What is the difference between permanent residency and citizenship?

The difference between permanent residency and citizenship is that you become a legal permanent resident once you receive your green card.  This gives you most of the rights and obligations of a U.S. citizen, such as having the same tax filing requirements and being entitled to the same tax rates or reductions.  However you will not have the ability to vote or be eligible to receive some public benefits.

Your green card is the most important travel and identification document.  Please review it carefully upon arrival, it may need to be extended to ten years and if a replacement is needed before then or if its lost, stolen or falling apart you will need to file a form with the USCIS for a replacement.

The right to obtain US citizenship is granted after five years and is one of the most important rights that is given to legal permanent residents.  There are only two ways to become a United States citizen, being born in the United States or being born to a U.S. citizen is the first way.

The other way to become a U.S. citizen is by naturalization.  Becoming a Legal Permanent Resident is the first step in becoming a U.S. Citizen through naturalization.  Being present in the U.S. for at least 30 months during the five years prior to the naturalization application is required.  Having the right to vote or hold public office is granted to an individual once they become a U.S. citizen.

Your Immigration Attorney will be able to provide more material details with regard to the required steps needed to be taken to be granted full U.S. citizenship.