Family-Based Green Card Eligibility and Application ProcessaGreen Card vs. U.S. Citizenship: Understanding the Key Differences
Many people believe that obtaining a U.S. green card is the ultimate goal in the immigration process—the final destination. While lawful permanent residency certainly comes with valuable rights, it is not the end of the journey for many immigrants. U.S. citizens enjoy additional privileges that green card holders do not. This raises an important question: what does it take to become a U.S. citizen, and do the benefits outweigh the responsibilities when comparing a green card vs. citizenship?
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
To understand the differences, it’s essential to first review how a green card is obtained and the advantages it provides. There are several paths to permanent residency, including:
- Employment-based green cards
- Family-based sponsorship
- Marriage to a U.S. citizen
- Investment visas (EB-5)
- Humanitarian grounds (asylum or refugee status)
- Diversity Visa Lottery
Because family and employment are the most common categories, we’ll highlight those processes below.
Employment-Based Green Cards
Employment-based green cards are secured through a U.S. job or professional achievement. Many require a job offer from a U.S. employer, while others allow individuals to self-petition based on extraordinary ability or national interest. Most employment-based petitions involve filing Form I-140.
Some categories also require PERM Labor Certification, where the sponsoring employer must verify the prevailing wage and prove that hiring a foreign worker does not displace qualified U.S. workers.
Types of Employment-Based Green Cards:
- EB-1A: For individuals with extraordinary ability (such as award winners, top researchers, or those with high salaries). No job offer or PERM required.
- EB-1B: For outstanding professors and researchers. Requires a job offer but not PERM.
- EB-1C: For multinational executives and managers. Requires a job offer but not PERM.
- EB-2: For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. Requires both a job offer and PERM.
- EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): Allows the PERM and job offer requirement to be waived if the applicant’s work benefits the U.S.
- EB-3: For professionals (bachelor’s degree holders), skilled workers, and certain other workers. Requires job offer and PERM.
- EB-4: For special categories of workers such as religious workers and other designated groups.
Family-Based Green Cards
Family sponsorship remains one of the most common ways to obtain permanent residency. Sponsors must file Form I-130 to initiate the process.
Types of Family-Based Green Cards:
- F-1: Unmarried children of U.S. citizens
- F-2A: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders
- F-2B: Unmarried children over 21 of green card holders
- F-3: Married children of U.S. citizens
- F-4: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens
One clear advantage of citizenship emerges here—U.S. citizens can sponsor more relatives, and those relatives generally have shorter waiting times compared to green card holders.
Employment-Based Green Cards
After determining eligibility, the sponsor (you, an employer, or a family member) must submit the appropriate petition with supporting evidence. Once the petition is filed, USCIS assigns a priority date, which determines your place in line.
Applicants must track the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin to know when their priority date becomes current. At that time, they can either:
- File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) if already in the U.S.
- Go through consular processing if abroad.
Advantages of Permanent Residency
Green card holders gain several important rights, including:
- The ability to live permanently in the U.S. (as long as they comply with immigration laws).
- Authorization to work for most employers (though certain government positions are limited to U.S. citizens).
- Protection under U.S. law at the federal, state, and local levels.
Green Card Renewal
While permanent residency status does not expire, the physical green card must be renewed every 10 years. The renewal fee includes a $455 filing fee plus an $85 biometrics fee, totaling $540. Provided you have maintained your status, renewal is generally straightforward.
Transitioning from Green Card to U.S. Citizenship
The process of becoming a citizen is called naturalization. Unlike the multiple paths to a green card, there is only one way to become a U.S. citizen—through filing Form N-400.
Naturalization Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen, or immediate eligibility through military service)
- Must have 30 months of physical presence in the U.S. within the qualifying period
- Must demonstrate good moral character (no serious criminal history, and compliance with societal standards)
Applicants must pay a $640 filing fee plus an $85 biometrics fee, totaling $725.
The Naturalization Interview and Test
Applicants attend an interview at a USCIS office, where they are tested on:
- English reading and writing skills
- U.S. history and government knowledge
- Basic principles of the U.S. Constitution
Successful applicants then attend a biometrics appointment (if not already completed) and take the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming U.S. citizens.
Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
Becoming a U.S. citizen unlocks rights and privileges not available to green card holders, such as:
- Voting rights in federal, state, and local elections
- Protection from deportation—citizenship cannot be revoked for minor violations
- Ability to sponsor more relatives with higher priority in family immigration categories
- Eligibility for federal government jobs restricted to U.S. citizens
- Automatic citizenship for minor children under 18 residing with you in the U.S.
- No need for card renewals every 10 years
While naturalization costs more upfront than renewing a green card, it is a one-time process that provides long-term financial savings and peace of mind.
Why Work with Green Card Link
Navigating the transition from green card holder to U.S. citizen can be challenging. From preparing your N-400 application to studying for the naturalization test, every step must be handled carefully to avoid delays or denials.
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys work tirelessly to guide clients through the entire naturalization process. With years of experience helping lawful permanent residents become U.S. citizens, the team ensures you have the strongest possible case for approval.