Artur Saraiva
If you’re living in the United States or are planning to move there, understanding the difference between a permanent resident vs citizen is essential. Both allow legal residence, but the rights and benefits differ greatly.
A permanent resident (Green Card holder) can live and work indefinitely but lacks voting rights and can lose status under certain conditions. A US citizen enjoys full legal rights, including voting, a US passport, and consular protection abroad.
This guide explains the key differences, compares benefits, and outlines how to transition from permanent residency to citizenship.
What is a lawful permanent resident?
A lawful permanent resident (LPR) is a non-citizen authorized to live and work in the U.S. permanently, verified by a Green Card that must be renewed every ten years. If a Green Card expires or is lost, the holder must file Form I-90 with USCIS online or at USCIS offices and pay the current fee: $415 online or $465 by mail, plus an $85 biometric fee.
Green Card holders can live and work indefinitely without extra permits, but some government jobs requiring security clearance are restricted to citizens. They may access healthcare, education, and certain benefits, though eligibility differs from citizens.
Travel within the U.S. is unrestricted, but international travel requires both the Green Card and a valid passport. Absences over six months may raise re-entry issues, and stays of a year or more without a re-entry permit can result in loss of status. Serious crimes can also lead to deportation.
Permanent residency provides a path to citizenship through naturalization after meeting residency and eligibility requirements, making it a key step for those seeking full rights as a U.S. citizen.
What is a US citizen?
A US citizen is a full legal member of the United States with complete rights and responsibilities. Citizenship is acquired by birth in the U.S., through U.S. citizen parents, or by naturalization after meeting residency and eligibility requirements.
Citizens enjoy full political rights, including voting and running for office, along with global mobility using a US passport, which provides visa-free access to over 180 countries and consular protection abroad. Unlike Green Card holders, citizens do not renew their status, cannot lose it for living overseas, and qualify for federal jobs requiring security clearance. They can also sponsor a broader range of family members for immigration.
Applying for citizenship requires filing Form N-400 through USCIS offices or online, paying the $725 fee (including biometrics), passing an English and civics test, and completing the Oath of Allegiance. Once approved, citizenship is permanent.
Key Differences: Lawful Permanent Resident vs Citizen
A side-by-side comparison of lawful permanent residency and citizenship:
Feature | U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card) | U.S. Citizen |
Status | Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). | Full U.S. citizenship. |
Voting Rights | Cannot vote in federal or local elections. | Can vote in all elections. |
Running for Office | Not eligible. | Eligible for all public offices. |
Passport | Uses home country passport | U.S. passport issued. |
Travel Restrictions | Limited. Reentry permit requirements apply. | Can travel freely. |
Deportation Risk | Yes, for serious crimes or abandoning residency. | No, except in rare cases. |
Government Jobs | Limited eligibility. | Full eligibility. |
Family Sponsorship | Limited (only spouse and children). | Broader (including parents, siblings). |
Duration of Status | Must maintain status and renew Green Card. | Permanent for life. |
Path to Citizenship | Eligible to apply after 3 to 5 years. | Not required (automatic by birth or upon completed process). |
Expand your freedom with a second passport. Explore your options today.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Permanent Resident vs Citizenship
What is the difference between a citizen and a permanent resident?
A US citizen has full legal rights, including voting, a US passport, and eligibility for federal jobs.
Someone with permanent resident status (aka a Green Card holder) can live and work in the US indefinitely but cannot vote, hold certain government jobs, or get a US passport.
Do permanent residents have the same rights as citizens?
No. Permanent residents have many rights, like working and accessing education, but they cannot vote in federal elections, run for office, or receive some federal benefits (such as a social security card) that are exclusive to citizens.
Am I a citizen if I am a permanent resident?
No. A Green Card holder is not automatically a US citizen. Citizenship requires an additional step: applying for naturalization after meeting residency and eligibility requirements.
Permanent resident vs citizen: which status is better?
Citizenship offers greater security and rights, including voting, global mobility with a US passport, and protection from deportation.
Lawful permanent residency status is easier to obtain but comes with more limitations.
Can a permanent resident become a citizen?
Yes. Most Green Card holders qualify for citizenship after 5 years of continuous residence, or 3 years if married to a US citizen, through the naturalization process.
Who is eligible for US lawful permanent residency (Green Card)?
Green Card eligibility falls into four main categories:
- Family sponsorship, allowing U.S. citizens to sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings, while Green Card holders can sponsor spouses and unmarried children.
- Employment-based roles for skilled workers, professionals, and special categories like religious workers.
- Humanitarian programs for victims of abuse or trafficking.
- Investment through the EB5 Visa, which requires creating jobs in a U.S. business.
Who is eligible for US citizenship through naturalization?
To qualify for citizenship by naturalization, you must generally hold a permanent resident card for at least five years, or three years if you are married to a US citizen. During this time, you need to maintain continuous residence and physical presence in the United States.
Applicants must also demonstrate good moral character, which includes filing income tax returns and avoiding criminal activity. Additionally, you must pass an English language and civics test unless exempt, and finally, take an Oath of Allegiance to complete the process.
Do permanent residents have voting rights in US elections?
No. Only US citizens can vote in federal and local elections. Voting as a lawful permanent resident is illegal and can lead to deportation.
Can a permanent resident be deported?
Yes. Green Card holders can lose their status for certain crimes, fraud, or abandoning US residence (for example, staying abroad too long without a re-entry permit).
Do permanent residents get a US passport?
No. Only citizens can hold a US passport. Permanent residents use their home country passport for travel, along with their permanent resident card and getting a reentry permit prior to entering.
What happens if a permanent resident stays outside the US for too long?
Extended stays abroad (more than six months) can raise abandonment issues, and being outside the US for 1 year or more without a reentry permit can result in loss of permanent resident status.
Does permanent residency guarantee US citizenship?
No. Permanent residency allows indefinite stay but does not guarantee citizenship. You must meet naturalization requirements and apply separately.
Do permanent residents have to renew their Green Card?
Yes. Green Cards are usually valid for 10 years and must be renewed. If your Green Card expires, it does not remove your lawful permanent resident status, but it can affect your employment, travel privileges, and proof of legality.
Can US permanent residents apply for government jobs?
Most federal or government jobs require US citizenship status, but some exceptions exist for those with lawful permanent resident status, particularly in roles without security clearance requirements.
