The Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment opened a six-week consultation on 19 January 2026 to tighten post-arrival monitoring of residence permits issued to non-EU/EEA students. Under the draft bill—reported by legal news service Edilex—the Immigration Service (Migri) would gain the power to cancel a student’s permit if the holder receives Finnish social assistance (toimeentulotuki).
Authorities argue that the change closes a loophole: current rules require proof of sufficient funds only at the time of application (€560 per month), but do not automatically track a student’s finances after arrival. Under the proposal, Migri would receive monthly data feeds from the Social Insurance Institution (Kela) and municipalities to identify students who claim means-tested benefits. Automatic “after-care” checks would trigger rapid case reviews, and permits could be withdrawn unless the student quickly restores self-sufficiency or secures private sponsorship.
Navigating these shifting requirements can be challenging. VisaHQ’s Finland team (https://www.visahq.com/finland/) continually monitors regulatory updates and can help students, universities and employers compile the correct financial documentation, maintain compliance after arrival and prepare any appeals if a permit is at risk of cancellation, minimizing disruption to study or work plans.
![Government consults on welfare-linked revocation of student residence permits]()
The draft responds to coalition-agreement goals of curbing abuse and ensuring that study-based immigration remains economically sustainable. If enacted, the law would apply to third-country students beginning in August 2026; EU and EEA nationals, who enjoy free movement, are excluded.
Universities and employers that hire international graduates are concerned about potential reputational fallout. They note that unexpected job-loss or family emergencies can temporarily push students onto welfare rolls. Stakeholders are therefore urging the government to include clear grace periods and appeal rights in the final law.
Action point for global mobility managers: review your scholarship, stipend and part-time-work policies to ensure non-EU interns and trainees stay above Finland’s subsistence threshold and are briefed on the new compliance risks.
Authorities argue that the change closes a loophole: current rules require proof of sufficient funds only at the time of application (€560 per month), but do not automatically track a student’s finances after arrival. Under the proposal, Migri would receive monthly data feeds from the Social Insurance Institution (Kela) and municipalities to identify students who claim means-tested benefits. Automatic “after-care” checks would trigger rapid case reviews, and permits could be withdrawn unless the student quickly restores self-sufficiency or secures private sponsorship.
Navigating these shifting requirements can be challenging. VisaHQ’s Finland team (https://www.visahq.com/finland/) continually monitors regulatory updates and can help students, universities and employers compile the correct financial documentation, maintain compliance after arrival and prepare any appeals if a permit is at risk of cancellation, minimizing disruption to study or work plans.
The draft responds to coalition-agreement goals of curbing abuse and ensuring that study-based immigration remains economically sustainable. If enacted, the law would apply to third-country students beginning in August 2026; EU and EEA nationals, who enjoy free movement, are excluded.
Universities and employers that hire international graduates are concerned about potential reputational fallout. They note that unexpected job-loss or family emergencies can temporarily push students onto welfare rolls. Stakeholders are therefore urging the government to include clear grace periods and appeal rights in the final law.
Action point for global mobility managers: review your scholarship, stipend and part-time-work policies to ensure non-EU interns and trainees stay above Finland’s subsistence threshold and are briefed on the new compliance risks.
