How is permanent residence defined?

Permanent residence is generally defined as a status that allows an individual to reside indefinitely within a country. In many jurisdictions, this status is typically granted after a specific duration of legal residency. The correct answer highlights that permanent residence is usually granted after 5 years of continuous legal stay.

This timeline of 5 years often serves as a standard period in various immigration systems, where applicants must demonstrate lawful presence and sometimes meet other requirements such as good moral character and knowledge of the language or culture of the host country.

Other options do not accurately reflect the commonly accepted definition of permanent residence in relation to the established norms of residency duration. For instance, a duration of 3 years is often associated with specific immigration categories or programs but does not encompass the broad practice typically recognized. The automatic granting of permanent residence at age 18 or dependent on marital status does not align with the standard criteria. Permanent residence is primarily determined by an individual's legal residency duration rather than specific age or marital conditions.