I'm a 23 year old Canadian and I have been planning to volunteer for a researcher at a Finnish university for the summer. No pay, not a student, not going to work either. Just living and training for free.
Using a guidebook that I now realize is outdated, I thought I didn't need a permit to stay in Finland for over 3 and a half months. I'm leaving in 2 weeks (to travel through Europe before I get to Finland) and I don't have a permit to stay!
1) First of all. I am totally confused by the difference between Schengen and Finland requirements. Am I limited to 90 days in the ENTIRE Shengen zone OR, is it okay if I travel through Europe for two months prior to going to Finland for another 3 months WITHOUT a residence permit?
2) What are my options for staying in Finland for over 3 months? Is there any way I can leave Finland for a few days and come back to finish the extra 13 days I want to stay?
Please help!?!
Thanks.
Residence Permit Disaster! PLEASE HELP!
1) You're limited to 30 days in the entire Schengen zone, but it's not TOO difficult to get an extension. However, the extension still doesnt give you more than 90 days in a single Schengen country as a non-EU citizen. I received one from the Finnish embassy in Berlin to stay in Finland an additional 3 months after staying 2.5 months in Germany (both of which are obviously part of the Schengen treaty). I provided proof of insurance and paid something like 50 euros and got my extension in about a week.
2) Since you're working in an educational capacity, then you have official channels in the University, so ask them for help with a permit. With the right credentials they can push a permit through very quickly if it's for official purposes and is a relatively routine kind of case (such as staying a couple weeks over the limit). That's your first option. You should get started!
2) Since you're working in an educational capacity, then you have official channels in the University, so ask them for help with a permit. With the right credentials they can push a permit through very quickly if it's for official purposes and is a relatively routine kind of case (such as staying a couple weeks over the limit). That's your first option. You should get started!
