Immigrant visa definition
An immigrant visa is the travel document issued outside the US that lets the holder enter the country to become a lawful permanent resident.
There are two US visa categories: immigrant and nonimmigrant. Immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live in the US permanently. Nonimmigrant visas are for foreign nationals to come to the US temporarily, such as for tourism, business, short-term work, study, medical treatment, or other reasons.
An immigrant visa is issued by a US embassy or consulate abroad to a person who has been approved to live permanently in the United States. The immigrant visa allows a foreign national to travel to the US, where they will be inspected by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at a port of entry.
Once admitted to the United States, they become a lawful permanent resident, also known as a green card holder.
What is an immigrant visa vs green card?
An immigrant visa is the travel document issued outside the US that lets the holder enter the country to become a lawful permanent resident.
A green card is issued after arrival in the US. It serves as proof that the holder is a lawful permanent resident.
Here’s a breakdown of the differences between an immigrant visa and a green card:
Immigrant Visa
- A temporary travel document
- Used by people outside the US to enter the country as permanent residents
- Issued by US consulates or embassies abroad after approval of an immigration petition
- Single-use document that expires once the holder enters the US
- Must be presented to immigration officials upon arrival
- Endorsed visa in passport may serve as temporary proof of lawful permanent resident status for up to one year after entry
Green Card
- Physical proof of lawful permanent resident status
- Received after entering the US with an immigrant visa (or after adjusting status if already in the US)
- Valid for 10 years, or two years for conditional residents. Status as a lawful permanent resident does not expire, but conditional residents can lose their permanent status.
- Used for employment, travel, and proving legal status
- Can be renewed as long as the holder maintains lawful permanent resident status
- Provided after entering the US
How long is an immigrant visa valid?
An immigrant visa is usually valid for up to six months from the date of issuance. The holder must enter the US before it expires. Upon entry and inspection, the holder becomes a lawful permanent resident, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will provide a physical green card. Once the holder has entered the US, the immigrant visa is no longer valid or necessary, although the endorsed visa may serve as temporary proof of lawful permanent resident status for up to one year, or until the green card arrives.
