Higher students to get A category permit instead of B

The government has taken an initiative to bring amendments to the student residence permits with the view to make it easier for international students to complete their studies with a permit for the entire duration of their studies.

The government on Thursday discussed the proposal and the act is due to enter into force on 1 April 2022, said the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in a press release.

The right of foreign students to work during their studies would also be improved

According to the proposed act, the type of permit for students studying for a higher education degree would change from temporary (B) category to continuous (A) category, which would make it easier to obtain a permanent residence permit.

The family members of the student would also receive a continuous (A) permit.

In the legislative reform, the so-called jobseeker's permit, which is granted to students who have completed a degree and to researchers who have completed their research, would be extended from one year to two years.

The permit would not need to be used immediately but could be applied for within five years of the expiration of the residence permit.

The government will also assess in 2022 whether doctoral students could be granted longer residence permits. It aims to submit a proposal on the matter during this Government term.

“With more seamless permit practices, the Government wants to make it easier for international students and researchers to stay in Finland. The new law will enable those who have studied here to look for work and will also certainly make Finland a more attractive destination for international experts,” said Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen.

Students would still be required to provide proof of a secure means of subsistence, but only for one year.

However, they would be responsible for their livelihood throughout their residency. The authorities would also monitor the requirement of a secure means of subsistence during the validity of the residence permit.

The amendment would not affect the obligation to pay tuition fees, which would continue to be charged of students arriving in Finland from the countries outside of European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area.

Asylum seekers, on the other hand, could apply for a residence permit on the basis of studies.