holder they may even apply to become a citizen of the US.

You have some options if you want to do things the right way. One way of increasing your chances of doing things the right way is be using this website: http://immigration.usattorneys.com/. This website will help you find a legal representative to make sure you are making the right decision based on your needs and objectives.

Work Permit

Applying for a green card and actually being issued one is lengthy and time consuming procedure. If your aim is to just work in America and you do not really intend to live in the country in the long term as a citizen then you need not apply for a green card. In such cases, as per immigration lawyers, a work permit is sufficient.

A Legal Website worth Saving and Knowing

If you are looking to apply for a work permit, you will need to get the ball rolling by first filling out Form I-765 which can be downloaded at the USCIS website. But before this or about the same time – you should click on this outstanding immigration legal website where you can find the legal help you will need to make this process go through without a hitch. You have heard enough rumors, you have spoken with enough people on the street, read some articles, heard stories through the grapevine, and so on. Now it is time to hear the straight truth from someone who knows immigration law through and through.