Applying for permanent residency starts when you leave your country of citizenship. Many immigrants leave their country of residence on a temporary visa with the hope of eventually upgrading their resident status to permanent residency. Planning for permanent residence status is a big step that requires adequate preparation. There are many reasons behind this decision, which most often include personal goals, professional exposure, and the desire to live in a thriving society. Here are the top common reasons for applying for permanent residency.
What is Permanent Residency?
Permanent residency is a legal status granted to foreign nationals to live and work in a host country indefinitely. Unlike temporary residency, permanent residency offers long-term benefits. Moreover, these benefits depend on the country you're aiming at. After a successful application, you're given a green card or permanent resident card as a permanent resident as a means of identification.
By being a permanent resident of a host country, you have the lawful status of living and building a life in your host country. Your permanent resident immigration application requires submitting your identity documents, including a national identity document, document, or visa number, and birth information.
Top 12 Reasons For Applying For Permanent Residency
Questions about permanent residency are among the most frequently asked questions by applicants regarding immigration. Immigrants apply to be green card holders for different reasons, and here are the top 12 reasons they do so:
1. A Better Living Quality
Foreigners from underdeveloped and developing countries often look forward to having a permanent resident immigration status in countries that offer advanced infrastructure and efficient public services. While temporary residency is a starting point, there's a limit to what your immigrant visa can do for you. This is why many foreign nationals strive to get permanent resident status.
Better housing, good education, a citizen card, social amenities, simply peace of mind, or something your previous country cannot offer you—they are all valid reasons for applying for permanent residency. Not only will it benefit you, but it will also benefit your family members. Remember to always check the visa bulletin for the availability of green card visas.
2. Employment Opportunities
For many, a Green Card is a pathway to career advancement and international exposure. Developed countries, such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and the United States, have thriving job markets, particularly for skilled workers and global talent in technology, education, healthcare, and business.
Some applicants enter the process through employment visas, which are backed by labor certification. Getting an employment-based green card offers the flexibility of working without restrictions. One thing a temporary residency does is restrict you, since you need a work sponsorship that ties you to a single employer. It's no surprise that the flexibility of choosing who to work with and where to work is a common reason for applying for permanent residence.
To make the process easier, consider hiring an immigration representative or lawyer. Likewise, your current occupation, intended occupation, and payer information are all important in this step. Be sure to keep your identity documents, such as your ID card and employment authorization document, up to date.
3. Good Healthcare Systems
Healthcare is a top priority for many individuals seeking permanent resident status internationally, particularly those with medical conditions, and it's a compelling reason to apply for permanent residence. Developed countries offer excellent healthcare systems at a subsidized rate to their citizens and permanent residents. Being a permanent resident provides access to reliable medical services without financial strain or setbacks.
Before applying, you may be required to undergo a complete medical exam conducted by panel physicians as part of your immigration application. This step is necessary to meet immigration laws regarding public health.
4. Access to Social Benefits
Unlike temporary residency, your current status as a permanent resident can give you access to many benefits that improve your overall quality of life. This includes social security, employment benefits, maternity leave, disability support, and retirement pensions.
A temporary residency might not afford you that, so it's no surprise that foreign nationals look forward to permanent residency in a country that offers these benefits. Also, ensure your identity cards are updated with a valid document number and a verifiable application form on file.
5. Business Opportunities
Business reasons are among the top reasons for applying for permanent residency, especially for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. This is not far from the strategic business positioning of having some green cards. Being a permanent resident of a thriving country will set your business on a global stage, giving it the recognition it deserves.
Additionally, being a permanent resident in countries with a stable economy will allow you to start and grow your business with minimal restrictions. You'll not only have the opportunity to make your business global, but you'll also be able to contribute to the local economy. You can check out countries that offer Golden visas and other special category visa programs for investors. You might need to prepare your proof of funds and a business plan, of which you might need a detailed visa consultation process.
