Key Points
- Finland introduced changes to its immigration law to reduce application wait times and streamline the application collection process
Overview
The government of Finland introduced new measures aimed at simplifying and streamlining the work permit application process. These new measures include:
- Introducing better instructions for online employment-based residence permit applications for both employers and employees
- Shifting more of the responsibilities associated with the application to the employer, including the employer conducting a competence and professional skills check
- Employers who verify the competence and skills of foreign employees before hiring an employee will not need the Finnish Immigration Service to conduct another check
- Setting standard timelines for the validity of work permit documents. Previously, these documents were limited by the validity period of an applicant’s identification document
- Introducing a trusted employer certificate with a validity period of two years. This certificate will reduce processing timelines during specific steps in the application process
What are the Changes?
The government of Finland introduced amendments to its immigration law on February 23, 2023. According to the government, these new measures aim to reduce application processing timelines to around one month. The government clarified that these amendments would not apply to specialist applications that have been submitted under the fast-track application service.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Finland’s website for the latest updates and information.
Written by: Jessie Butchley, Global Immigration Writer, Envoy Global
Source: The Finnish Immigration Service
