Permanent Residency is evaluated as an immigration permit or a visa that grants the holder to stay in a foreign country for an infinite period of time which can later on also be converted into citizenship. A permanent residency visa holder can enjoy various benefits that are granted to him legally. An individual is legally authorized to stay and work in the country. He can settle down in the country along with his family.
A major characteristic of this visa is that a permanent residency visa holder can reside in the country even after the expiration of the validity of his visa for a certain timeframe. During this time, he has to legally abide by the rules and regulations of the country and he can also apply for the extension of his visa. An individual can apply for the citizenship in the meanwhile to attain absolute settlement in the country after the completion of certain conditions and fulfilling certain criterions.
A permanent residency visa is usually valid for a period of five years with multiple entry transit permission in and out of the country at any point of time. A permanent residency can be granted in different forms. It is a documentary proof stating the status of an individual in the country. In various countries, the requirement is of a mere stamp on an individual's passport to substantiate the permanent stay. This stamp suffices the requirement of the government authorities, permitting individuals to live and work in the country without restriction and constraint. While other countries issue a photo ID card or a certificate of residence in the name of the person to confirm their residency status.
In order to maintain the legal status in a foreign country, it is important for an individual to meet certain conditions. Permanent residency can be granted to individuals based on different criteria's.
A permanent resident can migrate to a different land for mere migratory purposes or either citizenship purposes. If we were to outline the definition of a permanent resident for mere immigration purposes then we can define it as:
- An individual who is foreign citizen residing in the country for a definite time period but is treated as an equal to a citizen.
There are various advantages that are attached to permanent residency. Individuals can avail various advantages if their legal status is bracketed under the status of a permanent resident. If we were to talk about the advantages of a permanent residency; the below mentioned points can be viewed as the major highlights.
- Free and Subsidized Education.
- Right of setting up a business.
- Right to buy/ sell/ own property.
- Access to Medical Insurance.
- Access to Social Security Benefits.
- Right to apply for Citizenship.
- Right to sponsor people.
