A friend just told me that its necessary to have 32K or more salary (and non immigrant visa) for three consecutive years to get a resident permit!

What I read and heard from peopel (so called visa and residency experts) that it doesn't matter how much you're earning. The only thing that counts, when you go to apply for resident permit, is the number of years you're granted non immigrant visa (3 consecutive years minimum).

William could you please shed some light on this issue.