OVERVIEW

The Green Card: A Permanent Resident of the US is someone who has been approved for the "Green Card." Permanent Residents are allowed to stay in the US for ever and have unlimited work and travel authorization. After a certain number of years as a Permanent Resident, one may apply for citizenship.  The Green Card is generally obtained upon the approval of the immigrant visa or the adjustment of status. This Permanent Residency can be obtained through Family Sponsorship, Employer-Sponsored Labor Certification, by other employment-based means or through the annual green card lottery (Diversity Visa). [ more info ]

Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Visas: There are a wide array of temporary (nonimmigrant) visas available to those who seek to enter the US.  These visas allow for temporary travel to the US for a finite purpose -- although the temporary travel may last for many years, depending upon the type of visa.  The most common nonimmigrant visas are tourist visas (B-2), business visitor visas (B-1) and student visas (F-1).  Common temporary visas that allow employment in the US are the H-1B (visa for professionals), the TN (professionals from Canada and Mexico) and the L-1 (intracompany transferees). [ more info ]