No more interview dates for residence permit renewal

[ddddd]

Hi,

My student residence permit expires on dec 31 and I just started the renewal process. I realize now that I have started much too late because when I went to book an interview appointment, there were none left this year anyway remotely nearby. What can I do now? There seems to be no way to even book an appointment for January 2017. Is it worth it to go to Lappeeranta for the interview and would I be expected to go back there to pick up my residence permit?

Thank you!

[brexit]

Hello, Just keep trying (by refreshing the booking page) it should show some time slot in Helsinki/Espoo.
>>> keep trying is the key

Hi,

My student residence permit expires on dec 31 and I just started the renewal process. I realize now that I have started much too late because when I went to book an interview appointment, there were none left this year anyway remotely nearby. What can I do now? There seems to be no way to even book an appointment for January 2017. Is it worth it to go to Lappeeranta for the interview and would I be expected to go back there to pick up my residence permit?

Thank you!

[Beep_Boop]

I'm not at liberty to give too much information, but let's just say I'd be very surprised if you manage to get an new appointment in 2016 anywhere south of Oulu.
Long story short: This is happening http://www.migri.fi/residence_permits/m ... le_permits

You have two options:
- Option #1: Go to the police station, take a queue number, and wait a few hours (bring snacks, a book, and a power bank for your mobile phone). Once it's your turn, say you know it's your right to submit the application without an appointment, that you know and accept and delays as a consequence, and you'd still like to submit the application anyway. They'll take your application and give you a receipt.
- Option #2: Wait until November, keep checking Migri page for the new booking system announcement, and book a place in 2017 once it opens. The appointment is a de facto "permit to stay" (I don't know if it's du jure, betelgeuse probably knows).

[bd_tkk]

Hi,

My student residence permit expires on dec 31 and I just started the renewal process. I realize now that I have started much too late because when I went to book an interview appointment, there were none left this year anyway remotely nearby. What can I do now?

Last year, one of my friends was told by an immigration officer in Helsinki police station that he can go to them very early in the morning and they will take his application without an appointment. You can go to your nearby police station so early that you get a queue number less than 5 and submit your application. However, the processing time will be much longer.

Is it worth it to go to Lappeeranta for the interview and would I be expected to go back there to pick up my residence permit?

It is worth it to go to Lappeeranta if you do not want to take the pressure of long processing time or if you need to go outside of Finland in February/March etc. You do not need to go to Lappeeranta to pick up your residence permit card as it can be sent to you by post.

Sometimes, some people book multiple appointments and they cancel unused ones afterwards. You can try your luck anywhere; for example: if you live in Uusimaa you can try: Helsinki/Espoo/Kirkkonummi/Lohja/Vantaa/porvoo/Turku etc. by checking and refreshing the appointment booking system every day as many times as possible.

My friend got an appointment in Turku within two days by trying his luck.

[betelgeuse]

- Option #2: Wait until November, keep checking Migri page for the new booking system announcement, and book a place in 2017 once it opens. The appointment is a de facto "permit to stay" (I don't know if it's du jure, betelgeuse probably knows).

It's de facto because the deportation process can be appealed etc so it's not worth it to start it. De jure you are here illegally and they can in the worst case, for example, reset the counters for citizenship and permanent residency.

[ddddd]

Thank you for all your replies. I have booked a worst-case scenario appointment in Tampere for December. At the worst I'll go visit some friends and explore the city. But I will keep trying to get something closer. Thank you again.

[browndude]

I was in a similar situation with no available appointments in Helsinki prior to the expiry date of my residency permit. However, I was lucky enough to get an appointment in Helsinki due to a cancellation. I would not try my luck though. Go ahead and book the appointment in Lappeenranta ASAP before those get filled up too. And yes, you will have to go there to pick it up.

[browndude]

Hi,

My student residence permit expires on dec 31 and I just started the renewal process. I realize now that I have started much too late because when I went to book an interview appointment, there were none left this year anyway remotely nearby. What can I do now?

Last year, one of my friends was told by an immigration officer in Helsinki police station that he can go to them very early in the morning and they will take his application without an appointment. You can go to your nearby police station so early that you get a queue number less than 5 and submit your application. However, the processing time will be much longer.

Is it worth it to go to Lappeeranta for the interview and would I be expected to go back there to pick up my residence permit?

It is worth it to go to Lappeeranta if you do not want to take the pressure of long processing time or if you need to go outside of Finland in February/March etc. You do not need to go to Lappeeranta to pick up your residence permit card as it can be sent to you by post.

Sometimes, some people book multiple appointments and they cancel unused ones afterwards. You can try your luck anywhere; for example: if you live in Uusimaa you can try: Helsinki/Espoo/Kirkkonummi/Lohja/Vantaa/porvoo/Turku etc. by checking and refreshing the appointment booking system every day as many times as possible.

My friend got an appointment in Turku within two days by trying his luck.

I was told that I need to come and pick up the residency permits in person.