Finland has recently experienced an increase in the number of first-time residence permit applications from students aiming to study there.
Despite this, the country has been processing these applications within a period of 30 days, faster than in 2023, when the average processing period stood at 38 days, Schengen.News reports.
According to data published by the Finnish Immigration Service, 9,293 applications for residence permits had been received by the end of July 2024, compared to 8,762 registered in 2023.
During the same period, 8,159 applications were processed, and around 96 per cent of foreign students have been issued residence permits.
By the end of July 2024, a decision had been made on the 8,159 first applications submitted by students, and a residence permit had been issued to 96 per cent of them. Around 94 per cent of the students applying for their first residence permit receive a decision within 30 days or less. In 2023, the average processing time was 38 days.
Top 5 Countries Submitting the Most Applications
As the Finnish Immigration Service reveals, the highest volumes of student residence permit applications that the country has registered came from students who are nationals of the countries below:
- Nepal
- Bangladesh
- China
- India
- Sri Lanka
Typically, students apply for their initial residence permit from their home country after securing a study place and planning to relocate to Finland. These applications are primarily from non-EU citizens.
Anu Tarén, who oversees the processing of residence permits for students and researchers, noted that automation has played a significant role this year, handling 19 per cent of all positive decisions.
Taren also said that such an advancement has significantly accelerated the processing of applications. As Tarén explained, with automated decisions in place, specialists can spend more time on applications that need detailed review—those that the automated system isn’t yet equipped to handle. As a result, the overall processing speed for student applications has improved.
An automated decision occurs when the Finnish Immigration Service’s system issues a permit automatically if the applicant meets all the legal requirements. This system only approves permits. Although the system generates the decision, an official performs additional processing tasks.
Potential Delays in Student Start Dates Due to Backlog at New Delhi & Abu Dhabi Embassies
However, the Service warned that some students may experience delays in starting their studies because, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there has been a delay in identifying students at New Delhi and Abu Dhabi embassies, among others. Consequently, some applications may not be processed until August or September.