Posted on October 09 2024

What are the differences between an EU Blue Card and a U.S. Green Card?

By
Anshul Singhal
, Editor

Updated October 09 2024

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit that authorizes highly qualified non-EU nationals to reside and work in their choice of EU member state country. The U.S. Green card is a PR card that offers permanent residency to individuals, allowing them to remain indefinitely in the country. The EU Blue card can be seen as the European alternative to the Green card in the U.S. The European Commission named the card “Blue” to symbolize the American “Green” card. While the EU Blue card may draw similarities to the U.S. Green card, there is a major difference between the two types of permits.

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EU Blue Card vs. U.S. Green Card

The table below has the list of differences between an EU Blue Card and a U.S. Green Card:

Factors	EU Blue Card	U.S. Green Card
Who can apply?	Foreign academics from non-EU countries	Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
	highly qualified non-EU/EEA professionals	People with extraordinary abilities, professors and researchers, professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, skilled workers, and investors
		Refugees or Asylee
		religious workers
		U visa holders, T visa holders
		People who have lived in the country since before January 1, 1972
When was it introduced?	2009	1972
Eligibility Criteria	Have a Master’s degree or an equivalent	You can apply for a Green Card via any of the following categories:
	Be highly talented or skilled professional	Family-based Green Cards
	Have at least 5+ years of experience	Employment-Based Green Cards
	Have a job offer in the EU state country	Refugee or Asylee Status
	Meet the minimum income requirements	Diversity Lottery
	Evidence that you have met the national legal requirements (For regulated professions)	Special Immigrant Status
		Victims of Abuse, Crime, or Human Trafficking
		Long-Time Residents
Can I apply for permanent residency?	Yes	No as it is already a PR card indicating your permanent residence status in the country.
Validity	1-4 years	36 months
Renewal?	yes	yes
Application fees	Varies based on EU country	Varies based on Type of Green Card
Processing time	90 days	33 months or more
Pros	Offers a permanent residence pathway	Avail financial support for education
	Family Reunification	Work in any part of the U.S.
	Easy entry and exit policies	Receive social security if you worked for at least 10 years in the U.S.
	Travel freely within the Schengen area	Travel with less restrictions
	Have your family accompany you	Sponsor your relatives for Green card
Cons	High salary thresholds	Men between the ages of 18-25 must register for the US Selective Service.
	Strict blue card requirements	Cannot vote
	Offers less flexibility	Cannot serve on the jury
	Offers less flexibility	You are subjected to US tax on your worldwide income.

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