In January-September 2015, the Finnish Immigration Service issued a residence permit for studies to 4,685 individuals. A total of 381 applicants received a negative decision, representing less than eight per cent of all decisions received. In most cases, the reason for a negative decision was uncertain means of support.
At the same time, 5,038 individuals submitted a residence permit application based on studies. Most students' residence permit applications become pending and are processed during the summer, before studies begin in the autumn.
Most applications for residence permits for studies were submitted by Russians, Chinese and Vietnamese students.
The residence permit application process for students is swift, because the expected processing time of applications is one month. Students have eagerly begun using e-services, which is one of the factors contributing to the speed of the process. More than 80 per cent of students applying for their first residence permit submit their application through the Enter Finland service.
Further information for the media:
Anna Lindström, Head of Team, tel. +358 295 430 431, firstname.lastname@migri.fi
