Finland is preparing to introduce tougher immigration rules for international students, including stricter language requirements, stronger financial checks and delays in family reunification.

The proposals were circulated on May 18 by Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and are currently open for public consultation until June 29, according to reports.

If approved, the reforms will be submitted to Parliament in spring 2026, with implementation expected to begin in phases from 2027.

Under the draft plan, international students will no longer be allowed to bring family members at the time of arrival. Instead, they will be required to reside in Finland for at least one year before dependants can apply to join them.

Authorities said the move is aimed at ensuring students are financially stable and reducing cases of hardship linked to inadequate funding or misleading recruitment practices.

Employment Minister Matias Marttinen said the reforms are designed to balance labour needs with sustainability.

“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 that the changes are intended to prevent students and their families from falling into vulnerable situations.

The draft also proposes legally defined minimum income requirements for student residence permits, replacing existing guideline-based thresholds used by immigration authorities.

Officials said this would create clearer financial standards and improve predictability for applicants.

Another key proposal is mandatory language proficiency checks before entry, with applicants required to meet minimum standards or risk being denied visas.

Authorities argued that some international students currently arrive without adequate language skills, which affects academic performance and integration.

The reforms are part of a broader tightening of Finland’s immigration policy since 2023, focused on improving integration and ensuring students are better prepared for academic and financial life in the country.