Marcia Binder Ibrahim Immigration Law Blog on Lawyers.com

A green card and a visa are both documents that give a person the right to enter and remain in the United States.  A visa, however, is usually of limited duration and subject to various restrictions.  Visas vary greatly based upon type. 

Visitors legally entering the United States with valid travel documents usually receive a B visa at their point of entry.  These visas are usually valid for a relatively short time.  Other visas—such as F or J student visas of H1-B work visas—are of longer duration, but are more difficult to obtain and may require help from an immigration lawyer in York, PA.  K and V visas allow family members of citizens or green card holders to enter the country while their green card applications are pending.

A green card, on the other hand, certifies that the holder is a permanent legal resident in the United States.  Green cards may be subject to some restrictions as well as cancellation for violations of immigration or criminal laws.  Otherwise, green cards are of unlimited duration, although most holders must renew every 10 years.  A green card also authorizes the holder to work within the United States and is usually a necessary step on the way to citizenship through naturalization.  Most legal permanent residents can apply for citizenship after holding a green card for five years and maintaining a certain time of actual presence in the country.

Obtaining a visa or green card

To obtain a visa (other than a B visa for visitors), the individual seeking to enter must usually apply through a United States consulate.  For visas requiring a sponsor, such as K or V visas for family members or E1-B visas for employees, the sponsor must also file the appropriate forms with a local USCIS office.  Individuals seeking visas for themselves or a family member should contact an immigration attorney in York, PA for advice on the process and requirements.

Obtaining a green card usually requires a sponsor.  This is most often a family member—spouse, parent, child, or sibling—who is a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.  An individual taking a permanent job in the United States may also be able to obtain a green card through an employer.  In some instances, an individual may self-petition for a green card.  However, this process is rare and limited to people in certain professions or those of extraordinary ability.  An immigration lawyer in York, PA can advise you if you or a loved one qualifies for a green card.

Consult experienced immigration lawyers in Pennsylvania

The law firm of Marcia Binder Ibrahim has served clients nationwide since 1981.  Its attorneys practice in the areas of family law, personal injury, and immigration—including visa and green card procurement, asylum petitions, deportation, and naturalization.  The firm is located at 222 South Broad Street, Suite 1, Lansdale, PA 19446 and is available by phone at 215-362-2478 or through its online contact page.