Countries Where International Students Can Get Permanent Residency Easily

It is the desire of most international students to stay back, find employment and become a permanent resident of the country where they pursued their studies abroad but the road to getting permanent residency (PR) is fraught with barricades which only a handful of foreigners are able to pass after graduating and fulfilling requirements.

Why Do International Students Want PR

While this may vary from person to person, there is often a recurring set of reasons why people want to become permanent residents in their host country and this cuts across students from different parts of the world. The major driving force for seeking residency permit among applicants is stability, better career prospects and the opportunity to build a better life.

It is no hidden knowledge that the process of obtaining PR status is difficult in a number of developed countries, however, there are still places where it’s easy for students to transition from a student visa to permanent residency and that is what Insuredhelp will be exploring in this blog post.

What To Consider When Applying for Residence Permit

The key fact to understand about getting a PR in any country abroad is there are a set of specific eligibility requirements set by each country’s government which the applicant must meet.

In order to increase your chances of getting a PR you need to:

Understand the eligibility criteria – Each country has its own eligibility requirements for obtaining PR. These include factors like how long you’ve lived there, your local language proficiency, employment and/or financial stability.

Starting the process early – The process of getting Permanent Residency can be lengthy, sometimes taking several months or even years. So, beginning the process as soon as possible is important.

Ensure you stay informed – Research and understand the immigration policies of the country where you intend to apply for PR. Know the different types of visas and permits available and the specific steps you need to take on the path to permanent residency.

Make sure documents are intact: Obtaining PR requires providing documentation to prove your eligibility. This documentation may include the most up-to-date records of your employment, accommodation, financial stability etc.

Seek professional help: The process of obtaining Permanent Residency can be confusing and overwhelming for many. You can always seek help from immigration experts, advisors or consultants to guide you through this process.

Here are the 8 easiest countries for international students to get permanent residency.

1. Germany

A student can stay back and work in Germany for up to two years with a post-study work permit after completing your studies. You can use the opportunity to find employment, network and gain valuable work experience.

If you want to get PR in Germany, an applicant must fulfill the following requirements.

Financial stability: You must be able to support yourself financially during your stay in the country.

Work experience: When the two years of post-study work permit expires, you’ll need to gain relevant experience in a workplace environment.

Language proficiency: Being proficient in German can improve an applicants chances of getting residence permit.

No criminal record: Having a clean criminal record is one of the eligibility requirements for permanent residency in Germany.

2. Canada

A popular route which foreigners use to get permanent residency in Canada is the Express Entry system. This system assesses an applicant based on the key areas of skill, qualification, work experience, and others. After meeting the criteria, you could be invited to apply for PR through Express Entry.

The second option is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows Canadian provinces to nominate outstanding and upstanding people for permanent residency based on their specific requirements and needs.

You should also know that for one to be eligible for PR in the country, you must have been staying in Canada for at least 730 days over the past five years.

3. France

France afford students the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after five years of residing in the country. The country is renowned for its high standard of education, which is why there is a number of prestigious universities.

When a student completes their degree program in France, it can be easy to secure employment opportunities as the country offers many job opportunities across various sectors.

4. Ireland

Ireland is one country where international students can get permanent residency with ease after completing their studies. An applicant seeking to stay in the country is allowed to extend the residency for up to two more years, which will provide them the chance to gain work experience and work towards earning your PR.

Anyone who has lived in Ireland for five years, including the time you spent studying makes the person eligible to apply for permanent residency in the European country.

5. Norway

When you complete your studies in Norway, you can immediately apply for residence permit. To be eligible for the PR, an applicant will must have stayed in Norway for no less than three years. This means a student who completes a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Norway and extends their stay is on the way to becoming a permanent resident.

Eligibility Criteria:

Education – An applicant must have completed a degree programme at a recognised Norwegian institution to qualify and it can either be a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree.

Financial status – Students or applicants are expected to demonstrate that they can support themselves financially while residing in Norway. Acceptable means of survival could include income from employment, scholarships or funds from their home country.

Language proficiency – This may not always be mandatory, but having a good command of the Norwegian language can significantly enhance ones chances of getting PR.

Clean criminal record – Not having a criminal record is a key aspect of this as any sign of law-breaking will reflect badly on your application.

Once you meet these requirements, proceed to apply for for permanent residency through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). You will be required to submit a few documents such as proof of identity, evidence of financial stability and proof of residence.

6. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom allows international students to get a two-year work permit after completing their degree program. During your stay in those two years, an applicant has the opportunity to seek employment and showcase their skills and talents.

One of the the popular ways that most foreigners use to transition to Permanent Residency is through the Tier 1 or Tier 2 visa programmes.

The Tier 2 visa programme targets highly skilled workers with job offers in fields facing shortages. If you are lucky to get a job offer in any of those fields, a student could be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency after staying for up to five years in the UK.

In the Tier 1 visa programme, a job offer is also required but it has additional criteria such as completing five years in the country and fulfilling other requirements.

7. Finland

To get residence permit in Finland, international students need to reside legally in the country for a total of four years, including the period of study.

The permanent residency application process involves providing documentation which demonstrates your eligibility, and they include proof of residence, employment history, and possibly language proficiency.

8. Netherlands

International students must have lived in the Netherlands for five years to qualify for permanent residency, and this includes the period they spent in the university or college.

Finding employment in this country is quite easy because of its high employment rate. It is reported that many international students secure well-paying jobs or paid internships within the first six months after graduation. This will be helpful in terms of gaining valuable work experience which also adds to your eligibility for permanent residency.

You will need to meet certain requirements to become a permanent resident, such as proving that you can support yourself financially and demonstrating your integration into Dutch society.