+971509260817

Permanent Residency

Family Sponsorship (Canada)
Visa & Immigration
Need Help? Book Lab Visit
+971509260817

Why Apply for Permanent Residency?

Permanent Residency (PR) refers to a status granted to foreign nationals that allows them to live, work, and study in a country on a long-term basis without the need for a local sponsor or employer. Unlike temporary visas, permanent residency grants individuals the right to reside in a country indefinitely. PR holders enjoy many of the same rights as citizens, although they do not have voting rights or certain other privileges reserved for nationals.

Why Apply for Permanent Residency?

The main reasons why individuals apply for Permanent Residency include:


Long-Term Stay: PR allows you to live in the country permanently, giving you stability and security without worrying about visa renewals.
Work and Study Rights: Permanent residents can work and study freely within the country without restrictions or the need for a sponsor.
Access to Healthcare and Education: PR holders are often eligible for the same healthcare and education benefits as citizens.
Family Sponsorship: You may be able to sponsor your spouse, children, and other dependent family members for residency.
Pathway to Citizenship: In some countries, holding permanent residency for a specified period (typically 5-10 years) can lead to eligibility for citizenship.
Social Security Benefits: PR holders may be entitled to social security, pensions, and other government benefits in some countries.

Eligibility for Permanent Residency

Eligibility for Permanent Residency varies depending on the country, but some common factors include:

Duration of Stay: Most countries require you to have lived in the country for a specific period (e.g., 2-5 years) on a temporary visa before applying for PR.
Employment: Many countries offer PR to individuals who have secured long-term employment or have been employed for a certain number of years.
Investment: Countries like Canada, Australia, and several European nations offer PR to individuals who make significant investments in the country, such as through business or property investments.
Skills and Education: Countries with a points-based immigration system (e.g., Canada, Australia) award points for factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and job offers, which can increase your chances of obtaining PR.
Family Sponsorship: In some cases, PR can be granted to family members of citizens or permanent residents (e.g., spouses, children).
Humanitarian Grounds: Refugees and asylum seekers may be eligible for permanent residency based on humanitarian grounds, such as having fled from persecution or conflict.
How long does it take to get Permanent Residency?
The processing time for PR applications can vary from a few months to several years depending on the country and type of application.
Can I apply for Permanent Residency if I’m already living in the country on a temporary visa?
Yes, most countries allow individuals on temporary visas (e.g., student, work, or business visas) to apply for PR after meeting the necessary requirements, such as living in the country for a set period.
Can I lose my Permanent Residency status?
Yes, in some cases, you may lose your PR status if you fail to meet residency obligations (e.g., staying outside the country for too long), engage in criminal activities, or violate immigration laws.
Can I work and study with Permanent Residency?
Yes, many countries have family-based immigration programs that allow citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their immediate family members for PR.

Types of Permanent Residency

1
Permanent Residency:
Countries may offer different types of permanent residency based on the applicant’s situation. Some common categories include:
Skilled Worker PR: Granted to individuals with specific skills and work experience in high-demand sectors (e.g., healthcare, IT, engineering).
Investor PR: For individuals who invest a certain amount of money in the country, usually through real estate, business ownership, or stocks.
Family-Based PR: Granted to family members of citizens or permanent residents (e.g., spouses, children, dependent parents).
Student-Based PR: Some countries allow international students who have completed a certain level of education to apply for PR.
Humanitarian PR: Awarded to refugees or individuals granted asylum in the country.
2
How to Apply for Permanent Residency
The process of applying for Permanent Residency generally involves the following steps:
Determine Eligibility:Check the eligibility criteria for permanent residency in the country you wish to reside in. This may include work experience, investment, education, or family ties.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or Application:Some countries (e.g., Canada, Australia) require applicants to submit an EOI to express their interest in applying for PR. This is followed by an invitation to apply for PR if you meet the required points or criteria.In other countries, you may directly apply for PR through the immigration department or consulate.
Gather Required Documents:Documents typically required for PR applications include your passport, birth certificate, proof of employment, financial documents, health and police clearance certificates, proof of language proficiency, education credentials, etc.
Complete a Medical Examination:Many countries require applicants for PR to undergo a medical examination to ensure they do not have any serious health conditions that could pose a public health risk.
Submit Application and Pay Fees:Submit your PR application along with the required documents and application fees. Make sure all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays. Attend Interviews (if applicable):Some countries may require applicants to attend an interview or provide additional documentation before granting PR status. Wait for Processing:The processing time for PR applications varies depending on the country and your specific case. This can range from several months to a few years.
Receive Permanent Residency:Once your application is approved, you will be granted permanent residency. You may be issued a PR card or document, which will be required to prove your status within the country
3
Documents Required for Permanent Residency Application:
Documents needed for Permanent Residency applications may vary by country, but typically include:
Valid Passport: A passport that is valid for the duration of the application process.
Proof of Legal Stay: Evidence that you have lived in the country legally for the required duration (e.g., visa, residency permits).
Employment Documents: Proof of employment, including job offers, contracts, or pay stubs (if applying under skilled worker or employment-based categories).
Financial Documents: Bank statements, tax returns, or proof of investment (if applying under the investor or business category).
Educational Certificates: Degrees, diplomas, and transcripts (if applying under a skilled or student-based category).
Language Proficiency: Evidence of proficiency in the official language(s) of the country (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL scores for English-speaking countries).
Police Clearance Certificate: A certificate from your home country and/or other countries where you’ve lived to show you have no criminal record. Medical Records: A medical exam report from an approved physician.
Family Documents: Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other family-related documents (if sponsoring family members).
4
Benefits of Permanent Residency:
Permanent residency offers many advantages to foreign nationals, including:
Stability and Security: Permanent residents can live in the country indefinitely without worrying about visa renewals or sponsors.
Work and Study Rights: Permanent residents can work freely in the country without restrictions and access high-quality education.
Healthcare and Social Benefits: Most countries provide permanent residents with access to public healthcare, social security, and pensions.
Travel Benefits: Some countries offer permanent residents the ability to travel freely within certain regions (e.g., Schengen Area, EU). Pathway to Citizenship: In many countries, permanent residency is a step towards gaining citizenship after meeting residency requirements (e.g., 5-10 years of residency).
Family Sponsorship: Permanent residents can often sponsor their immediate family members to join them in the country.
4
Countries Offering Permanent Residency:
Here are some popular countries offering Permanent Residency options:
Canada: Offers PR through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and family sponsorship, among others.
Australia: The Australian Permanent Residency program includes skilled worker visas, investor visas, and family-based PR.
United States: The U.S. offers permanent residency through family sponsorship, employment-based Green Cards, and the EB-5 investor program. Germany: Offers PR after living in the country for several years on a temporary residence permit, with options for skilled workers and investors.
New Zealand: Permanent residency can be obtained through skilled migrant visas, work-to-residency pathways, or family sponsorship.
United Kingdom: Provides PR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after a certain period of legal residency, with options for workers, entrepreneurs, and family members.
Portugal: Known for its Golden Visa program, which provides permanent residency through investment in property, business, or other financial means.
Singapore: The Permanent Resident (PR) status is offered to investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals in Singapore.

Create your account