What is the difference between B1/B2 visa and Green Card?
B1/B2 Visa
January 03, 2026
1,493 views
Answer
📋 Summary:
B1/B2 visa is temporary (visitor visa, up to 6 months per entry). Green Card is permanent residence (can live and work permanently). B1/B2 requires non-immigrant intent, Green Card is immigrant status. Completely different purposes and requirements.
B1/B2 Visa (Temporary):
- Purpose: Temporary visits (tourism, business)
- Duration: Up to 6 months per entry
- Work: Cannot work
- Intent: Must show non-immigrant intent (will return home)
- Renewal: Must leave and re-enter
Additional Information:
- Purpose: Permanent residence
- Duration: Permanent (can be revoked in certain cases)
- Work: Can work for any employer
- Intent: Immigrant intent (planning to live permanently)
- Renewal: Renew card every 10 years, but status is permanent
- Path to citizenship: Can naturalize after 5 years (or 3 if married to citizen)
💡 In Other Words:
B1/B2 is like a "visitor pass" - you can come and go, but you're always a visitor. Green Card is like "permanent membership" - you can live and work here permanently, and it's a step toward citizenship. They're completely different - one is temporary, one is permanent. You can't have both at the same time (they contradict each other).
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