Residency Visa
A Residency Visa (also called a residence permit or long-term visa) allows a foreign national to live in a country for an extended period, either temporarily or permanently. It is not the same as citizenship, but it often provides many of the same rights, such as working, studying, and accessing healthcare.
A Residency Visa grants permission to stay in a country for more than a short-term period (usually over 90 days), and it may lead to permanent residency or citizenship after a certain time.
General Eligibility Criteria For Residency Visa
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Stay | Must have a valid reason (job offer, school acceptance, family, investment) |
| Financial Means | Proof of income or funds to support yourself without government aid |
| Health Insurance | Required in many countries for non-citizens |
| Criminal Record | Clean background; police clearance may be required |
| Valid Passport | Passport must usually be valid for at least 6–12 months |
| Language Proficiency | May be required depending on the country and visa type |
| Medical Check | Some countries require health screening |
Types Of Residency Visa
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Work | For skilled professionals or employees of local companies |
| Study | For students enrolled in accredited institutions |
| Family | For spouses, children, or relatives of residents/citizens |
| Investment/Business | For investors or entrepreneurs |
| Retirement | For retirees with stable income |
| Humanitarian/Asylum | For refugees or displaced persons |
Country-Based Visa Information For Residency Visa
- Eligibility: Family sponsorship, employment, asylum, investment (EB-5), or lottery
- Path To Citizenship: Yes (after 3–5 years depending on category)
-
Eligibility:
- Express Entry (for skilled workers)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Family sponsorship
- Start-up Visa (business)
- Path To Citizenship: Yes (after 3 years of residency)
-
Eligibility:
- Skilled worker visa (subclass 189, 190)
- Business/investor visa (subclass 188/888)
- Family sponsorship
- Path To Citizenship: Yes (after 4 years of lawful residence)
-
Eligibility:
- Long-stay visa (study, work, family, etc.)
- Minimum legal residence (usually 5 years)
- Family sponsorship
- Path To Citizenship: Varies by country (usually after 5–10 years)
-
Eligibility:
- Employment
- Business or freelance license
- Real estate investment
- Sponsorship by family member or employer
- Duration: 2–10 years, renewable
- Path To Citizenship: Difficult but possible in special cases
What are the documents required to apply for Residency Visa ?
- Valid passport
- Application forms
- Visa fee payment
- Photos (passport-size)
- Proof of income/funds
- Medical exam report
- Police clearance certificate
- Supporting documents (job offer, marriage certificate, etc.)
