Planning a permanent move? Start here.

Moving countries for good usually takes years and several applications. This plan breaks it into five stages and points you to the guides that matter at each one. Bookmark it and come back as you progress.

1. 1

   Choose where to build your life

   Compare how each country selects permanent residents, how long the road to citizenship is, and whether you can keep your current nationality.

   • Which country is easiest to immigrate to? →
   • Dual citizenship rules compared →
   • Best countries if you want to study first →
2. 2

   Find a route that ends in permanent residence

   Few people get PR on day one. Pick a route you actually qualify for: skilled worker, employer sponsorship, study then work, or family. Each country hub maps the common routes step by step.

   • Routes to settling in the United States →
   • Routes to settling in Canada →
   • Routes to settling in the United Kingdom →
   • Routes to settling in Australia →
3. 3

   Prepare your evidence and money

   Language tests, credential checks, police certificates, translations, and proof of funds take months. Start early and budget for government fees.

   • Document checklist: translations and apostilles →
   • Proof of funds by country →
   • How to choose an adviser and avoid scams →
4. 4

   Arrive and settle in

   The first 90 days set you up: ID numbers, bank account, health care, housing, and keeping your residence clock running toward PR and citizenship.

   • First 90 days in Canada →
   • First 90 days in the US →
   • First 90 days in the UK →
   • First 90 days in Australia →
5. 5

   Secure permanent residence, then citizenship

   Track absences, keep your status valid, and prepare for citizenship tests well before you are eligible.

   • Applying for US citizenship →
   • Canadian citizenship requirements →
   • UK indefinite leave to remain →
   • Australian citizenship →

How long until citizenship?

Legal minimums on the most common routes. Real timelines are longer once you add visa and processing time.

• United States: At least 5 years after you get the green card. Time on F-1, OPT or H-1B does not count, and you can file up to 90 days early.
• Canada: At least 1,095 days in Canada in the 5 years before applying. Days as a PR count in full; days before PR count as half, up to 365 days, so the fastest case is 2 years before PR plus 2 years as a PR.
• United Kingdom: At least 6 years under current rules: 5 years on the Skilled Worker route, then 12 months with ILR.
• Australia: At least 4 years: 4 years' lawful residence in Australia, including 1 year as a permanent resident.