Statistics on Permanent Residency: An In-Depth Look
Permanent residency is the status given to an individual who is not a citizen of a country, but who has been granted the right to live and work in that country on a long-term basis. The process of obtaining permanent residency can be both complex and time-consuming, with eligibility depending on a variety of factors such as education, language ability, and work experience. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the statistics of permanent residency in various countries, exploring the factors that contribute to its attainment and the legal and economic implications of immigration.
Statistics by Country
First, let’s take a look at some key statistics on permanent residency in different countries. It’s important to note that the figures presented here are current as of the time of writing, and may be subject to change in the future.
United States
The United States is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants seeking permanent residency, with the country’s diversity and economic opportunities serving as major pull factors. According to data from the Department of Homeland Security, in fiscal year 2020 (October 2019-September 2020), a total of 462,422 people were granted lawful permanent residency in the United States.
The top countries of origin for new permanent residents were Mexico (149,692), China (36,530), India (28,470), the Dominican Republic (13,003), and Cuba (11,126). The most common categories of admission were family-sponsored (203,319), employment-based (119,618), refugees and asylees (103,312), and diversity (44,635).
Canada
Canada is also a popular destination for immigrants seeking permanent residency, known for its quality of life, social services, and economic stability. In the first quarter of 2021, a total of 23,375 people were granted permanent residency in Canada, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
The most common categories of admission were economic programs (15,345), family sponsorship (5,185), and refugees and humanitarian programs (1,370). The top countries of origin for new permanent residents were India (6,475), China (4,455), the Philippines (1,425), Nigeria (1,275), and Pakistan (1,010).
Australia
Australia is often cited as an attractive destination for immigrants due to its strong economy, high standard of living, and favorable climate. In fiscal year 2019-2020, a total of 140,366 people received permanent residency in Australia, according to data from the Department of Home Affairs.
The most common categories of admission were skilled (79,145), family (56,825), and humanitarian (4,396). The top countries of origin for new permanent residents were India (26,830), China (23,998), the United Kingdom (13,750), the Philippines (9,601), and Pakistan (4,977).
New Zealand
New Zealand, known for its natural beauty and progressive social policies, is a relatively small but popular destination for immigrants seeking permanent residency. In the year ending June 2021, a total of 14,540 people were granted residence in New Zealand, according to data from Immigration New Zealand.
The most common categories of admission were skilled (8,969), family (4,304), and humanitarian (267). The top countries of origin for new permanent residents were India (2,370), China (1,998), the United Kingdom (1,478), the Philippines (1,005), and South Africa (646).
Factors that Contribute to Permanent Residency
So, what factors contribute to an individual’s ability to obtain permanent residency in a foreign country? While the requirements vary depending on the country of destination, there are several general factors that tend to be important across jurisdictions.
Education
Many countries prioritize the admission of immigrants who have attained a certain level of education, with degrees or other qualifications often given preference. For example, in Canada’s Express Entry program, applicants are awarded points based on factors such as education level and field of study.
Language Ability
The ability to speak and understand the local language is often considered an important factor in determining an immigrant’s eligibility for permanent residency. Many countries require language proficiency tests as part of the permanent residency application process, with higher scores associated with greater chances of success.
Work Experience
Most countries also take an individual’s work experience into account when assessing their eligibility for permanent residency. Particularly in industries experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, having relevant work experience can be a major advantage. In Canada, for example, the Federal Skilled Worker Program awards points based on factors such as work experience and job offer availability.
Family Ties
Family relationships, particularly those with close relatives who are citizens or permanent residents of the country in question, can also play a role in permanent residency eligibility. Many countries offer family sponsorship programs that allow citizens or permanent residents to sponsor family members for immigration.
Legal Implications of Permanent Residency
Obtaining permanent residency is a major milestone for many immigrants, but it also comes with legal implications that are important to understand. Here are a few key points to keep in mind.
Residency Requirements
To maintain permanent residency status, most countries require that immigrants spend a certain amount of time physically present in the country. In the United States, for example, permanent residents must not be absent from the country for more than one year at a time, or risk losing their status.
Tax Obligations
Permanent residents are typically subject to the same tax obligations as citizens of the country in question. For example, in the United States, permanent residents are required to file a tax return and pay taxes on their worldwide income. It’s important to seek the guidance of a tax professional to ensure compliance with local tax laws.
Citizenship Eligibility
While permanent residency grants an individual the right to live and work in a foreign country indefinitely, it does not necessarily lead to citizenship. Eligibility for citizenship often requires a further period of residency, as well as other criteria such as language ability and passing a citizenship test.
Economic Implications of Permanent Residency
Permanent residency can also have significant economic implications, both for the individual and the country in which they reside. Here are a few key points to consider.
Economic Contributions
Immigrants who obtain permanent residency often make significant contributions to the economy of the country in which they reside. This can take the form of entrepreneurial activity, job creation, and tax revenue generation, among other factors.
Brain Drain
Some critics argue that permanent residency programs can lead to a brain drain in the countries of origin of immigrants who possess valuable skills. This can exacerbate issues such as skills shortages and brain drain, particularly in developing countries with limited resources.
Employment Displacement
In some cases, immigrants who obtain permanent residency may be seen as taking jobs away from local workers, particularly in industries facing high levels of competition. It’s important for governments to carefully consider the impact of permanent residency programs on the domestic labor market when designing policies.
Conclusion
Permanent residency is a major milestone for many immigrants seeking to make a new life in a foreign country, and a key factor in shaping the global economy. By taking a detailed look at the statistics of permanent residency, the factors that contribute to its attainment, and its legal and economic implications, we gain a better understanding of the role that immigration plays in shaping the world around us.
In discussion of travel visasvisas for a spouse or fiancé,Green CardThus, when one speaks of immigration trends, looking at the statistics of those who enter the country legally, we can also consider how many permanent residents have made their way into the United States.
Data from the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration fairs and adjudication of immigrant law, in conjunction with the Department of Commerce, which acts as parent to the U.S. Census Bureau, is able to not only assess where we have been in terms of permanent resident rates but how big a part permanent residents will play in the overall breakdown of American population down the road.
Based on census information from past decades and previous Yearbook of Immigrant Statistics reports published by the DHS, permanent residency among foreign-born Americans is over 37 million people since statistics on country of origin were first tabulated in the mid-1800’s, and currently, legal immigrants make up about an eighth or more of the American populace. The highest percentage of any permanent resident groups from foreign countries belongs to Mexican-Americans, at over thirty percent of all legal immigrants.
The immigration process has grown a lot more strict since the days when large quantities of foreign nationals were arriving in boats at United States ports-of-entry. Each nation has its own quotas for maximum amounts of how many individuals can become lawful permanent residents as a result of immigration each year.
While immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may come to the States in unlimited amounts, others coming to the country through a more distant familial relationship or work visa are limited. For instance, only about 40,000 EB-1 visas are available to foreign applicants a year. Still, these quotas have not slowed down immigration to a trickle. In fact, 2008 saw the highest increase of permanent resident immigrants ever, ushering in over a million new residents.
