Shorter Processing Times Introduced for Work and Residence Permit Applications
May 15, 2017

The Swedish Migration Agency has implemented a new process for companies registered with the Fast Track Certificate to improve processing times for Work and Residence Permit applications submitted after May 1, 2017. Initial Work and Residence Permit applications will now be processed within 10 business days, while renewal applications and new applications by foreign nationals with previous work authorization history in Sweden will be processed within 20 business days.
In order to benefit from the shorter processing times, applications must be complete, along with a trade union comment that the offer of employment meets all the requirements.
Applications submitted before May 1, 2017 are subject to the previous processing times of one to two months for initial applications and five to seven months for renewal applications.
Background
In April 2017, the Swedish Migration Agency reported significant Work and Residence Permit application processing delays due to a recently implemented stricter review process. The processing times reported were up to two months for initial applications and up to seven months for renewal applications and new applications by foreign nationals with previous work authorization history in Sweden.
The Migration Agency has now allocated additional resources to improve the processing time for applications filed after May 1, 2017.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Employers and foreign nationals submitting initial and renewal Work and Residence Permit applications should benefit from the shorter processing times. They should ensure that the applications are complete when submitted, along with a trade union comment that the respective offer of employment meets all the requirements.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains the impact of wage‑weighted selection on H‑1B registration and compliance.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh highlights how recent H-1B changes are shaping employer compliance strategies.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Colm Collins explains that processing delays, shifting demand in information and communication technology (ICT) and renewal cycles contributed to last year’s drop in work permit approvals.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna examines current pressures on Canada’s immigration system, including processing delays, reduced admissions and policy uncertainty and the implications for applicants and employers.
Blog post
Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines how Swiss authorities assess Employer of Record and body-leasing models, highlighting key compliance risks, licensing requirements and a regulatory update affecting EU and EFTA nationals effective 1 January 2026.

Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how courts in Poland are reinforcing timely processing and constitutional protections for foreigners.
Blog post
Immigration Manager Alice Heron examines Ireland’s updated employment permit salary thresholds taking effect in March 2026, including the reintroduction of graduate-specific Minimum Annual Remuneration bands and what these changes mean for employers planning graduate recruitment in 2026 and 2027.
Media mentions
Partner Jill Bloom explains how the new wage-based H-1B selection rule may influence hiring decisions and prompt employers to reassess workforce planning and explore alternative visa options.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how companies are rethinking their H-1B strategies amid evolving policies.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains the impact of wage‑weighted selection on H‑1B registration and compliance.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh highlights how recent H-1B changes are shaping employer compliance strategies.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Colm Collins explains that processing delays, shifting demand in information and communication technology (ICT) and renewal cycles contributed to last year’s drop in work permit approvals.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna examines current pressures on Canada’s immigration system, including processing delays, reduced admissions and policy uncertainty and the implications for applicants and employers.
Blog post
Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines how Swiss authorities assess Employer of Record and body-leasing models, highlighting key compliance risks, licensing requirements and a regulatory update affecting EU and EFTA nationals effective 1 January 2026.

Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how courts in Poland are reinforcing timely processing and constitutional protections for foreigners.
Blog post
Immigration Manager Alice Heron examines Ireland’s updated employment permit salary thresholds taking effect in March 2026, including the reintroduction of graduate-specific Minimum Annual Remuneration bands and what these changes mean for employers planning graduate recruitment in 2026 and 2027.
Media mentions
Partner Jill Bloom explains how the new wage-based H-1B selection rule may influence hiring decisions and prompt employers to reassess workforce planning and explore alternative visa options.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how companies are rethinking their H-1B strategies amid evolving policies.



