Starting this week, researchers in Finland will be permitted to extend their residence permit, with the system automatically deciding on applications.
According to a press release issued by the Finnish Immigration Services, researchers who apply for residence permit extensions can have their application automatically approved if they meet certain criteria, Schengen.News reports.
The rules of the automated system are formulated by the Finnish Immigration Service and only the positive decisions are automatically approved.
Here Is When Your Application Can Be Automatically Approved
The Finnish Immigration Service will automatically approve your application if you are a researcher applying for an extended permit. Those who have completed a master’s degree and are over the age of 18 can also have their permit extended automatically.
Foreign residents who have an employment relationship with a Finnish research organisation are eligible to automatically have their permit extended, in addition to those who are not part of a mobility programme of the EU while the permit is still valid.
Submitting applications online for residence permits and filing applications on or after March 19, 2025, can also make applicants eligible for automated decisions on their applications.
You meet all the requirements for the residence permit. There is no need for case-by-case consideration due to, for example, granting an exemption from a requirement.
Applicants who have filled in the application forms with care and submitted the required documents will also have their residence permit automatically extended.
Residence Permits Might Not Be Automatically Extended in These Cases
On the other hand, applicants who are applying for a residence permit together with a family member will not have the chance to get their permit automatically extended.
In addition, those who have their details subject to a non-disclosure for personal safety reasons also will not have the chance to have their permit granted.
Applying for or being granted international protection and receiving a deportation decision from the Finnish government will also make you ineligible for an automated decision.
If you cannot get an automated decision on your application for an extended permit, one of our specialists will process the application and issue a decision on it.
This could make it easier for researchers to continue their stay in Finland as the country is witnessing fewer numbers of applicants for work permits.
Due to a lower number of applicants for work permits, Finland fears there could be labour shortages across many occupations, which could slow down the economy.