Published 21-12-2021

SIRI's expected case processing times in the first quarter of 2022

SIRI's case processing times have generally been decreasing in the fourth quarter of 2021, as the table below shows. Likewise, since August SIRI has processed almost 3,000 more applications than the number of new applications received by SIRI. This corresponds to a reduction in the bulge of applications of approximately 20 percent.

However, SIRI is still facing a challenge of too long case processing times and therefore continues the work towards reducing the number of pending applications and case processing times in 2022.

Below are intervals for the expected case processing times for applications submitted in the first quarter of 2022. The intervals are unchanged in relation to the situation in the current quarter. However, it is noted that applications under the Fast Track Scheme are now, generally, expected to be processed within 1 month, if the case can be decided without need of further information, consultation, etc. In general, case processing times are expected to improve during the first quarter of 2022.

The table also shows the current average case processing times for applications already processed compared to the numbers for the end of the third quarter of 2021.

(Note) The case processing times are calculated on the basis of settled cases with the results permission, refusal or rejection.
(1) The current case processing time covers the average case processing time for cases decided on 1.-15th of December 2021, calculated on the 16th. 
(2) The expected case processing time for the applications submitted in the first quarter of 2022. An interval is both an expression of the current uncertainty and that the case processing time may fluctuate over the period. The majority is to be understood as 70-90 percent of the applications have been decided at the latest in the specified interval - depending on the individual scheme, individual circumstances of the application, etc.
(3) An application is considered ordinary if the application is made within an industry where, based on experience, a permit is usually granted. The case is considered complicated if the application is made within an industry where refusal is mainly granted. Estimate concerning the Pay Limit Scheme is excluding a number of particularly complicated cases in, among other things, the restaurant field, where experience shows that the majority of cases are rejected. For these cases, longer case processing times should be expected.
(4) Includes a number of different and smaller business schemes: Labour Market Attachment, Association stand still, Drilling platform and the like, Establishment cards, Job seeking stays, Special individual qualifications, The positive list for skilled workers, The positive list for people with higher education and Accompanying family within the business field.

SIRI prioritises the processing of first-time applications, as the decision is a prerequisite for being able to start work. Similarly, it means that the case processing time for extension applications is longer.

Applications from accompanying families are generally handled at the same time as the employee's applications or as soon as possible thereafter. In the current situation, however, SIRI seeks to make faster decisions for the group of employees etc. Therefore, no separate estimate has been made for the case processing time for accompanying spouses.