6. Pathway to Citizenship
One of the easiest, if not the only, ways to citizenship for foreigners is to be a green card holder. Aside from countries that offer citizenship by birth or descent, you need a permanent residency to attempt a citizenship application in any country outside your country of residence.
Citizenship provides much more than you can get from a permanent residence. You gain additional rights and privileges, such as voting, holding public office, and access to certain government benefits, among others.
You can apply for citizenship under the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, but it's based on your country of origin and your education level. While at it, carefully complete your application form, avoid any error whatsoever, submit all supporting documents that could be to your advantage, and be on the lookout for updates on the visa bulletin.
7. Easy Access to Education
Good education is one of the reasons for applying for permanent residency, especially for parents who want the best for their kids. Imagine not having to choose between a good education and limited work hours—that sounds cool, right? Education is a significant investment, and many individuals go above and beyond to maximize its benefits.
Permanent residency allows access to world-class educational institutions, from top-ranked kindergartens and high schools to renowned universities. Education-based applicants may also be asked to submit native language proficiency test results or birth information to verify eligibility. Always prepare proper immigration application documentation.
8. Travel Flexibility
Imagine waking up one morning, packing your bags, and traveling between countries without having to deal with restrictions; that is what permanent residency in a developed country can offer. Let's say you have a US permanent residency; you will have access to multiple countries without restrictions.
Permanent residency programs also provide visa-free or easy access to neighboring nations, making it easier to explore the world while maintaining a stable home base in your host country. Frequent travelers should always carry valid travel documents and, if necessary, obtain a re-entry permit to avoid jeopardizing their green card status.
9. Family Reunification
An easy way to family reunification is if the primary visa holder becomes a permanent resident of the host country. This makes family reunification one of the most important reasons people strive for permanent residency. Most countries, such as Oman and Norway, offer visa options and programs that support family reunification, allowing spouses and dependent children to reunite.
These programs enable residents to sponsor close relatives, such as their spouse or partner, parents, and children, to join them in the United States. For the family reunification visa application process, the primary visa holder, who serves as the sponsor, needs to provide proof of financial capability. This includes complete and accurate payer information, as well as all required identity card details.
10. Political Stability
Permanent residency offers a safe place and a forever home for people from countries affected by political unrest, and it's one of the valid reasons for applying for permanent residency. There is little benefit that being on a temporary visa or other nonimmigration visas can offer; it only provides a short-term escape. It's no wonder that people from these regions try to renew their visas on time to avoid being sent back to their home country.
If you're applying on the basis of political unrest, you can use the Diversity Visa Lottery or the humanitarian-based immigrant visa route. To meet the legal standards for your immigration application, you might have to employ the skills of an experienced immigration lawyer.
11. Access to Homeownership
One of the reasons immigrants apply for permanent residency rather than a continuous residence permit is to own a home in their host country. Many countries do not give temporary residents and non-citizens the right to own property. But with permanent residency to the rescue, foreigners can buy homes or invest in real estate projects.
Having a permanent residency can give you access not only to property purchases but also to housing grants. In this case, you have to provide your document number, payer information, and other personal identity documents. All this information is needed to show that you're a permanent resident.
12. Eligibility for Government Grants and Support Programs
Some benefits are exclusive to permanent residents and citizens, including government grants and support. Permanent residents can access housing grants, small business loans, research funding, and more. These are not typically available to individuals holding work visas or non-immigration visas.
Depending on the program, you may need to include your green card or employment authorization document, as well as updated details of your national identity document, during your visa consultation or application process. Most of these opportunities also require proof of your current occupation, intended occupation, or payment of immigration fees, depending on the category of your application.
What You Need for a Permanent Residency Application
Applying for permanent residency? Here are some permanent residency checklists you should note to get started:
- Valid passport card or national identity document
- Current residence permit
- Complete and accurate application forms
- Proof of meeting the eligibility requirements of your current status, such as a job offer, family sponsorship, or investment documents.
