Choosing whether to get a green card or pursue United States (US) citizenship is a big decision. From voting rights to international travel flexibility, the responsibilities and long-term implications of each status can shape your future in very different directions.
This Remitly guide breaks down the key differences between the two, outlining the benefits, risks, and obligations of each. By the end, you should be able to make a confident, informed decision based on your own circumstances and goals.
What is a green card?
A green card, officially a Permanent Resident Card, is an identity document that proves someone is a lawful permanent resident in the US.
It grants the holder the right to live and work in the US without the need for any additional visas. Green card holders are also able to travel abroad and reenter the US—usually for up to six months—without having to apply for additional permits.
As a permanent resident of the US, green card holders are required to obey US laws, file income taxes, and carry out certain duties that other US residents and citizens are required to fulfill.
The green card also comes with a few limitations: holders can’t vote and have limited consular protection when they’re traveling outside of the US. They must also follow the specific rules around permanent residency to maintain their status. For example, there are limits on how long they can stay outside the US for.
Although the name suggests that it’s perpetual, it is possible for permanent residence status to be revoked. This could happen if you lose your job or break the law, and is part of the reason why the physical green card expires every ten years and must be renewed.
The path to a greed card: Requirements and process
To get a green card, you’ll need a valid reason to be in the US. This usually comes in the form of a family sponsorship, a job offer, or humanitarian protections. You must also provide a clear legal record, proof of your good character, and a good entry or visa history.
You usually need a sponsor to start the green card application process for you. This could be an immediate relative or partner in the US, or an employer.
Once your sponsor has done their duties, you’ll need to file Form I-485 or DS-260 (depending on whether you’re applying from within or outside of the US) and pay the relevant fees. You’ll also be tested on your English language skills and civics understanding to prove that you can integrate into US society.
While this all sounds simple, the process can take anything from a few months to several years to complete and requires a high level of attention to detail. Applications are often delayed or denied due to missing documents, long absences from the US, and poor test results.
What is US citizenship?
When you get US citizenship, you become a member of the US. It’s the highest form of legal status a person can hold in the country, and most people get it through being born in the US or through the process of naturalization after holding a green card.
As a US citizen, you hold certain rights, including the right to vote in federal elections, serve on juries, and hold public office. You can also live and work in the US permanently, get a US passport, and invite family members to become residents.
Citizenship is permanent and can only be taken away in extreme circumstances; for example, if any part of your application is later found to be fraudulent.
The path to US citizenship: Requirements and process
Most people who aren’t born in the US become citizens through naturalization, which is the process permanent residents follow after holding a green card for several years.
To apply to naturalize, you need to be at least 18 years old, show that you’ve lived in the US continuously for five years (or three, if you’re married to a US citizen), and have spent at least half of that time on US soil.
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the form US citizenship application process starts with filling Form N-400. After that, you’ll need to attend a biometrics appointment and an interview where you’ll take two tests: one assessing your English language skills and another covering US civics.
Processing times vary depending on where you live, but it typically takes 12 to 18 months from the moment you submit Form N-400. If approved, you’ll attend a ceremony where you take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a US citizen.
Green card vs US citizenship: Key differences in rights, benefits, responsibilities and risks
Holding a green card doesn’t mean you have to become a US citizen. Each status comes with its own advantages and drawbacks, and understanding the key differences can help you decide whether staying a permanent resident or pursuing citizenship is the better path for you.
Renewal requirements
One of the biggest differences between a green card and US citizenship is how long they last. The physical green card expires every ten years and holders must replace it. This requires filling in a form and attending a biometrics appointment to have your photo and fingerprints taken.
Failing to renew on time—or violating residency rules—can put your permanent residence status at risk. If your residency is revoked, you risk losing your job and potentially facing deportation. This could happen if you spend too much time outside the country or get in trouble with the law.
Contrastingly, US citizenship never expires. Once granted, it’s a permanent status that doesn’t require periodic renewal. That security is a major reason why many permanent residents decide to naturalize.
Tax filing obligations
The US tax system is progressive. This means that income is taxed in brackets. If some of your income is above the limit for one bracket, it will fall into another. So you end up paying a higher percentage of tax on portions of your income.
Both green card holders and US citizens are required to file US tax returns, even if they live or work abroad. The US tax system is based on worldwide income, which means you have to report earnings from any country.
This doesn’t mean double taxation, though. If you pay taxes in another country, you may qualify for foreign tax credits or foreign earned income exclusions. This lets you reduce your taxable income for US tax purposes.
