Fast track work permits for high skilled workers

At the beginning of the year, the Swedish Migration Agency changed its internal processes for handling work permits. For example, the fast-track certification is no longer in use, and the agency now offers support for major establishment projects with significant recruitment needs. The new target is to process complete applications within 30 days.

The agency now prioritises companies that recruit highly skilled workers. This is done by sorting applications for work permits at an early stage and separating out applications that are ready for a decision.

What is meant by highly skilled labour?

The definition of highly skilled labour is based on a system of codes that group occupations and tasks, SSYK. Highly skilled labour includes SSYK codes 1-3:

1. Managerial occupations
2. Occupations requiring advanced university-level qualifications
3. Occupations requiring higher education qualifications or equivalent

The 30-day processing time target also includes applications regarding EU Blue Card, ICT permit and researcher cases.

IUNO’s opinion

Historically, the Migration Agency's processes have been lengthy regardless of whether the application is complete. Despite the new 30-day target, the agency has a statutory requirement that a case be processed in a maximum of four months.

IUNO recommends that companies spend time on the work permit application to make it as complete as possible. The new approach awards companies that spend time getting it right the first time.