- Immigration medical examination from an approved clinic with an issued original certificate by designated panel physicians.
- Valid police certificate showing moral character and a zero criminal record.
- Proof of Funds – Bank statements or financial documents to show you can support yourself (payer information).
- Language Test Results – Some countries require proof of English or French proficiency (based on your native language)
- Digital photos – Recent passport-sized photos that meet specific guidelines
- Additional documents, such as education certificates, work experience, resident documents, or marriage certificates. You may also need to provide an Employment Authorization Document if you're transitioning from employment visas.
Note that permanent residence fees are non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome of your application status. Likewise, you must have all original documents alongside the duplicates for easy verification during the green card application process and to prevent delays. Be sure to include your document number and all relevant identity documents in your packet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Permanent Residency
When applying for permanent residency, consider the requirements of your host country. Since different countries have different requirements, note important details and avoid immigration violations.
You should also note what the immigration process requires and which mode of application is preferable, whether online or paper-based. You can speak to an immigration lawyer, adviser, or certified immigration representative for a streamlined process. The following are what you should not do when applying for permanent residency abroad:
- Relying on outdated immigration information or immigration laws
- Submitting incomplete or inconsistent application forms and documents
- Not translating documents where required (especially for non-English identity documents or native language content)
- Not paying the application processing fee, visa processing fees, or biometric fees on time
- Using passports, financial documents, or other files that are not up-to-date
- Not keeping personal copies of your immigration application materials
- Not doing your immigration medical screening and failing to follow up with panel physicians
- Applying for the green card process when you don’t meet the eligibility requirements
- Ignoring country-specific guidelines found in the visa bulletin
- Not preparing ahead for the application process, especially with labor certification
- Missing submission deadlines is detrimental to your application and may require intervention from an immigration judge
Tips on Applying for Permanent Residency
Planning to stay in your current host country as a permanent resident? Here are some tips that can help during the immigration process:
1. Have All Documents Close By
All documents relating to foreign travel should be easily accessible during the green card application process. Having a document checklist will help reduce the frustration of missing or outdated documents.
Once you're sure that you meet the eligibility requirements, confirm the required identity documents, application forms, and supporting records, such as your national identity document and document number.
2. Be Sure of Your Health Status
Public health and safety concerns are significant when applying for a green card. Do your medical exam alongside your dependents to ensure that you don't have health conditions that might pose a threat to public health. Use approved panel physicians and be prepared to submit the original medical clearance document as part of your immigration application.
3. File a Federal Income Tax After Approval
One of the very important things you must do after your permanent residency status is approved is to file a federal income tax return, so you don't lose your green card or face issues with immigration rules later on.
4. Get a Re-entry Permit When Traveling
Obtaining a permanent resident card is not easy, and it is crucial to maintain that status carefully. Whenever you leave your country of permanent residence, always apply for a re-entry permit if you plan to stay longer than the stated time frame for leaving the country. This way, you won't give the impression that you abandoned your status and lost it in the process.
5. Update Your Marital Status and Family Composition
If you're applying for a family-based green card, updating your marital status and stating whether you have dependent children or a conjugal partner is essential. You can do that in the details field provided on your application form or through an official visa consultation.
7. Ensure Your Details Are Correct
Using the wrong email address or mailing address can hinder your application process, as you won't receive updates on your application status. The same goes for all other details you provide, especially international documents. Follow the instruction guide and ensure that it is current and consistent throughout your document.
If there's a change in any of your documents, for instance, a change in home address, employment, or even payer information, you need to effect the change with a legal supporting document that explains that change.
Conclusion
Permanent residency isn't just about moving to a new country or changing immigration status; it's more about creating an avenue for a future-proof life. The reasons for applying for permanent residency vary among applicants, and they often include preparing for a citizenship application. Whatever the reason behind leaving your previous country for a green card application, permanent residency offers a chance to create the life you want.
