Extension of residence permit for studies
If your residence permit was granted for one year, you must apply for an extension while your current residence permit is still valid. It's therefore important to plan ahead.
1. When to apply for an extension
If your residence permit was granted for one year, you must apply for an extension before your current permit expires. You can submit your application from four months before your permit expires.
2. Why a complete application is important
Submitting a complete application increases the chance of a faster processing time. If you apply too early, you may be asked to provide additional documents issued closer to the period covered by the permit you are applying for. If you apply too late, you risk not having a valid permit to be in Sweden.
Here are some tips to make the application process smoother:
- Prepare all required documents before starting the process of submitting your application.
- Ensure everything is up to date and that your personal information is the same on all submitted documents.
- Read the instructions carefully.
3. Requirements for extending your residence permit
To be granted an extension, you must meet the following requirements:
- Correctly made copies of your passport
- Admission decision from the higher education institution
- Certificate from the higher education institution showing acceptable progress in your studies
- Documents showing that you have or have applied for comprehensive health insurance
- Documents showing that you meet the financial maintenance requirement
- Any additional documents that apply to your individual case
Find the details about these requirements at Requirements for an extension of a residence permit – Swedish Migration Agency
4. How to show that you can support yourself
You must show that you can support yourself financially throughout your stay in Sweden. The rules for the different forms of financial maintenance are strict. Here are common issues students run into:
Avoid These Mistakes
- Do not transfer a large lump sum from your parents right before applying and then withdraw it after the first bank statement.
- If you have multiple bank accounts, include statements for all of them.
- Funds must be in an account that belongs to you or and from which only you and your accompanying partner can withdraw funds.
- If you come from a country with unstable exchange rates, keep extra funds to avoid falling below the required amount.
- Some banks require you to be physically present to obtain statements, plan ahead if traveling home during holidays.
Find the detailed instructions at Financial requirements for an extension of a residence permit – Swedish Migration Agency
5. Apply for an extension
You apply for an extension online through the Swedish Migration Agency. Prepare your documents carefully and ensure all information is up to date before submitting your application.
Apply at Apply for an extension of a residence permit for studies – Swedish Migration Agency
What happens next?
Karolinska Institutet is not involved in the processing or evaluation of your application. Kindly note that we are unable to speed up the process or affect the outcome.
You can find statistics on the average waiting time and contact details on the Swedish Migration Agency’s website.
Karolinska Institutet has signed an agreement with The Swedish Migration Agency which makes it possible to obtain a residence permit for up to two years for studies. The permit can be revoked if the conditions for the permit are no longer met, such as if you are no longer studying. Karolinska Institutet will according to the signed agreement inform The Swedish Migration Agency if a student is presumed no longer to be an active student.
The conditions that apply regarding your studies are detailed in the syllabus for the course or the programme syllabus. Should you not follow the study plan set out in the syllabus, fail to pay the tuition fee or terminate your studies, Karolinska Institutet will inform the Swedish Migration Agency in accordance with the agreement signed to ensure the possibility to obtain a two-year residence permit to Sweden.