Artur Saraiva 
Even though permanent residency status in the United States and citizenship are closely related, they have separate statuses and rights.
Those with permanent resident status are also known as Green Card holders. These individuals can live in the U.S. permanently and has access to education, health care and welfare services (with some limitations).
A U.S. citizen, on the other hand, has full legal rights and responsibilities in the country, such as voting, running for office, and more.
This guide will break down everything about permanent resident status vs a U.S. citizenship:
- What Is a Lawful Permanent Resident in the U.S.?
- What Is a U.S. Citizen?
- Key Differences Between U.S. Permanent Resident and Citizen
- Who Is Eligible for U.S. Lawful Permanent Residency?
- Who Is Eligible for U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization?
- Permanent Residence vs. Citizenship: Cost Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Permanent Resident vs Citizen
What Is a Lawful Permanent Resident in the U.S.?
A lawful permanent resident (LPR) in the United States is an individual who has been granted the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently. They receive a Green Card, which serves as proof of their status.
Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) enjoy the following benefits in the U.S.:
- Live and work in the United States indefinitely, as long as it’s in compliance with laws and regulations (including renewing their Green Card every ten years).
- No additional permits needed to study and work in the United States. However, certain jobs that require security clearance or government positions may be restricted to citizens.
- Access to various social services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs. This is the same as for citizens, but there are differences in eligibility criteria and the types of benefits.
- Travel freely within the United States but there are restrictions on international travel. These include carrying a valid passport from country of nationality as well as the Permanent Resident card to re-enter the country after returning from travel abroad.
- Open path to citizenship through a citizenship test after meeting residency requirements or eligibility criteria or family reunification.
What Is a U.S. Citizen?
Citizenship is the highest legal status one can have in the United States. A citizen is afforded full rights, privileges and responsibilities.
Citizenship in the United States is typically acquired through birth, by descent or naturalization:
Birthright Citizenship means anyone born in the U.S. or born to U.S. citizen parents (even if born outside the U.S.) is automatically a citizen.
Citizenship by Descent is also known as ancestral citizenship and is when you acquire citizenship through family lineage. Oftentimes this is through your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents.
Naturalization from permanent resident to citizen is the process by which a foreign national can become a citizen after fulfilling certain requirements. These requirements include living in the U.S. for a specific period, demonstrating good moral character, passing English and civics tests, and taking an oath of allegiance to the United States.
Citizens have the following benefits:
- The right to vote and participate in governmental activities such as holding public office or voting in referendums.
- Freedom to travel internationally with only a passport and no need for a re-entry permit after an extended period outside of the United States. They are also offered consular protection and assistance abroad.
- Since citizens pledge allegiance to the United States, they are governed by the country’s laws and regulations. They have to perform jury duty, register for military service if aged between 18 and 25, and are subject to taxation.
- They have the ability to sponsor family members for permanent residency or citizenship in the United States as part of family reunification.
Key Differences between U.S Permanent Resident and Citizen
The key differences between U.S. permanent residency and citizenship.
Feature | U.S. Permanent Resident | U.S. Citizen |
Definition | A non-citizen who has been granted permission to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. | A person who is a legal member of the U.S. with full rights and responsibilities. |
Status | Lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder). | U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization). |
Rights to Vote | Cannot vote in federal or state elections. | Can vote in all elections. |
Running for Office | Cannot run for federal office; may run for some local offices. | Can run for federal, state, and local offices. |
Deportation Risk | Can be deported for certain crimes or violations. | Cannot be deported, except in rare cases (e.g., denaturalization). |
Passport | Does not receive a U.S. passport; must use passport from country of origin. | Can obtain a U.S. passport. |
Eligibility for Federal Jobs | Limited access to federal jobs. | Eligible for federal government jobs. |
Travel Restrictions | May face restrictions when traveling outside the U.S. and may need to apply for re-entry. | Can travel freely and has the right to re-enter the U.S. |
Family Sponsorship | Can sponsor certain family members for permanent residency. | Can sponsor a wider range of family members for immigration. |
Duration of Status | Status can be revoked or expire. | Citizenship is permanent and cannot be revoked except under specific circumstances. |
Path to Citizenship | Can apply for naturalization after meeting certain requirements (usually after 3-5 years of residency). | No path required; citizenship is obtained at birth or through the naturalization process. |
To learn more about how to get a second passport
Who Is Eligible for U.S. Lawful Permanent Residency?
