The Upper Secondary School Act ends on 20 January

20 January is the last day to apply for a permanent residence permit under the Upper Secondary School Act.

The Upper Secondary School Act is a temporary law that has been gradually phased out. The possibility to apply for an extended residence permit after studying at upper secondary level ended in July 2024 and the last parts of the law will expire on 20 January 2025.

Under certain circumstances, an application for a permanent residence permit that has been registered with the Swedish Migration Agency by Monday 20 January can be examined after the law has expired.

This applies to you if you have, or have had, one of the following residence permits under the Upper Secondary School Act or the Temporary Act

  • a residence permit for studies at upper secondary level
  • residence permit to apply for work after completing your studies
  • residence permit with refugee or subsidiary protection status, with a longer permit time because you were studying at upper secondary level.

You must submit your application before your temporary residence permit expires and you must fulfil all the conditions for a permanent residence permit when you submit your application.

The Upper Secondary School Act also applies after 20 January to decisions that have been appealed and are still awaiting a court decision.

Read more about what is required to obtain a permanent residence permit under the Upper Secondary School Act