Applying for a Permanent Resident Visa

A PR visa, or permanent resident visa, gives you the legal right to move to a foreign country, live there for a specific long-term period, and then apply for citizenship. Some countries abroad offer PR visas that ultimately lead to citizenship.

With a PR visa, you can feel secure and protected throughout your stay in the country, along with other benefits that may not be available with temporary visas. Permanent resident visa holders have rights similar to citizens; however, they cannot vote, take up government positions, or participate in political activities. 

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Benefits of Permanent Residency

A permanent residence visa allows you to reside, work, study, or set up your own business in any country abroad. The PR visa comes with benefits, including healthcare, social security, and financial assistance.

Some of the other benefits of applying for a PR visa are as follows:

• Access to high-paying jobs with tax benefits and other allowances
• Australia offers financial backup and incentives to PR visa holders, even assisting them in purchasing a property or home.
• Australia PR visa holders can get student loans to pursue education nationwide at any university or college.
• Australia's PR visa gives you access to government-backed Medicare programs, free treatment at public hospitals, and feasible medical services.
• With a Canada PR visa, you can access public healthcare facilities for yourself and your families. 

A permanent resident visa allows you to bring your family, including spouses, children, dependents, and parents, to the country. Children of PR visa holders can get free education and schooling facilities.

The countries that offer migration are as follows:

• Australia
• Canada
• Denmark
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• New Zealand
• Ireland
• UK

Note: Countries regularly update immigration rules and guidelines, offering new PR pathways for foreign nationals.

Top Countries for Permanent Residency

Here is the list of top countries to apply for permanent residency:

Canada

Canada offers immigration pathways for foreign nationals to apply for PR.

Two of the most popular Canadian PR pathways are as follows:

• Canada Express Entry
• Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

With a Canada PR, you can get permanent residence status in Canada for up to 5 years, after which it can be renewed. Canada PR visa does not make you a Canadian citizen but offers the following benefits:

• Gives you the citizenship pathway upon eligibility
• Reside, work, or study in any part of Canada
• Avail of social security and other healthcare benefits similar to the Canadian citizens
• Receive protection under Canadian law

*Want to apply for Canada PR? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.

Australia

Australia offers many different pathways for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency. The 5-year PR visa allows you to relocate to Australia with your family, leading you to a pathway to citizenship. 

There are many pathways to apply for a PR visa in Australia; however, the requirements may vary based on your qualifications.

Three of the most popular Australian PR pathways are as follows:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): The Subclass 189 visa allows skilled workers to reside and work permanently in Australia.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): The Subclass 190 visa is for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. However, you must prove that your occupation is listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa: The Subclass 491 visa allows skilled foreign workers and their families to reside, work, and study in any of Australia’s regional areas for up to 5 years. After completing 3 years, Subclass 491 visa holders can apply for permanent residency in Australia.

How to apply for permanent residency?

To apply for permanent residency, you must follow the standard application process to acquire a PR visa. Each country has a different application process, requirement criteria, and document checklist.

Some of the most common immigration criteria and programs for a PR visa include:

• Skill-based
• Points-based
• Family Sponsorship
• Employer-sponsorship
• Business & Investment

Most countries abroad provide a PR visa for the primary applicant, spouse, and children. A PR visa can, in most cases, later be converted to citizenship. Healthcare, retirement benefits, visa-free travel, and free education for children are some of the reasons individuals choose to immigrate to other countries.

Skilled Immigration

It is one of the most standard pathways to settle abroad, and some of its key points include:

• Points-based system
• Most people under 46 years apply for Canada PR through this pathway

State/Territory/Province sponsored Immigration

The State/Territory/Province sponsored immigration is similar to Skilled Immigration.

• The applicants’ occupation must be on the state list
• Long-term Visa Pathway for PR & Citizenship 

Employer-based Immigration

Employer-based immigration is one of the most popular PR pathways for skilled workers. Individuals with a valid and full-time job offer from an employer abroad can qualify for this visa.

Y-Axis provides Job Search Services by assisting job seekers in marketing themselves effectively to foreign employers. We are known for our high success rate in helping candidates find the right job abroad. 

Family Migration

Some foreign countries offer permanent residency options to individuals with spouses, siblings, parents, or close relatives overseas. However, the sponsoring family member must either be a Permanent resident, PR holder, or a legal citizen of that country.

Investment Migration

Countries abroad also offer individuals PR visas or other temporary visas in exchange for financial investments in the country's development. The investment amount could range from $50,000 to $500,000 or even more.

Comparison of Immigration points system:  Australia vs. Canada vs. UK

Most countries maintain a points-based system to assess and analyze immigrants' applications. Points are allotted to applicants considering age, work experience, education, and language proficiency. Applicants who score the required minimum points will be eligible for immigration.

Note: The higher the points, the better your chances of migrating overseas.

You can refer to the table below to compare your immigration scores.

Factors	Countries	Category	Points
Age	Australia	18-24	25
		25-32	30
		33-39	25
		40-45	15
	Canada	18-35	12
		36	11
		37	10
		38	9
		39	8
		40	7
		41	6
		42	5
		43	4
		44	3
		45	2
		46	1
	The UK	No points granted for age
Education	Australia	Diploma	10
		Bachelor’s/Master’s	15
		Doctorate	20
	Canada	HS or SC Diploma	5
		College Certificate	15
		Degree/Diploma (2 years)	19
		Bachelor’s Degree	21
		BS/MBA/Master’s	23
		Doctorate/Ph.D.	25
	The UK	Ph.D. in a subject relevant to the job	10
		Ph.D. in a STEM subject	20
Work Experience/Job Offer	Australia	1-3 (exp outside Australia)	0
		3-4 (exp outside Australia)	5
		5-7 (exp outside Australia)	10
		8+ (exp outside Australia)	15
		3-4 (exp in Australia)	10
		5-7 (exp in Australia)	15
		8+ (exp in Australia)	20
	Canada	1	9
		02-Mar	11
		04-May	13
		6+	15
	The UK	Job offer from an approved sponsor	20
		Job at skill level	20
		Job with salary from £23,040 to £25,599	10
		Job with salary more than £25,600	20
		Job in Skilled Occupation List	20
Language Skills	Australia	Competent English	0
		Proficient English	10
		Superior English	20
	Canada	CLB 9 or higher	6
		CLB 8	5
		CLB 7	4
		French language skills	4
	The UK	Required level of English skill (mandatory)	10
Skills of Partner/Spouse	Australia	Spouse/Partner meets criteria for age and English skills	10
	Canada	Spouse/Partner has English/French language skills at CLB level 4 or higher	5
	The UK	No points granted for this section