A green card is a type of visa that allows for permanent residence in the United States. It is a physical card that indicates the holder is a permanent resident of the United States and can lawfully work and travel to anywhere within the United States. To qualify for a green card, the applicant must have an immigrant visa already, and applications are made to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) . Green cards are issued after arrival in the United States.

In contrast, a visa is a document that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for a specific purpose and for a limited period of time. There are many types of visas, including tourist visas, student visas, and work visas. Immigrant visas, which are more difficult to obtain, allow travel to the United States to live there permanently and are part of the process of getting a green card.

In summary, a green card is a type of visa that allows for permanent residence in the United States, while a visa is a document that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for a specific purpose and for a limited period of time.