If you’re choosing between permanent resident vs citizen status in the United States, there are real-life consequences to consider. It determines things like voting rights, protection from deportation, the passport you travel on, how long you can visit abroad, which family members you can sponsor, and even eligibility for certain government jobs and social benefits. Understanding citizen vs permanent resident differences helps you plan for security, travel mobility, and long-term living in the United States.
This guide breaks down US citizen vs permanent resident: what the statuses mean, the practical rights and responsibilities that come with each, how renewals and fees work, travel and reentry rules, social benefits, and the typical path and timeline to citizenship. By the end, you’ll have a clear, decision-ready view of which status aligns best with your goals.
Citizen vs Permanent Resident (US): At a Glance
| Feature | Permanent Resident (Green Card) | U.S. Citizen |
|---|---|---|
| Right to live and work | Can live and work indefinitely in the United States. | Can live and work indefinitely with full political rights. |
| Voting and political participation | Cannot vote in federal, state, or local elections. Cannot hold most elected offices. | Can vote in all elections and run for elected positions where citizenship is required. |
| Deportation risk | Can be deported for certain crimes or violations of immigration law. | Not deportable, except in rare cases of denaturalization due to fraud. |
| Passport | Must travel using a foreign passport and carry a Green Card for reentry. | Eligible for a U.S. passport, allowing visa-free travel to many countries. |
| International travel and reentry | Absences from the country for an extended period may jeopardize permanent resident status. Reentry permit required for long trips abroad. | No reentry permit needed; can live or travel abroad indefinitely. |
| Family sponsorship | Can sponsor spouse and unmarried children. | Can sponsor spouse, children (including married), parents, and siblings. Generally receive faster processing. |
| Renewals and fees | Must renew every 10 years (IRS Form I-90) and pay renewal fees. | Citizenship is permanent. Only passport documents require renewal. |
| Jury duty | Generally not required. | Required as part of civic duty. |
| Government jobs and security clearances | Limited access. Most federal and security-sensitive roles are restricted to citizens only. | Eligible for all federal positions and roles needing security clearance. |
| Taxes | Taxed on worldwide income if considered a tax resident. | Taxed on worldwide income regardless of residence. May be able to use tax treaties/exemptions. |
| Social benefits | Limited access to Social Security, SSI, and Medicare if meeting “qualified alien” rules and work credits. | Full access to benefits under federal and state programs (subject to eligibility). |
| Path to citizenship | Eligible to apply for naturalization after five years (three years if married to a citizen). | Not applicable. Already a citizen so no further process needed. |
What is a lawful permanent resident?
A lawful permanent resident (LPR), often called a Green Card holder, is a non-citizen who is lawfully authorized to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis.
Lawful permanent resident status comes with core rights (live, work) and ongoing responsibilities (obey U.S. laws, carry proof of status and so forth), and it must be maintained. Extended trips abroad (no single, fixed period of time is defined for this) or certain violations can affect one’s status.
Permanent residents may travel internationally but should follow re-entry rules (a reentry permit is recommended for long absences). Law permanent resident status is also the usual starting point for naturalization, since most applicants must first have been admitted as permanent residents before applying for U.S. citizenship.
What is a US citizen?
A U.S. citizen is a full member of the national community, whether by birth or through the naturalization process, with the highest possible number of rights and protections under U.S. law. Citizenship typically includes voting, eligibility for a U.S. passport, broader access to government employment, and civic responsibilities such as jury service and allegiance to the Constitution.
Naturalized citizens complete a formal process (application, background checks, English/civics test, and the Oath of Allegiance). Beyond individual rights, citizenship confers durable status and is widely seen as the most secure foundation for long-term life and mobility in the United States.
Main Differences Between a Permanent Resident vs Citizen
Rights and Privileges
- Permanent residents (Green Card holders): Can live and work indefinitely in the U.S., are protected by federal/state laws, but cannot vote in state or local elections and generally cannot hold most elected offices. Many federal roles and security-cleared jobs are restricted to U.S. citizens.
- U.S. citizens: Enjoy full political rights (vote, run for office), eligibility for a U.S. passport, broader access to federal employment, and are generally not deportable (except in rare, court-ordered denaturalization cases tied to fraud).
Responsibilities and Risks
- Permanent residents: Must maintain their status (obey laws, keep proof of status, avoid actions that trigger removability). Lengthy or frequent absences can disrupt continuous residence for naturalization and may raise abandonment concerns; a reentry permit helps for extended travel.
- U.S. citizens: Take on civic obligations such as jury service, and allegiance to the Constitution.
Travel and Reentry
- Permanent residents: International travel is allowed, but long trips can jeopardize status or continuous residence for naturalization. For extended trips, apply for a Reentry Permit (Form I-131) before departing; for routine travel, carry your foreign passport and Green Card (also informally known as an alien registration card).
- U.S. citizens: Travel on a U.S. passport and do not need a reentry permit. Time abroad does not affect citizenship.
Renewals and Fees (Green Card vs Citizenship)
- Permanent residents: A Green Card typically expires every ~10 years and must be renewed using Form I-90; recent USCIS policy extends the validity of an expiring card via the I-90 receipt for up to 36 months while the renewal is processed.
- U.S. citizens: Citizenship does not expire and has no “renewal,” though passports require periodic renewal per State Department rules.
Social Benefits and Services
- Permanent residents: May qualify for Social Security benefits if they have sufficient covered work credits. SSI may be available to certain qualified non-citizens (including lawful permanent residents) subject to strict rules. Medicare eligibility depends on age/disability and work history. In general, permanent residents can qualify if they meet Social Security/Medicare requirements (with additional residency rules for some enrollees).
- U.S. citizens: Eligible for programs under the usual criteria (age, disability, work credits), and can enroll in Medicare when otherwise qualified.
Family sponsorship: Who can you bring?
- Permanent residents: Can generally petition for spouses and unmarried children (specific preference categories and wait times apply).
- U.S. citizens: Can petition for a broader set of family members, including spouses, married and unmarried children, parents, and siblings (with “immediate relatives” not subject to annual caps).
Path to Citizenship (Naturalization Basics and Timeline)
Most applicants must first have lawful permanent residency. The typical eligibility window is five years as an permanent resident, or three years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen and meeting all “marital union” and other requirements.
Applicants must show continuous permanent residence or physical presence, good moral character, pass tests to prove you can speak basic English, and take the Oath of Allegiance. File Form N-400 to apply.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.
- We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top residency by investment and citizenship by investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance.
- Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
- Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
- Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
- The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.
