If you are planning to live in a foreign country, you will encounter phrases such as “Permanent Resident” and “Citizen.” Both of these statuses allow you to legally reside in a nation, but there are some key distinctions between the rights, obligations, and advantages. Here’s a quick summary of each status.
What is Permanent Resident Status?
Permanent Resident status (known as Green Card in the United States) allows foreigners to reside and work permanently in the country. Not citizenship but with some significant advantages.
What you need to know about Permanent Resident status:
1. Residency Rights
As a Permanent Resident, you are allowed to stay and work in the host country at any time. But you have to respect the country’s laws and regulations to remain there. In the United States, for instance, a Green Card lasts 10 years and is automatically renewed every few years.
2. Work and Study
Working and studying for Permanent Residents requires no other permits, with certain exceptions. For example, certain government employment or jobs with high security clearance might be limited to citizens and not Permanent Residents.
3. Access to Social Services
Permanent Residents are entitled to several social benefits, including health care, education and welfare benefits. But there might be gaps in access to services for those that are less likely than citizens. For some reasons, Permanent Residents may not get the same benefits, or wait longer to receive them.
4. Travel and Re-entry
The PRC can freely circulate within the country, but it may be more complicated to visit outside the country. A Permanent Resident will need a passport (for the home country) along with their Permanent Resident card or similar documentation to return to the country after visiting. You are limited in terms of how long you can be outside the country before you lose your residency.
5. Pathway to Citizenship
Permanent Residents may apply for citizenship under most jurisdictions upon satisfying certain criteria, such as residency for a certain number of years and an examination for citizenship. This is why Permanent Residency is a pathway to full citizenship.
What is Citizenship?
Citizenship is the most prestigious status you can have in a country. It allows you all the rights, privileges, and duties. In contrast to Permanent Resident status that is typically reserved for foreigners, citizenship is usually acquired by birth, descent or naturalisation. Now, here’s what citizenship gives you that Permanent Residency doesn’t:
1. Right to Vote
Only citizens have the right to participate in the country’s democratic affairs, including election and referendum. Permanent Residents, meanwhile, cannot vote in federal elections or referendums.
2. Passport and Protection
They have access to a passport from their own country and thus can travel internationally much more easily. Also, citizens can enjoy consular assistance abroad. This essentially means their government can help out if they find themselves in legal trouble or other problems abroad.
3. Eligibility for Public Office
Citizens can run for office and serve in the state. These are normally held by citizens because they have a big role to play in national policymaking and governance.
4. Sponsoring Family Members
Nationals can sponsor relatives to Permanent Residency or Citizenship within the country and are thus able to easily rejoin families. This is not available to Permanent Residents, who typically have less flexibility regarding family reunification.
5. Allegiance and Civic Duties
The promise of citizenship is greater commitment to the nation. Individuals are loyal to their nation and have to obey its laws, such as taxation, jury duty, and even enlistment (in countries that require conscription). They do not demand these obligations from Permanent Residents.
Summary: Permanent Residency vs. Citizenship
Both Permanent Residents and Citizens can work and live in a country, however their rights, privileges and duties are quite different.
Permanent Residency offers the resident permanent residency and the ability to work, but doesn’t give the citizen all of their rights. Permanent Residents might need to renew every few years, and some rights — such as voting or serving in government — are exclusive to citizens.
Citizenship, by contrast, provides full citizenship – exclusive voting and access to public office. Citizenship also entails greater duties: patriotism and civic duty, like taxation or jury duty.
How Law and Visas Can Provide Solutions?
When you’re applying for a permanent resident status, or citizenship, the requirements and the specifics can be difficult to digest. Law and Visas is an immigration law and legal services firm dedicated to helping individuals applying for Permanent Residence or citizenship in the US know the process, comply with the immigration laws and complete the application.
If you’re a Green Card holder who needs to extend your green card or a Permanent Resident who needs to become a citizen, our dedicated staff can help you with every step of the way. Call Law and Visas to get tailored solutions and guidance based on your immigration situation.
