I see that the permanent residency application requires an FBI background check. Would a prior misdemeanor arrest (one not resulting in a conviction) preclude granting residency?
When you find out would you mind to post it? 
thanks!
Not an issue for me but I did criminal defense work for 5 years and would find such a result absurd
Why?
An arrest alone is not the same thing as a criminal conviction. In the best cases, the charges may be dropped or the arrestee placed in a diversion program leading to expunction of the charges. Beyond that, there may be a nolo plea and a withhold of adjudication, i.e. no conviction. Lots of reasons