Finnish Immigration Service Prioritizes Student Residence Permits: 82% Processed Within 30 Days

HELSINKI, August 27, 2026 — The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) has processed 8,441 first residence permit applications for studies so far in 2026, with 82% of spring and summer applications decided within 30 days.

However, the total number of applications submitted between January 1 and August 16, 2026, stands at 6,846 — approximately 34% lower than during the same period in 2025. Currently, 1,313 applications are waiting for a decision.

Published: August 27, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team

Finland processes 82% of student residence permits within 30 days

Key Statistics at a Glance

Metric	Value
Applications Submitted (2026)	6,846
Applications Decided (2026)	8,441
Pending Applications	1,313
Year-on-Year Change	-34% (compared to 2025)
Processed Within 30 Days	82%

Processing Times

Timeframe	Details
30 days or less	82% of spring/summer applications (positive decisions)
90 days	Estimated processing time if not decided within 30 days

Important: Customer guidance services cannot give a more exact estimate if processing time has exceeded 90 days. Migri will contact applicants if additional information is needed.

Track the queue: Migri updates the processing queue information approximately once a week on their website.

Identification at Finnish Missions

Finnish missions are currently prioritizing student applications for identity verification. However, as a result:

• Some students may not be able to bring family members at the same time as arrival

• There may be delays in processing family members' applications

The Finnish Immigration Service does not have influence over which mission applicants must visit — such decisions are made by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Special Note: Pakistani Citizens

Pakistani citizens are required to prove their identity at the VFS Global Application Centre in Doha, Qatar. However:

"Qatar has not yet decided on visa applications from Pakistani citizens. Consequently, Pakistani citizens are currently unable to verify their identity in Doha."

Action Required: If you have received a student place but cannot prove your identity, contact your educational institution immediately and ask if you can start your studies at a later date.

What to Do If You Cannot Start Studies on Time

Scenario	Action Required
1. Permit granted but studies postponed to January	No need to notify Migri; arrive when studies begin
2. Application pending and cannot start autumn	Send message in Enter Finland stating postponement
3. Permit granted but postpone start date	Send email via Securemail with customer number and diary number
4. In Finland with extended permit application pending	Continue studies while waiting; work rights remain unchanged if applied before expiry

Read Also

• Finland Bans Wild-Berry Employers from Recruiting Foreign Workers as Migri Cracks Down on Labour Exploitation

• Finland Changes Asylum Decision Service Rules: New Process for Notifying Applicants Takes Effect July 2026

• France Implements Major Visa Policy Overhaul: Student Funding Soars, Border Controls Tighten, Controversial Immigration Bill Passed

For the latest immigration updates, visa policy changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/category/finland

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