Permanent Resident Visa

United States

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Green Card
Types:
- Employment-Based Green Card: For workers with a job offer or skills in demand.
- Family-Based Green Card: For close family members of U.S. citizens or green card holders.
- Diversity Visa Lottery: For individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.

Application Process:

Eligibility Check: Determine eligibility based on employment, family, or lottery.
Petition: Employer or family member files Form I-130 (family) or Form I-140 (employment).
Adjustment of Status: If in the U.S., file Form I-485; if abroad, apply at a U.S. embassy.
Decision: Attend an interview and receive green card if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee for Form I-485 is approximately $1,225; fees for other forms vary.

United Kingdom

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Types:
- Work-Based ILR: For workers with a valid visa and residency.
- Family-Based ILR: For family members of settled persons.
- Investor, Business Development, and Talent Visas: For high-net-worth individuals and exceptional talents.

Residency Requirement: Meet the residency requirement (typically 5 years).
Application: Complete online application for ILR.
Biometrics: Provide biometric information.
Decision: Receive ILR if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately £2,404; additional costs may include biometric fees.

Canada

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Permanent Resident Visa
Types:
- Express Entry: For skilled workers.
- Family Sponsorship: For family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): For nominees from Canadian provinces.

Eligibility Check: Determine eligibility through Express Entry or PNP.
Apply: Submit an Express Entry profile or PNP application.
Invitation to Apply (ITA): Receive an ITA if eligible.
Submit PR Application: Provide required documents and await decision.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately CAD $1,325 per adult; additional costs may include medical exams.

Australia

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Permanent Residency Visa
Types:
- Skilled Migration Visa (Subclass 189/190): For skilled workers.
- Family Reunion Visa (Subclass 143/870): For family members.
- Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 888): For business owners and investors.

Eligibility Check: Check eligibility based on skills or family connection.
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Through SkillSelect for skilled visas.
Invitation to Apply: Receive invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Visa Application: Complete the application and provide required documents.

Average Costs: Application fee for Subclass 189 is approximately AUD $4,240; additional costs may include medical examinations.

Germany

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Permanent Settlement Permit
Types:
- General Settlement Permit: For long-term residents.
- EU Blue Card Holders: For high-skilled workers.

Residency Requirement: Meet the residency requirement (typically 5 years).
Language Proficiency: Demonstrate German language skills.
Application: Apply through local immigration office.
Decision: Await decision and receive permit if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately €135; additional costs may include language course fees.

France

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Carte de Résident
Types:
- Long-Term Resident: For long-term residents meeting the criteria.
- Family Reunion: For family members of French citizens or residents.

Residency Requirement: Typically 5 years of legal residence.
Language Proficiency: Demonstrate French language skills.
Application: Apply at local prefecture or consulate.
Decision: Await decision and receive residency card if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately €269; additional costs may include language course fees.

New Zealand

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Resident Visa
Types:
- Skilled Migrant Category: For skilled workers.
- Family Category: For family members of New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Investor and Entrepreneur Visas: For investors and entrepreneurs.

Eligibility Check: Check eligibility for skilled migration or family sponsorship.
Apply: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or direct application.
Invitation to Apply (ITA): Receive an ITA if eligible.
Submit Resident Application: Provide required documents and await decision.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately NZD $2,330; additional costs may include medical examinations.

Netherlands

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Dutch Permanent Residence
Types:
- Regular Residence Permit: For long-term residents.
- EU Long-Term Residence Permit: For EU citizens.

Residency Requirement: Typically 5 years of legal residence.
Language Proficiency: Demonstrate Dutch language skills.
Application: Apply at local immigration office.
Decision: Await decision and receive permit if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately €174; additional costs may include language course fees.

Switzerland

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Swiss Permanent Residency
Types:
- C Permit: For long-term residents.

Residency Requirement: Typically 10 years of legal residence.
Language Proficiency: Demonstrate language skills.
Application: Apply through local migration office.
Decision: Await decision and receive permit if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately CHF 100; additional costs may include language course fees.

Sweden

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Permanent Residence Permit
Types:
- Permanent Residence for Refugees: For refugees.
- Permanent Residence for Skilled Workers: For long-term skilled workers.

