text: permanent residency question? i am currently a canadian citizen who plans on studying in the us for university. if i obtain a student visa, will i be able to eventually apply for permenant residency? none of my family members are prs or us citizens. if the question above is not possible, then how do i become a permenant citizen? after you get your student visa you can apply for adjustment of status to get permanent residency (a green card).  but your chances are slim unless you have job here that is willing to sponsor you, or unless you get married to a us citizen.