Permanent Residence: Australia VS The World
There are many reasons why people seek permanent residence (PR) in a new country. For some it may be a necessity but for others it’s an opportunity to live in a new country and embrace a new culture and lifestyle.
But how hard is it to immigrate and get permanent residence in a foreign country (PR)? Every country has different processes and rules when determining eligibility for permanent residence (PR) and how long it will take from lodgement to approval. Likewise, whether permanent residence is easy or hard to obtain depends on individual countries.
Applying for PR in Australia
Australia is considered one of the easiest countries to grant PR. To become a permanent resident in Australia, you need to apply for and be granted a permanent visa. Permanent visas allow you to remain in Australia indefinitely.
The three most common pathways to permanent residence are through:
- A family stream permanent visa
- For spouses, partners, children, parents or dependent relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia or eligible New Zealand citizens
- For children being adopted or in the process of being adopted outside Australia
- For carers who need to move to Australia to provide long-term care for an approved relative
- A workstream permanent visa
- For skilled workers who have an Australian employer sponsoring them to work in Australia or have skills that meet a labour shortage
- For skilled workers who independently apply and are invited based on a points test to assess an applicant’s eligibility
- A business or investor stream permanent visa
- For entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners who wish to continue their business activity in Australia after holding a provisional visa.
When applying for a permanent visa, you will need to meet eligibility criteria.
How Does Gaining PR in Australia Differ to Other Countries Around the World?
Generally, gaining permanent residence in Australia isn’t too difficult as long as you meet all the requirements of the visa you are applying for. But in many countries around the world, gaining PR is about as easy as winning the lottery.
Thailand
Thailand is one of the most sought-after countries for those seeking permanent residence, but it is also very difficult to obtain. Thailand only allocates 100 permanent residence permits per country per year and this figure is strictly adhered to so the chances for applicants gaining PR in Thailand are very slim. However, if you’re lucky enough to be granted a PR permit, you can apply for Thai citizenship once you have held permanent resident status in Thailand for five consecutive years.
Japan
Applicants may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Japan if they have lived in Japan for 10 consecutive years on any type of visa. You may also be eligible if you have fulfilled a certain amount of time in Japan as a highly skilled professional and gained enough points through Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional System.
Marrying a Japanese citizen or a permanent resident is also another way to gain permanent residence, however, you must be married for at least three years and have lived in Japan for at least one year before you can apply for permanent residence.
Liechtenstein
As a small country, Liechtenstein has no desire to increase its population through immigration therefore gaining permanent residence is almost impossible. Citizens of Austria and Switzerland must live in Liechtenstein for a minimum of five years prior to being granted permanent residence, with other EU country citizens needing to reside in the kingdom for a minimum of 10 years. Citizens of non-EU countries are not welcome.
To obtain permanent residence, applicants must have the status of official employee, however, finding a job opening in Liechtenstein is extremely difficult.
Permanent residence by marriage is an option but it’s a very long and complex process and a minimum of three years cohabitation between spouses must be proved.
United States of America
The United States requires permanent resident (green card) applicants to meet eligibility requirements including:
- Having resided in the United States for at least five years. Spouses of US citizens need only have resided in the US for three years.
- Be morally upright and healthy.
- Have knowledge of US history and governance.
- Be able to read, write, and speak English.
- Have resided for at least three months in the USIC district or state before applying.
Applicants may apply for permanent residence through the preference system which applies to family members of US citizens wishing to gain permanent residence in the US or through employee sponsorship, marriage to an American citizen, or by seeking asylum.
While there are many options available when it comes to applying for permanent residence, there is a cap on the number of individuals granted a green card each year. This cap means that some applicants could be waiting up to 20 years for their permanent residence.
Mexico
Mexico is considered one of the hardest countries to get permanent residence in. You can apply to become a permanent resident in Mexico by fulfilling one of the following conditions:
- You have close family in Mexico.
- You have employment in Mexico.
- You will be studying at an educational institution in Mexico.
- You intend to retire in Mexico and have sufficient finances.
- You have lived temporarily for four consecutive years in Mexico and therefore qualify for permanent residence.
Obtaining permanent residency in Australia is not as daunting as some may think. Those who are eligible will find numerous employment opportunities, a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, and an unrivalled quality of life that makes Australia a highly sought-after destination for people wishing to immigrate.
Visa Solutions Australia has assisted thousands of clients who now permanently call Australia home. Contact us to find out how we may be able to help you too.
For more information on any aspect of migration, contact the team at Visa Solutions Australia. Book a consultation.
