We are accepting cases during these challenging times.
Ranchodlaw

Call now

916-613-3553
916-613-3553

Llama ahora

916-220-3137

Stockton

209-219-2377

info@ranchodlaw.com

  • Espanolespañol
  • Home
  • The Firm
    • Practice Areas
    • Waivers
  • The Team
    • Legal Team
    • Attorneys
      • Kaushik Ranchod
      • Bobby Chung
    • Vivid Vision 2018 – 2021
    • In The Media
  • Reviews
    • Testimonials & Reviews
    • Approved Waivers
    • Our Success Stories
    • Reseñas Google
    • Reseñas Avvo
    • Reseñas Yelp
    • Testimonios
    • In The Media
  • Blog
  • Podcasts
  • Books
  • Videos
    • Green Cards
    • I601 Waiver
    • J1 Waiver
    • Work Visas
    • Testimonial Videos
    • Other Videos
  • Contact Us
    • Sacramento
    • Stockton
    • Careers
  • Lingua
  • Search
Blog

What is the difference between an employment authorization document and a greencard?

March 7, 2014/0 Comments/in Dreamer Work Permit, Green Card /by admin

What is the difference between an employment authorization document and a greencard?

Immigration attorney answers your questions about work permits and greencards

What is the difference between an employment authorization document and a greencard?

What is the difference between an employment authorization document (EAD or work permit) and a greencard (lawful permanent residence)?

One of my Sacramento client’s question took me completely by surprise:  the client said to me, if I have a work permit, why do I need a greencard? Sometimes, as an immigration lawyer, I need to inform my clients of the benefits and drawbacks of obtaining a greencard or naturalization if they do not know the basics. The differences between a work permit and a greencard are very important and certainly worthy of your attention.

A work permit is merely a TEMPORARY card that allows you to work legally in the U.S. temporarily. You cannot obtain a work permit by itself. A work permit is a benefit of some sort of underlying status.

For example, you cannot come to the U.S. and simply apply for a work permit just because you want to work in the U.S., you have to have an underlying right to obtain a work permit, some sort of employment visa or other ground. Accordingly, when the basis for your work permit finishes, your work permit also terminates. For example, if you have a pending employment green card and it is denied, your work permit (which was obtained on the basis of that pending application) becomes invalid and you are left without the ability to work in the U.S.

By contrast, with a greencard, you are always allowed to work legally in the U.S. Your permanent greencard (a conditional green card is only valid for two years) is valid for ten years but even if the greencard card itself expires you are still considered a lawful permanent resident (“greencard holder”).

While a work permit is temporary, a greencard is considered permanent (note, it is possible to lose your greencard if you abandon the U.S., commit certain crimes, consider yourself a nonresident for tax purposes, or other grounds). A greencard is considered permanent because you will have it indefinitely unless you do something wrong deserving of losing it. This is in contrast to a work permit, which will terminate when the underlying basis expires.

Additionally, a work permit does not give you a basis to apply for naturalization (U.S. Citizenship). You must first be a lawful permanent resident (greencard holder) to apply for naturalization. Only U.S. Citizens can vote and unlike both holders of work permits and greencards, U.S. citizens generally can never be deported from the U.S. Again, only green card holders have the ability to qualify for naturalization, being the holder of a mere work permit is not enough.

For any questions, call us at (916) 613-3553 so that we can schedule a consultation.  We represent clients throughout the fifty states with offices in Sacramento and Stockton.

Tags: green card, green card lawyer, greencard, immigration, immigration attorney sacramento, immigration attorneys, immigration law, marriage green card
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share by Mail



Contact Us now!




You might also like
Extreme Hardship Status
Conrad 30 vs. J1 Hardship Waiver for Doctors [[VIDEO]]
Immigration Process for Doctors [[VIDEO]]
3 Year H1B Extension Process [[VIDEO]]
How to File Form I-601 at a USCIS Lockbox
Kaushik's Personal Story of Coming to America
Deportations, Illegal Presence, and Your Greencard
What Happens If My Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver is Approved?
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Contact us now!

Categories

Approved Waiver Notices

Approval Notices: Approved Waivers

Click here to view I601 waiver approval notices.

The Ranchod Law Group

8880 Cal Center Dr #190
Sacramento, CA 95826
Phone: (916) 613-3553
Email: info@ranchodlaw.com

4719 Quail Lakes Dr, # G-2015
Stockton, CA 95207
Phone: (209) 219-2377

Email: info@ranchodlaw.com

 

Visit our Blog

 

J1 Visa Waiver Resource
Center for Doctors

Doctors Immigration Law –
Green Card, Work Visa, H-1B Visa

Check Your Case Status

 

  • Lawyer Kaushik Ranchod | Lawyer Immigration
  • Lawyer Kaushik Ranchod | Top Attorney Immigration
  • Kaushik Ranchod, Immigration Law, Top Lawyers 2015 - Sacramento Magazine sacmag.com
  • Ranchod Law Group BBB Business Review
  • IMG Member Badge
  • Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
  • Lawyer Kaushik Ranchod | Lawyer Immigration
  • Best Immigration Lawyers in Sacramento
  • Home
  • Firm Overview
  • Attorney Profiles
  • Practice Areas
  • Resources
  • Client Feedback
  • Contact Us

The Ranchod Law Group provides immigration law services with offices in Sacramento and Stockton California. In addition, we provide immigration law representation for clients nationwide.
Disclaimer: The testimonials, case results and/or endorsements do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.© 2020 Ranchodlaw. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer | Privacy Notice
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
Ten Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Marriage Based Greencard Deferred Action Childhood Arrival, Renewals & Extensions in 2014
Scroll to top