What is a permanent resident?

A permanent resident is defined as a foreign national who has been granted the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. This status is typically conferred through obtaining a Green Card, which allows individuals to reside in the country on a long-term basis without the need for continual renewal or reapplication, unlike temporary visas. Permanent residents enjoy many of the same rights as U.S. citizens, such as the ability to work anywhere in the country and to access public services, though they cannot vote in federal elections.

The other options pertain to different immigration statuses that do not provide the same level of rights or duration of stay. Visitors, for instance, are granted temporary permission to stay for a limited time and must adhere to specific conditions, such as not working. Similarly, individuals on student visas are allowed to remain in the U.S. specifically for educational purposes and typically have restrictions regarding employment. Temporary workers are in the country for a defined period for specific jobs and do not have the same stability or rights as permanent residents.