Legal definition of Durable status

The Permanent Resident status, also known as “statut de résident permanent,” is an immigration status that allows a foreign national to live and work permanently in a country where they are not citizens. In practical terms, its beneficiaries enjoy rights similar to those of citizens, except for the right to vote. Obtaining this status is thus an essential step for immigrants wishing to establish themselves in a country for the long term.

The Permanent Resident status offers countless advantages to its beneficiaries, such as stability and legal security, without the fear of being expelled at any time. It also grants access to social services such as healthcare, education, or other social benefits. For foreign investors, having permanent residence opens up numerous economic and professional opportunities, ensuring family and financial stability. This status even grants immigrants the right to apply for citizenship. In the United States, for example, this status is often associated with the “Green Card,” a pathway to US citizenship.

The legal pathways leading to obtaining Permanent Resident status include :

• Family reunification : This legal tool allows close family members of a citizen or a Permanent Resident to apply for their own permanent resident status.
• Employment : Some countries offer work visas that may eventually lead to permanent residency, especially for highly skilled workers or those whose skills are in demand.
• Investment : In exchange for substantial investment in the country, some states worldwide offer citizenship or permanent residency programs through investment, allowing foreign investors to reside permanently in the country.
• Refugee or asylum status : Individuals who have fled their home country due to persecution or well-founded fears of persecution can apply for refugee or asylum status in a host country, which may eventually lead to permanent residency.
• Specific visa programs : Some countries offer special visa programs for specific categories of individuals that pave the way to permanent residency. This may include entrepreneurs, artists, elite athletes, scientists, etc.

Etymology of Durable status

The term “durable status” originates from a combination of the Latin word “durabilis,” which itself derives from “durare” meaning “to last” or “to withstand the test of time,” and another Latin word “status,” which translates to “state” or “condition” in English. Etymologically, this expression refers to a state or condition that is stable, permanent, and resistant to change or alteration over a long period. In immigration law, it is used in this sense to denote the status of permanent resident that a foreign national may obtain.