Puerto Rico•North AmericaPuerto Rico Permanent Resident Status
At a Glance
Processing Time
Varies
Application Fee
Free
Stay Duration
Indefinite
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
No
This visa does not offer a direct route to permanent residency.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Bona fide residency status in Puerto Rico based on IRS tests. Not a formal visa but legal residency allowing indefinite stay.
Puerto Rico bona fide residency is determined by three IRS tests. Once established, residents enjoy Act 60 tax benefits on PR-source income. Residency can be maintained indefinitely as long as requirements are met.
Annual Visa Allocation
675,000 visas per year
Statutory worldwide limit of 675,000 permanent visas; per-country limit set at 7% of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits.
Lottery system applies when oversubscribed
Check Your Eligibility
Take our quick assessment to see how well you match this visa and get personalized tips
Requirements
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Education
none or higher
Language
N/A
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Proof of residence
Rental contract, mortgage, utility bills
Presence records
Travel documents, calendar of stays
PR driver's license
Identification
OptionalForm 8898
IRS residency notification
Financial documentation
Proof of tax home in PR
Track your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Access to Act 60 tax benefits
- Indefinite legal residence
- Can own property and businesses
- Access to US legal system and services
- No visa requirements for returns to PR
- Family members can follow
Considerations
- Must maintain physical presence (183 days/year)
- Must maintain PR tax home
- Requires severing ties to previous residence
- Complex IRS compliance
- Must document closer connection to PR
- Potential IRS audits
Application Process
Pass presence test
183 days in PR annually or 549 days over 3 years (min 60 days/year)
Maintain tax home
Primary tax home in Puerto Rico
Establish closer connection
Social, professional, and family ties to PR
File Form 8898
Notify IRS of bona fide residency status
Obtain PR residency documentation
ID card, driver's license
Application Forms
Form 8898 (IRS)
Form ID: 8898
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa