E-services for immigration affairs have expanded
The e-services for foreigner’s permit matters (https://e-asiointi.migri.fi) have expanded to cover all work-related residence permit applications, citizenship application and the registration of EU citizens.
In the beginning of 2012, the service was opened for persons applying for their first student’s residence permit. By the end of September, approximately one third of all students’ residence permit applications had been submitted online. The e-services have accelerated the processing of applications, and at quickest, decisions on students’ electronic applications have been made within a few days of their arrival.
Most permit types included in the service
At the moment, the following can be applied for via the e-services:
- a student’s residence permit
- a residence permit on the basis of employment
- a residence permit for a specialist
- a residence permit for a trainee
- a residence permit on the grounds of sports-related or coaching work
- a residence permit for a researcher
- a residence permit for an au pair
- a residence permit on the grounds of self-employment
- registration of an EU citizen’s right of residence
- residence card of an EU citizen’s family member
- citizenship of Finland.
At the moment, it is possible to apply for a residence permit on the grounds of family ties or re-migration only with a paper form. The forms are available on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service. The possibilities of expanding the e-services to cover even some of the forms for family ties applications will be considered on the basis of experiences received of the service.
Now and in the future, asylum can only be applied for within the Finnish borders and in person, with a paper form available from the police or the border control authorities.
A visit to the embassy or a police is required
Even when customers submit their application online, they will need to visit a Finnish embassy or a police in person to verify their identity and to give their fingerprints for the biometric residence permit card. They will also need to show the original copies of any appendices to their application.
An application cannot be processed until the applicant has visited the embassy or the police.
Despite the visit requirement, the e-services are the quickest way to receive a decision. Time is saved especially during the initial phase of the application process: while a paper form may take months to find its way to the authority who is responsible for making the decision, the electronic form is immediately received.
Further information for the media
Vesa Hagström, Director of Information Management, Finnish Immigration Service, tel. +358 71 873 0431