Eligibility for U.S. permanent residency, or a Green Card, generally falls into several categories, each with specific requirements.
Family sponsorship
This is when U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings for permanent residency, with shorter wait times for immediate relatives. Green card holders can also sponsor spouses and unmarried children, but processing may take longer.
Employment-Based Green Cards
U.S. employers may sponsor workers in certain skilled jobs or high-demand fields. Some special categories, like religious workers or international U.S. government employees, may also qualify for permanent residency.
Other special categories
- Victims of abuse, trafficking, or other crimes may qualify for green cards through humanitarian programs.
- Investors creating jobs in the U.S. through immigrant investor programs like the EB-5 visa or other immigrant visas may also qualify.
Who Is Eligible for U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization?
Eligibility for U.S. citizenship through naturalization generally requires applicants to meet the following critical criteria:
Permanent Residency
Applicants must hold a Green Card and have been lawful permanent residents for at least 5 years or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen.
Continuous and Physical Presence
Candidates must meet specific residency requirements, having lived in the U.S. for 5 years (or 3 years for spouses of citizens) and being physically present for at least half of that time.
Good Moral Character
Applicants need to demonstrate good moral character, typically shown by a clean criminal record, adherence to tax obligations, and lawful behavior.
Citizenship Test
Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of English and pass a test on U.S. government, history, and civics unless they qualify for certain exemptions.
Oath of Allegiance
Final approval requires taking an Oath of Allegiance to the United States, affirming loyalty and commitment to its laws and the U.S. Constitution.
Permanent Residence vs. Citizenship: Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of permanent residence and U.S. citizenship, it’s essential to weigh both the immediate and long-term expenses. Here’s a breakdown:
Renewing a Green Card (Permanent Residence)
As a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you must renew your green card every 10 years. The current renewal fee is $540, which includes the application and biometric services. Losing your card or letting it expire may result in additional costs for replacement or reapplication.
Applying for U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization)
The cost to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization is a one-time fee of $640, plus a $85 biometric services fee, for a total of $725. Once you become a U.S. citizen, this status is valid for a lifetime, and you’ll never have to renew or pay USCIS fees again.
Long-Term Savings with Citizenship
Citizenship offers significant long-term savings:
- You eliminate the recurring green card renewal fees.
- If you have children under 18 living with you as permanent residents, they automatically become U.S. citizens when you naturalize at no additional cost, sparing them future green card renewal fees.
Explore Global Citizenship: Key Insights and Options
Navigating the complexities of citizenship, passport acquisition, and immigration can be a daunting task. Whether you’re considering a move for business, personal, or security reasons, understanding your options is crucial. At Global Citizen Solutions, we specialize in providing clear, comprehensive guidance in these areas. Our expertly crafted articles offer deep insights and comparisons to help you make informed decisions.
- Exploring Citizenship by Investment: For those interested in acquiring citizenship through investment, our guide on citizenship through investment breaks down the process, benefits, and key considerations, helping you understand how this path might suit your personal and financial goals.
- Comparing Citizenship by Investment Programs: Choosing the right program is vital. Our comprehensive comparison of CBI programs worldwide provides a clear, side-by-side look at what each country offers, aiding you in finding the perfect match for your needs.
- Top Citizenship by Investment Programs: To further assist your decision-making, we’ve curated a list of the best citizenship by investment programs available. This resource is invaluable for anyone looking to understand which programs offer the most value, security, and benefits.
At Global Citizen Solutions, we’re committed to helping you navigate the path to a new citizenship with ease and confidence.
Ready to become a U.S. Citizen? Let us help you step by step
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Permanent Resident Status vs Citizenship
What is a U.S. permanent resident?