Residency Requirement: Typically 4 years of legal residence.
Language Proficiency: Demonstrate Swedish language skills.
Application: Apply online or through the Migration Agency.
Decision: Await decision and receive permit if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately SEK 1,500; additional costs may include language course fees.

Japan

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Permanent Resident Visa
Types:
- General Permanent Residency: For long-term residents.
- Highly Skilled Professional Permanent Residency: For highly skilled workers.

Residency Requirement: Typically 10 years of legal residence.
Application: Submit application to the Immigration Bureau.
Documentation: Provide proof of residence and employment.
Decision: Await decision and receive visa if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately ¥8,000; additional costs may include legal fees.

South Korea

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: F-5 Permanent Resident Visa
Types:
- F-5-1: For long-term residents.
- F-5-2: For specific categories like marriage migrants.

Residency Requirement: Typically 5 years of legal residence.
Application: Submit application to the Korea Immigration Service.
Documentation: Provide proof of residence and financial stability.
Decision: Await decision and receive visa if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately KRW 500,000; additional costs may include legal fees.

Singapore

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Permanent Resident (PR)
Types:
- Employment Pass PR: For employment pass holders.
- Investor PR: For investors and entrepreneurs.

Eligibility Check: Ensure eligibility through Employment Pass or other criteria.
Application: Submit PR application online through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Documentation: Provide required documents.
Decision: Await decision and receive PR if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately SGD 100; additional costs may include medical examinations.

China

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Permanent Residence Permit
Types:
- Category A: For high-level talents and investors.
- Category B: For long-term residents.

Application Process:

Eligibility Check: Ensure eligibility through employment or investment criteria.
Application: Submit application to the local Entry-Exit Administration.
Documentation: Provide proof of residence and qualifications.
Decision: Await decision and receive permit if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately CNY 1,000; additional costs may include legal fees.

Italy

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit)
Types:
- Long-Term Residence Permit: For long-term residents.
- EU Blue Card: For high-skilled workers.

Residency Requirement: Typically 5 years of legal residence.
Application: Apply at local Questura (police headquarters).
Documentation: Provide proof of residence and employment.
Decision: Await decision and receive permit if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately €200; additional costs may include legal fees.

Spain

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Permanent Residence Permit
Types:
- Long-Term Residence: For long-term residents.
- EU Long-Term Residence: For EU citizens.

Residency Requirement: Typically 5 years of legal residence.
Application: Apply at local immigration office.
Documentation: Provide proof of residence and employment.
Decision: Await decision and receive permit if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately €10; additional costs may include legal fees.

Ireland

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Stamp 4 (Long-Term Residency)
Types:
- General Stamp 4: For long-term residents.
- EU Treaty Rights: For EU citizens and their family members.

Residency Requirement: Typically 5 years of legal residence.
Application: Submit application to the Department of Justice and Equality.
Documentation: Provide proof of residence and employment.
Decision: Await decision and receive Stamp 4 if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately €300; additional costs may include legal fees.

Denmark

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Permanent Residence Permit
Types:
- Permanent Residence: For long-term residents.
- EU Long-Term Residence: For EU citizens.

Residency Requirement: Typically 5 years of legal residence.
Application: Apply through the Danish Immigration Service.
Documentation: Provide proof of residence and employment.
Decision: Await decision and receive permit if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately DKK 6,200; additional costs may include legal fees.

Finland

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Residence Permit for Long-Term Residents
Types:
- Permanent Residence Permit: For long-term residents.
- EU Blue Card: For high-skilled workers.

Residency Requirement: Typically 4 years of legal residence.
Application: Apply through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
Documentation: Provide proof of residence and employment.
Decision: Await decision and receive permit if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately €340; additional costs may include legal fees.

Norway

Permanent Resident Visa Types

Application Process

Visa Type: Permanent Residence Permit
Types:
- Skilled Worker Permit: For skilled workers.
- Family Immigration Permit: For family members of Norwegian citizens or residents.

Residency Requirement: Typically 3 years of legal residence.
Application: Apply through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
Documentation: Provide proof of residence and employment.
Decision: Await decision and receive permit if approved.

Average Costs: Application fee is approximately NOK 6,300; additional costs may include legal fees.