International students in Finland get A category residence permit from April 15

Students and their families arriving in Finland from abroad will be granted a residence permit for the duration of their education under a new law. In addition, the law will make it easier to get work following graduation. Students will, however, be accountable for their own finances throughout their education.

Finland wishes to attract a large number of international professionals. As a result, legislation will be changed to allow international students to get a residency permit that will last for the duration of their studies. The new law will also increase students' post-graduation career prospects.

Students will be able to focus more on their academics because they will be awarded a residency permit for the duration of their studies. On average, foreign students' right to work while their studies will also be extended from 25 to 30 hours per week.

The type of visa for students pursuing a higher education degree will change from temporary (B) to continuous (A) under the new law, making obtaining a permanent residence permit easier. The student's family members will also receive a constant (A) permit due to the legislative revision.

Graduates will have easier access to job opportunities.

The so-called jobseeker's permit, issued to students who have earned their degrees and researchers who have completed their studies, would be extended from one year to two years as part of the legislative reform. The permit would not have to be utilized immediately but could be applied for five years after the residence permit's expiration date.

"The government wants to make it easier for international students and researchers to stay in Finland by implementing streamlined permit procedures. "The new law will make Finland a more attractive destination for international professionals by allowing individuals who have studied here to look for a job," says Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen.

Students still responsible for their livelihood 

Students will still need to show confirmation of a stable source of income, but only for one year. However, they will be responsible for their survival during their stay. During the term of the residence permit, the authorities will also keep an eye on the requirement for a secure means of subsistence.

The modification will not affect the obligation of students arriving in Finland from other countries to pay tuition fees, which will continue to be paid. A new law has been enacted to satisfy the needs of businesses better.

In the future, similar types of residence permits will be incorporated into a single legislation. The new legislation will lay out national regulations on permits for students, researchers, trainees, and volunteers as part of the residency permit regulation, which is based on EU norms, to better satisfy businesses and education demands. If the grounds for granting a residence permit are met, asylum seekers can apply for a residence permit based on their studies.

Closer monitoring of conditions to obtain a permit.

The Government proposed on 13 April 2022 that the President of the Republic approve the bill. The President is to approve the bill on 13 April 2022. The amendments will enter into force on 15 April 2022.

The Government also entered a parliamentary statement into the minutes. According to the information, Parliament requires that the Government take the necessary measures to ensure the effectiveness, efficiency and resourcing of the ex-post monitoring of the conditions for granting a residence permit based on studies so that the conditions for a residence permit can also be verified after the issuance of the permit.