A U.S. permanent resident, or green card holder, is someone who has been granted permission to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely but is not a U.S. citizen.
What rights do U.S. citizens have that permanent residents do not have?
Another point about U.S. Permanent Resident vs Citizen, U.S. citizens have the right to vote in federal and state elections, apply for U.S. passports, and run for federal office. Permanent residents do not have these rights.
What is the difference between a U.S. permanent resident and a citizen?
A U.S. permanent resident is legally allowed to live and work in the United States but they lack the full legal rights and privileges of a U.S. citizen. A U.S. citizen has full rights,, including the right to vote, and is considered a member of the country. They also have greater protection against deportation.
Can a U.S. permanent resident become a citizen?
Yes, they can become a citizen through the process of naturalization.
Can permanent residents be deported?
Yes, permanent residents can be deported for certain legal violations. U.S. citizens, on the other hand, cannot be deported.
Do permanent residents pay the same taxes as citizens?
Yes, both permanent residents and U.S. citizens are subject to the same federal, state, and local taxes.
Can a permanent resident vote in elections?
No, a permanent legal resident (or Green Card holder) cannot vote in federal, state and most local elections.
Do permanent residents have military service obligations?
The United States does not have obligatory military service but male U.S. permanent residents between 18 and 25 years old have to register for Selected Service. This does not mean the person will be drafted into the military but they still have to register.
How does permanent residency as a path to citizenship work?
Permanent residents can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization after living in the U.S. for a certain number of years (typically 3-5), meeting residency and other eligibility requirements.
What is the difference in family sponsorship between citizens and U.S. permanent residents?
U.S. citizens can sponsor a wider range of family members for immigration, including parents and siblings, while permanent residents are limited to sponsoring spouses and unmarried children.
Can a U.S. permanent resident sponsor family members for immigration?
No, a U.S. permanent resident cannot sponsor family members. Only a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old can sponsor immediate relatives to become Green Card holders.
Can a U.S. permanent resident lose their status?
Yes, a permanent resident can lose their Green Card status for reasons like committing certain crimes, living outside the U.S. for extended periods without re-entry permits, or voluntarily giving up residency.
Do U.S. permanent residents need to renew their status?
No, a US permanent resident does not need to renew their status but they have to renew their permanent resident card (also known as a Green Card).
What happens if a U.S. permanent resident leaves the country for an extended period?
If a US permanent resident leaves the country for more than a year, they can potentially lose their resident status as the government sees it as the individual abandoning their residency. They will have to apply for a re-entry permit to maintain that status.
Do U.S. permanent residents need a visa to travel abroad?
Yes, they do need a visa along with their passport and their permanent residence card. If they end up traveling outside of the United States for more than one year, they will need a Re-Entry Permit.
Can U.S. citizens live outside the U.S. without losing their citizenship?
Yes, U.S. citizens can live abroad indefinitely without losing their citizenship. Permanent residents, however, risk losing their status if they reside outside the U.S. for too long.
Do U.S. permanent residents have the same legal protections as citizens?
In most cases, yes. Both citizens and permanent residents have the same legal rights under U.S. law, though citizens cannot be deported.
What happens if a U.S. permanent resident commits a crime?
It can potentially lead to the loss of the individual’s permanent resident status and subsequent deportation to their home country.
Can a U.S. permanent resident own property in the country?
Yes, a U.S. permanent resident can purchase and own real estate, including a home. They have the same property rights as U.S. citizens, meaning they can buy, sell and own property just like any other homeowner.
Are there any professions restricted to U.S. citizens only?
No, most professions are not restricted to U.S. citizens only. There are exceptions when it comes, for example, government jobs or other positions that require security clearance.
Is there a difference in social security benefits for U.S. permanent residents and citizens?
U.S. permanent residents can receive Social Security benefits, such as retirement and disability, but it differs based on work history and length of residency in the United States. Access to benefits might be restricted based on not meeting a minimum stay requirement.
Can U.S. permanent residents apply for a United States passport?
No, only U.S. citizens can apply for a U.S. passport. Permanent residents must travel on the passport of their country of origin.
