The Swedish Migration Agency has implemented a new process for companies registered with the Fast Track Certificate to improve processing times for Work and Residence Permit applications submitted after May 1, 2017. Initial Work and Residence Permit applications will now be processed within 10 business days, while renewal applications and new applications by foreign nationals with previous work authorization history in Sweden will be processed within 20 business days.

In order to benefit from the shorter processing times, applications must be complete, along with a trade union comment that the offer of employment meets all the requirements.

Applications submitted before May 1, 2017 are subject to the previous processing times of one to two months for initial applications and five to seven months for renewal applications.

Background

In April 2017, the Swedish Migration Agency reported significant Work and Residence Permit application processing delays due to a recently implemented stricter review process. The processing times reported were up to two months for initial applications and up to seven months for renewal applications and new applications by foreign nationals with previous work authorization history in Sweden.

The Migration Agency has now allocated additional resources to improve the processing time for applications filed after May 1, 2017.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Employers and foreign nationals submitting initial and renewal Work and Residence Permit applications should benefit from the shorter processing times. They should ensure that the applications are complete when submitted, along with a trade union comment that the respective offer of employment meets all the requirements.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to emea@fragomen.com.

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