Which is better – Green Card or L1 visa

We can be sure about a green card and an L1 visa so that they can legally land your feet on the premises of the United States. Both can guarantee a safe stay and nothing to worry about when you roam around the corners of the state that you are in.

But if you are just beginning the process, you may wonder which is better. Here at Ashoori Law, we will examine the differences and advantages that it can give you. So brace yourselves as we unravel everything you need to know between the two.

L1 visa: An Overview

Before discussing which is better, let’s deal with each one individually. It is better to know them individually before we compare them.

An L1 visa is given or granted to an individual whose parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in the United States of America wishes to transfer you there. The purpose of the transfer must be that the person on offer must be an executive or manager.

They must hold a position that authorizes employment and termination of employees that will benefit the company.

Green Card: An Overview

On the other hand, a green card possesses more power than an L1 visa. It is a physical card that proves the holder’s permanent residency. Therefore, the holder of a green card can legally work in the US and reside in the United States of America anywhere and anytime. In addition, they can travel in and out of the country whenever they wish to.

But before a person can apply for a green card, he or she must first have an immigrant visa. Then, after gaining the green card, he or she can file for citizenship for three to five years.

Also, the green card can benefit the holder’s family by allowing them to petition.

The difference

Now, let us tackle the difference between the two. We suggest that you read them carefully to acknowledge which one is better for you.

Green card holders possess better powers regarding residency, travel, and employment. Since they hold permanent residence, they are already treated like citizens. In addition, green card holders can bring their families over through petitions.

In addition, the green card can be tied to the job of the newly petitioned family member, so there are no problems with their visas.

On the other hand, you should obtain a visa before you travel to the United States of America. But, simultaneously, you can possess a green card right after you arrive in the country. This is the fundamental difference between the two. Now, if you have calculated your stay and the conditions of your visit, you can determine which you will apply for.

Visas also expire, depending on the treaty country you are national with. Unlike a green card, which does not have a specific expiration and can also lead to citizenship, this depends on the access that you are going to get.

Furthermore, visas don’t usually end up with permanent residency, unlike the green card, which has a high possibility of landing citizenship.

Which suits you better?

Now that you know the differences and the possible benefits of either of the two, it is time to choose which suits your needs. But first, we need you to assess how you will stay in the United States of America.

Also, know what you prefer to do in the United States of America. Are you there for business or as an employee? If for business, like your own investments, an L1 visa is not for you. But you can start your own business the moment you gain your green card and citizenship.

This means that you have to stay in the US for a longer period. However, unlike visas, you can calculate your length of stay if you have other businesses in your home country.

Conclusion

Whichever you choose, it can benefit you greatly because not everyone is gifted with the privilege of offering either of the two. But still, it depends on how you need it and on your life with your family.

We hope that this has helped you make a decision. Thank you for keeping us a part of your life-changing choices.