The distinction between permanent residency and citizenship is a crucial aspect of immigration law. Permanent residents enjoy many rights in their host countries, such as the ability to live and work there indefinitely. However, one question that often arises is whether they can obtain passports. A passport is a powerful document that not only allows for international travel but also serves as proof of citizenship. In this article, we will explore the rules and regulations regarding permanent residents and passport acquisition in several major countries.
Permanent Residency Basics
What is Permanent Residency?
Definition and Rights
Permanent residency is a status that grants individuals the right to live and work permanently in a foreign country. For example, in the United States, permanent residents, often referred to as green card holders, can live and work anywhere in the US, own property, and access certain social benefits. They are protected by the law and can stay in the country as long as they do not violate any immigration rules. However, they are still citizens of their home countries and do not have all the rights of US citizens.
How to Obtain Permanent Residency
The process of obtaining permanent residency varies by country. In Canada, it could be through the Express Entry system, which assesses candidates based on factors like education, work experience, and language skills. In Australia, the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa and Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa are common pathways for skilled workers to become permanent residents. These processes typically involve meeting specific criteria, passing health and character checks, and submitting the necessary documentation.
Permanent Residents and Passports in the United States
The US Scenario
Permanent Resident Status and Passports
In the United States, permanent residents cannot obtain a US passport. A US passport is issued only to US citizens. Permanent residents maintain their citizenship in their home countries and use passports from those countries for international travel. For instance, a permanent resident from India living in the US would use an Indian passport to travel abroad. The US green card serves as proof of their legal right to live and work in the US but does not confer US citizenship or the right to a US passport.
Path to US Citizenship and Passport Eligibility
However, permanent residents can apply for US citizenship after meeting certain requirements. Generally, they must have held a green card for at least five years (or three years if married to a US citizen). During this time, they need to demonstrate good moral character, pass an English and civics test, and meet other criteria. Once they become US citizens, they are eligible to apply for a US passport. The application process for a US passport involves filling out the appropriate forms, providing proof of citizenship (such as a naturalization certificate), and paying the required fees.
Permanent Residents and Passports in Canada
Canadian Regulations
Permanent Resident Rights and Passports
Similar to the US, Canadian permanent residents cannot get a Canadian passport. Permanent residents in Canada are from other countries and use their home country passports for international travel. A Canadian permanent resident from the Philippines, for example, would use a Philippine passport. The Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) is their proof of legal status in Canada but is not a substitute for a passport.
Becoming a Canadian Citizen and Passport Access
Permanent residents in Canada can apply for Canadian citizenship. To be eligible, they must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of the five – year period immediately before applying. They also need to meet language requirements (English or French), pass a citizenship test on Canadian history, values, and institutions, and show good moral character. Once they become Canadian citizens, they can apply for a Canadian passport.
The passport application process includes filling out the application form, providing identity and citizenship documents, and paying the applicable fees.
Permanent Residents and Passports in Australia
Australian Rules
Permanent Resident Status and Passport Restrictions
In Australia, permanent residents are not eligible for an Australian passport. They continue to use the passports of their home countries. An Australian permanent resident from China would use a Chinese passport for international travel.
The Australian Permanent Resident Visa (PR Visa) gives them the right to live, work, and study in Australia permanently but does not make them Australian citizens.
Gaining Australian Citizenship for Passport Eligibility
Permanent residents can apply for Australian citizenship. They generally need to have been a permanent resident for at least four years, with at least one year as a permanent resident immediately before applying. They must also pass an English language test, a citizenship test on Australian values, history, and government, and meet character requirements. After becoming Australian citizens, they can obtain an Australian passport. The passport application requires submitting the relevant form, providing proof of identity and citizenship, and paying the set fee.
Permanent Residents and Passports in the United Kingdom
UK Guidelines
Permanent Resident Rights Regarding Passports
In the United Kingdom, permanent residents, also known as those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), do not have the right to a British passport. They use passports from their home countries for travel. A UK permanent resident from Nigeria would use a Nigerian passport. The ILR status allows them to live and work in the UK without time restrictions but does not confer British citizenship.
Applying for British Citizenship and Passport Acquisition
To get a British passport, permanent residents need to apply for British citizenship. The requirements include having ILR for at least 12 months (or 24 months in some cases), passing the Life in the UK test (which covers British history, culture, and institutions), meeting English language requirements, and demonstrating good character. Once they become British citizens, they can apply for a British passport. The passport application process involves filling out the application, providing identity and citizenship evidence, and paying the passport fee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, permanent residents in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom cannot obtain passports from their host countries. They maintain their home country passports for international travel.
However, permanent residents do have the option to apply for citizenship in their host countries. By meeting specific residency requirements, passing language and citizenship tests, and demonstrating good moral character, they can become citizens and then be eligible to apply for the host country’s passport. The decision to pursue citizenship and the associated passport depends on various factors, such as an individual’s long – term plans, cultural ties, and the benefits they seek. It is important for permanent residents to understand the rules and processes involved in both maintaining their permanent residency status and potentially obtaining citizenship and a new passport.
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