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Finland is planning stricter rules for international students under a proposed immigration reform package that would introduce tougher language requirements, stricter financial checks, and delayed family reunification.
As reported by the Economic Times today, the proposals were circulated on May 18 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (Finland) and are open for public consultation until June 29.
If approved, the reforms would be submitted to Parliament in the spring 2026 session, with implementation expected to be phased in during 2027.
A key change would affect family reunification rules. Under the draft, international students would no longer be able to bring family members at the same time as their arrival. Instead, they would need to live in Finland for at least one year before dependants could apply.
Authorities say the move is intended to ensure students are financially secure and reduce cases of hardship linked to inadequate funding or misleading recruitment practices abroad.
Employment Minister Matias Marttinen said the reforms aim to balance labour needs with responsibility. “Finland’s labour market will also need the expertise of international students in the future. At the same time, it must be ensured that student immigration is sustainable,” he said.
He added: “With these changes, we aim to prevent students and their families from ending up in a vulnerable position.”
The proposal also introduces legally defined minimum income requirements for student residence permits, replacing current guideline-based thresholds used by immigration authorities.
Officials argue the change would give clearer financial standards and reduce uncertainty for applicants. It is part of a broader effort to ensure students can support themselves throughout their studies.
Another major element of the reform is the introduction of mandatory language proficiency checks before arrival. Under the plan, applicants who fail to meet required language standards could be denied a residence permit altogether.
Authorities say some students currently arrive without sufficient language skills, making it difficult to complete studies successfully.
The reforms form part of a wider tightening of immigration policy in Finland since 2023, with a focus on improving integration and ensuring international students are better prepared for academic and financial life in the country.
