Processing queue of students’ residence permit applications

The information on this page has been updated on 31 March 2026.

On this page, you will find information on the processing situation of residence permit applications for studies. We usually publish updates on the status of the processing queue every week. The updates show the status of the queue up until the previous Sunday.

Processing times vary

The processing time varies depending on the amount of investigation required by the application. This means that even if several students applied to the same educational institution and visited the same mission (embassy or consulate) at the same time to prove their identity, decisions on their applications may be made at different times.  

Your application will be moved to the processing queue once you have visited a Finnish embassy or consulate to prove your identity.

Residence permit applications for studies are processed as urgent

We process all residence permit applications for studies as urgent without any separate requests.

We will contact you if we need any additional information for your application.

There are currently some backlogs in the processing of students’ applications

The oldest applications waiting to be processed are those where the applicants have proved their identity on 10 June 2026. 

However, there may be individual older applications being processed which are, for example, waiting for additional information from the applicant. The most common reason for a delay in the processing of an application is uncertainty about the applicant’s financial resources.

Applications for a first residence permit

Approximately 61 percent of applications leading to a positive decision are decided on average within 30 days or less.

Currently, approximately 1,660 applications for a first residence permit for studies are being processed or waiting to be processed. 

To date, 2,100 applications for a first residence permit for studies have been decided since 1 January 2026. In 2025 we made decisions on 11,833 first applications for a residence permit for studies.

Applications for an extended permit

We are currently processing applications by applicants who have proved their identity on or after 13 May 2025.

On 31 March 2026, there were approximately 710 applications for an extended permit for studies that were waiting to be processed or being processed.

To date, 680 applications for an extended permit for studies have been decided since 1 January 2026. In 2025 we made decisions on 2,496 applications for an extended permit for studies.

Need help? See the Frequently Asked Questions page

You can find answers to most questions about students’ residence permits on our website: Frequently asked questions about students’ residence permits.