Permanent Resident Visa Abroad: Pathway to Citizenship

Generally, moving abroad or staying in another country for more than three months requires a visa. Every visa has an expiration. Once your visa expires, you need to leave the country. Some visas are good for several days while others allow you to stay in the country for several months or years. However, to relocate permanently to a new country, you will need a permanent resident visa.

Permanent Resident Visa Abroad: Pathway to Citizenship

Moving to a new country and starting over is always appealing. The idea of meeting different people, traveling to places you’ve never been before, and learning a new culture seems exciting and enjoyable. However, immigration is never easy, especially if you have no desirable skills or enough financial means. Most countries offer several immigration programs, but these programs are based on filling in shortages in the workforce and are limited by a yearly cap.

Therefore, to immigrate to a new country, you must consider essential factors such as integrating into a different social structure and the financial aspect. Depending on where in the world you’d like to live and work, there are various ways to apply for a permanent resident visa. This article explores applying for a permanent resident visa in some of the most common countries. We explain the process, eligibility criteria, and costs of applying for a permanent resident visa in these countries.

Permanent residency is a person's legal resident status in a country or territory of which such person is not a citizen but where they have the right to reside permanently. This is usually for a permanent period; a person with such legal status is known as a permanent resident. In the United States, such a person is referred to as a green card holder but more formally as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR).

Applying for a Permanent Resident Visa

A permanent resident visa allows you to travel to a nation, stay for some time, and seek citizenship. In some countries, obtaining a permanent resident visa eventually leads to citizenship. A permanent resident visa gives them a sense of security during their stay and provides them with perks they would not have if they were on a temporary permit. Except for the right to vote, take a political position, or hold critical government positions, a PR visa holder will have most of the benefits that a citizen of the country has.

Benefits of Obtaining a Permanent Resident Visa

You can live, work, study, and start a business in any country region with permanent residency. Benefits such as social security, health coverage, and financial assistance will be available to you.

If you become ill, it will provide you with better-paying jobs, tax breaks, and insurance coverage. Having a PR visa increases your chances of finding a job in Australia as employers prefer people with permanent resident visas. A permanent residence permit in Canada will give you access to career opportunities in fast-growing industries. You’ll get tax breaks like everyone else and be covered by workers’ compensation in the event of an accident.

A PR visa holder in Australia can own a home and apply for student loans if they decide to study at one of the country's universities. Those who hold PR visas in Australia have access to Medicare, the government's health insurance program. It provides subsidized medical services and treatment prices at public hospitals. Canada's permanent residents and their families can access the country’s world-class public healthcare system. With a PR visa, you can bring your family, including your parents, to the nation. A PR visa entitles your children to free schooling.

Popular Countries to Apply for Permanent Resident Visas

The following countries currently offer migration. However, immigration rules keep changing & new options are available frequently. If the country of your choice is not on the list below, please follow the links provided for more detailed information.

Permanent resident visas in Germany

In Germany, permanent residency refers to a person's official status as a non-citizen resident. A permanent resident is not a German citizen but may live and work in Germany indefinitely. It's important to note that the specific requirements for gaining permanent residency vary depending on your circumstances. There are also different types of visas that can be used to acquire permanent residence. Once you obtain permanent residency, you can live and work in Germany indefinitely. Permanent residents have the same rights as German citizens regarding healthcare, education, and employment.

The main difference between permanent residents and citizens is that permanent residents don't have voting rights. Permanent residents are also required to pay taxes on their worldwide income. Permanent residents are not allowed to vote in German elections. They are also not allowed to become the head of state, hold certain public offices or work in the police force. These individuals must also meet specific language requirements and have good moral character. If you become a permanent resident, you may eventually be able to apply for German citizenship after fulfilling specific requirements.

Read more about the requirements and application process for German resident visas.

Australian permanent resident visas

If you're planning on staying in Australia long-term, then it might be worth exploring your permanent residency options. The good news is that there are many ways to become a resident of this country. In general, people can become permanent residents of Australia through one of several programs. There are also a few different ways to qualify for permanent residency in Australia. The type of visa you have plays a significant role in determining whether you are eligible to apply for permanent residence.

A permanent resident visa is a type of visa that allows you to stay in Australia permanently. It gives you the same rights as an Australian citizen, except for the right to vote. You must meet specific requirements to be eligible for a permanent resident visa.

Read more about the requirements and application process for permanent resident visas in Australia.

Canadian permanent resident visas

Once you have applied for and been granted a Canadian Permanent Residency Visa, you may apply for citizenship one year later. This is because you must be a Permanent Resident for at least 12 months to apply for Canadian citizenship. The process for obtaining a Permanent Residency Visa is the same regardless of whether you use it inside or outside Canada.

The first step is to create an account on the IRCC website and submit an online application for Permanent Residency. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a notice of assessment. This notice will let you know if you meet the requirements for a Permanent Residency Visa. If you do, you will be given instructions on how to proceed with the rest of the application process.

Read more about the requirements and application process for Canadian permanent visas.

US permanent resident visas (Green Card)

A green card allows a non-U.S. citizen to gain permanent residence in the United States. Many people from outside the United States want a green card because it would allow them to live and work (lawfully) anywhere in the United States and qualify for U.S. citizenship after three or five years. Every year, the U.S. government issues more than a million green cards. Most are given to family members of U.S. citizens and current green card holders, followed by workers from other countries seeking employment in the United States as the next most significant group of recipients.

To immigrate to the United States, you'll need to figure out which type of green card you're eligible for. You'll likely only be able to immigrate if you qualify for one of the following.

  • Family-based green cards
  • Employment-based green cards
  • Humanitarian green cards
  • Diversity lottery green cards
  • Longtime-resident green cards
  • Other green cards

Read more about the application process and requirements for a US green card.

UK citizenship visa process

The UK visa system can appear daunting and complex, especially if you’re a non-EU national. Citizenship is a way of Life for many Brits, but foreign nationals who want to call the UK home must meet specific criteria before applying for a UK citizenship visa. Suppose you’ve been living in the UK for at least five years on a visa that isn’t work-related or student-related, and you are not married to a British citizen or an EU national. In that case, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization as a British citizen. Becoming a citizen is broken down into three stages: acquiring eligibility, making an application, and undergoing interviews.

Read more about the application process and requirements

How can I get a permanent residency?

You will have to undergo an application process to obtain a PR visa.  However, each country’s application process, qualifying restrictions, and required documents differ. Multiple criteria must be considered when deciding whether or not to apply for a PR visa and where to apply. Each country has immigration criteria and programs to help choose applicants for a permanent resident visa. Follow the read more links provided for each country.

Permanent residency and dependents

Many countries allow dependents (wife and children) to be included in the principal applicant’s permanent residency application. Parents of the main applicant may be permitted in some nations. Moreover, many countries allow permanent residents to sponsor family members eligible to move.