Present Perfect

has/have + participial verb
UPDATED:  MAY 2023
A MUST LEARN GRAMMAR
This tense is not frequently used in some languages, which makes it difficult for International learners of English to understand how to use it correctly. 
TIME:
​
  • Action in the past, action now and continues. 
 
  • He has lived in Panama since 2000.    ​

    He lived in Panama in the past.
    He lives in Panama now.
    And he (still) continues to live in Panama.
    ​
  • His situation hasn't changed.
EXAMPLES:  
  1. I've been in Rio since last Monday.
    ​
  2. Roger has lived in New York City since 2001.

  3. The stock market has been doing well recently.

  4. Bill has visited Paris many times.

  5. Roger has been in his new job for a year.
    ​
  6. How long have you worked for Ford?​
COMMON QUESTIONS USING PRESENT PERFECT:

  1. How long have you been waiting?   
    It's been over an hour!

  2. How long have you been a professor at the university?
    For 10 years.

  3. How many times have you been to Las Vegas?
    Eight.

  4. Have you ever been to Paris?
    Yes, twice.

  5. Has the meeting started yet?
    No, it hasn't
Matt and Kendra - Studying in the US
I'm going to the US to study Economics.

Where in the US?

I haven't decided yet.  <-PRESENT PERFECT

If I were you, I would go to San Diego State University. 

Thanks.  I'll check it out.
YOUR ESL TEACHER - PRESENT PERFECT
VISIT UTAH
NOTE:  
​Other tenses
  • PAST TENSE:     I lived in Utah for four years

  • PRESENT TENSE:   Bob lives in Utah.

  • FUTURE TENSE:   Mary will live in Utah for a year.  / Mary is going to live in Utah for a year.  

  • PRESENT PERFECT:  Bob has lived in Utah for four years.
    ​ 
  • PAST PERFECT:   I had lived in Utah for 4 years when I decided to move to California.