A visa is an identification document, issued outside the United States, that allows you to enter this country permanently or temporarily. In the United States there are two main types of visa: the Immigrant Visa (Permanent Residence), which allows the holder to live and work indefinitely within the United States; and the Nonimmigrant Visa, which allows the holder to live and/or work in the United States temporarily.

An immigrant visa allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. A nonimmigrant visa is issued to people whose permanent residence is outside the United States but who wish to stay in the United States temporarily, whether for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study.

The Permanent Resident Card (“Form I-151” or “Form I-551”) gives the right to live and work legally in the United States. It also gives the right to travel freely outside the country while you hold permanent residence in the United States. Committing deportable crimes is not permitted, and you have the duty to report all your income to the United States government.

The Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) expires ten years after it was issued, at which point it must be renewed, or, if you prefer, you can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Nonimmigrant Visas are issued only when it has been shown that your intention is not to stay in the United States longer than approved. If you apply for a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) while you currently hold a Nonimmigrant Visa, the visa you hold at that time may be suspended, unless you can clearly show that your original intention was not to stay. Exceptions to this rule may include: if you are employed on a nonimmigrant visa, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if your employer files the Green Card petition for you.