hi pprcp...here is an explanation of what the difference is between commuter and non-commuter. Most likely you will choose the option non-commuter unless you're an applicant of Mexico or Canada.
As for the other 3 questions, I've already answered it in this thread:
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=200823
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Regular Green Card:
This status is for individuals entering the US with the specific intent of living indefinitely in the US. The overwhelming majority of Resident Aliens elect regular Permanent Resident status.
KEY POINTS OF THIS STATUS
- Are eligible to apply for US citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency entry (3 years eligibility if married to US citizen).
- Family members who apply with the principal are derivatively eligible for same Permanent Resident status.
- International assignments abroad are permitted, without seriously negatively impacting Resident Alien status for up to four (4) years, with prior written governmental authorization.
- No requirement that any family members work or attend school in US, as long as their residence is in the US (reverse commuting from the US to Canada or Mexico is acceptable).
- Are eligible to live in US for entire life, and status is not lost at time of retirement or unemployment as long as all requirements to maintaining lawful status are followed (maintain good moral character, etc…).
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Commuter Green Card:
Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Regulations permit the Visa applicant of Canada or Mexico to elect commuter status. This is not a statutory status. It is only an administrative permission granted on a rolling six (6) month basis to exempt the individual from the 180-day move over requirement to acquire a Lawful Permanent Resident Visa. It permits the employee only to live in Canada or Mexico and commute daily to and for US employment. It is a limited Visa status for the employee only! Accordingly, there is no ability for the employee to act as a Visa sponsor for derivative spouse or child. Unless and until the individual has converted that status to full US Permanent Residence. He/she cannot satisfy Naturalization requirements or confer any derivative immigration benefits under the immigration laws on any family member's behalf or on behalf of any relatives. The following points apply to commuters as long as they hold this status and live outside the US.
KEY POINTS OF THIS STATUS
- Do not accrue time for US citizenship eligibility.
- Status is valid only as long as the applicant continues to work in the US, and proves that he/she has worked in the US for at least 90 days during the last year.
- Status expires every six (6) months unless a letter is provided from a US employer stating that the individual is still employed.
- Cannot later bring immediate family to the US until the primary applicant first moves in Permanent Residence to the US. He/she must then process a family Second Preference Petition, which currently has a several year Visa backlog delay. Family members MUST remain outside US until processing is completed.
- Cannot take international assignments and still maintain status.
- Status expires as soon as first six (6) month extension is missed because of failure to continue working in the US (retirement or prolonged unemployment).
- Inspection officers can cancel this category at any time. There is no guarantee of its continuity.
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