Social security benefits
The US Social Security Administration (SSA) provides retirement income, disability benefits, and survivor benefits to eligible workers and their families. Both green card holders and US citizens qualify for these benefits if they’ve contributed to the system for a certain period—usually around 10 years.
In practice, eligibility rules are similar for permanent residents and citizens. However, citizens can claim benefits no matter where they live, while green card holders may face restrictions if they move outside the US for long periods.
One exception comes in the form of totalization agreements. These are special treaties the US has with some countries that allow workers to combine the years they’ve paid into both countries’ systems so they don’t lose credit towards retirement.
These agreements help green card holders who move from one country to another, or who split their time working across two countries.
Ability to travel
Even if you live in the US, there’s a good chance you’ll want to travel abroad for work assignments, family visits, or studying.
Green card holders can usually travel freely for trips up to six months without affecting their permanent resident status. Longer absences from the US may raise questions about whether they’ve abandoned their residency and could potentially lead to it being revoked.
They would also have to travel on the passport issued by the government of their home country, which might restrict the destinations they can visit.
Citizens, on the other hand, hold a US passport, which allows them to travel to many countries—and return to the US regardless of how long they’ve been away.
They also benefit from full consular support. This gives citizens access to stronger protection and assistance provided by US embassies and consulates in other countries. This can be important in some situations.
Service to the state
Certain civic duties apply only to US citizens. For example, citizens can be called up for jury duty, a responsibility that doesn’t fall on green card holders.
However, both citizens and male green card holders between the ages of 19 and 25 must register with the Selective Service System. This doesn’t mean they must serve in the military, but these names are placed on a record in case a draft is ever reinstated.
Citizens also have the privilege of being able to participate in the democratic process, including voting and running for office.
Bringing your family to the US
Both green card holders and citizens can petition for relatives to join them in the US. But the timelines for these processes are very different.
Citizens have the widest range of options: they can sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Many of these relatives qualify for “immediate relative” visas like the IR-1 for a spouse and the IR-2 for an unmarried child. Neither of these are subject to yearly limits, either.
Meanwhile, green card holders can only petition for spouses and unmarried children. Their relatives also fall into the “family preference” visa category, which has annual caps and longer wait times.
Citizenship vs green card: Which is better for you?
Holding a green card doesn’t mean you have to become a US citizen after three to five years. In fact, many people find that having permanent residency is enough for them to live, work, and build a life in the US.
Still, there are situations where citizenship offers some advantages that a green card doesn’t. If you travel abroad often, a US passport provides more freedom in terms of where you can go and how long you can be away from the country.
Citizens can also reunite with family more easily through immigration sponsorship. Plus, they’re eligible to hold government jobs, vote, and even be elected to office. Most importantly, it offers long-term security as citizenship can’t be revoked.
That said, some immigrants prefer to keep their green card. This might be because their home country doesn’t allow dual citizenship, or because the cost and time commitment isn’t realistic for them.
The right choice for you will depend on your lifestyle as well as your priorities now and in the future.
Weighing your options about life in the US
For some US immigrants, permanent residency gives them all the benefits they need to live and work abroad comfortably without responsibilities that they don’t want. For others, citizenship offers that extra bit of security that they value.
Ultimately, there are a bunch of family, career, and other considerations that go into making the decision. Whoever path you choose, both offer valuable opportunities to build a great life in America.
FAQ
Can I lose my citizenship after naturalization?
It is possible to lose your citizenship after naturalization, but it’s not very common. Citizenship can be revoked if it was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation, or on a few other specific legal grounds.
How long can I stay outside the US with a green card?
Short trips—under six months—are usually fine. Absences between six months and one year may raise questions about whether you’ve abandoned your US residency, which could lead to your green card being invalidated.
Do I have to give up my original citizenship to become a US citizen?
Under US law, you don’t have to give up your original citizenship when you become a US citizen. That said, some countries do prevent their citizens from dual citizenship. If this is true for your home country, you would have to give up your original citizenship for the US one.
What happens if I fail the naturalization test?
There’s no need to panic if you fail the naturalization test. If this happens, you can retake the part of the test that you didn’t pass (English or civics) 60 to 90 days after your first attempt. Keep in mind that you can only fail twice before your naturalization application will be rejected.
Can green card holders sponsor family members for immigration?
It is possible for green card holders to sponsor family members’ immigration to the US, but they’re limited to bringing spouses and unmarried children into the country. US citizens can sponsor parents, married children, and siblings.