There are two main documents that grant long-term stay in the US These are: citizenship (granted at birth or by naturalization), and permanent lawful resident status (known as a green card). This inscription will investigate if permanent residents can get a US Passport.
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Permanent resident status – Green Card
A permanent resident status (green card) approves the right to live in the US indefinitely. This includes the right to live but also work, permanent status is also issued to close family members.
Moreover, permanent status gives the privilege to remain a citizen of another country, so if a person travels outside of the US they would have to use their national passport, along with a green card to return back to the US In terms of political freedom, green card holders are unable to vote, and if someone manages to do so, they might be prosecuted and changes of citizenship will be lost.
If a person leaves the US and decides to live elsewhere, then they are automatically abandoning their green card. This is also the case if a person spends more than six months outside of the US.
Although the green card has its drawbacks, it does get people closer to citizenship status. Green card permits entry and exit to US and US territories such as virgin islands. But also employment, social security card, or state-issued driver’s license.
However, those that travel outside of the US for more than six months – then they will be subject to inspection. For those that are outside of the US for longer than 365 days, then a re-entry permit is required. Whilst, people who travel outside of the US for more than two years will need a resident visa upon returning.
An advantage of a green card, in comparison to a passport, is that 6-month validity is not applicable, instead the card needs to be valid on the day of entry.
Find out more about passports from these articles:
- Can You Travel with a Mexican Passport in the US?
- How Long Before a Felon Can Get a Passport? [2025 Rules in a Nutshell]
- US Passport Colors Explained: Black, Red, Blue, and More
- DS-11 Passport Form – How to Fill It Out (with Examples)
- Damaged Passport Examples (Water, Mutilation & How to Get a Replacement)
- Do You Need a Passport to Go to Canada? [Passport, NEXUS Card & More]
- What Does Type P Mean on a Passport? [And How to Get It]
Citizenship
In contrast, citizenship is granted for those that were born in the US, through US citizen parents, or by naturalization process. When citizenship is granted then a person is eligible for a US passport, and many other countries will allow visa-free travel.
Additionally, there are no restrictions in regards to the number of stays that were spent outside of the US. People may leave and reenter the US as many times as they want. Citizens are permitted to vote in elections, be employed by the government, and serve on juries.
Scholarships, grants and other government benefits are also available for the citizens. To sum up, US citizenship must be provided to apply for a passport.
The passport application is not lengthy, all an applicant needs to provide is citizenship proof (such as a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization), 2×2 inches passport photo in color, a filled-in DS-11, any other form of ID document, and a fee (of $145).
Passport photos can be easily done digitally, using one of the many tools available online, such as US passport photo converter, so people are not required to leave their homes just to take a passport photo. Passport Photo Online are there to aid applicants in the application process.
Travelling to and From Canada
When planning a visit to Canada, by land or sea transportation, a passport is not required. A green card will be more than enough to confirm identity and lawful permanent resident status. These rules do not apply when passing the border by air – an electronic travel authorization (eTA) is essential when flying to Canada.
And in return, a passport is needed for electronic travel authorization to be granted. Therefore, a person must travel not only with a passport, and a green card but also the eTA.
Traveling to Other Countries
Along with a green card, a passport is needed when traveling abroad. Although a green card is not checked at the destination, it is vital to be shown on return in the US. Each country also requires different things, hence it is essential to check before departure what documents are demanded by each country – this can be checked at the country’s embassy or consulate.
Sources
Karolina’s passion for law, technology and photography led her to PhotoAiD S.A., where for the past 3 years she has been an expert in the implementation of passport photo compliance procedures in +80 countries around the world.
