Published 08-04-2022

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

SIRI's case processing times have generally been declining since the autumn of 2021, cf. table 1, and SIRI continues the project of processing accumulated cases which was initiated in the autumn of 2021. For Pay Limit scheme cases, long case processing times is still a challenge. This is due to a high number of cases which require that further information is obtained.

SIRI has defined expected case processing times for the second quarter of 2022, cf. the right column of table 1.

In light of the generally declining processing times for first-time applications, SIRI has strengthened its focus on fast processing of applications from accompanying family members. Consequently, the expectation is that they will be processed immediately following the processing of the main applicant's application in the second quarter of 2022.

At the moment, SIRI is supporting the Immigration Service in the processing of cases regarding citizens of Ukraine. This will result in longer processing times for extension cases and reduced opening hours in SIRI's call center in the second quarter of 2022. Also, this results in uncertainty with regards to the expected processing times in table 1, as even minor changes in circumstances may challenge the planned continued reduction in case processing times for first-time applications for residence and work permits.

Table 1.Case processing times - status and expected times

Case types	End of Q3 2021 (Sept.)	End of Q4 2021 (Dec.)	Current (March)	Exp. processing times Q2 2022

Fast-track	44	31	31	1 month
Pay Limit scheme, ordinary (1)	128	79	85	3 months
Agriculture	72	62	42	1-2 months
Interns	78	76	73	2-3 months
Other work schemes (2)	76	90	72	1-4 months
Researchers	62	42	32	1-2 months
Students (3)	37	47	80	2 months
PhDs	29	24	24	1 month
Au-pairs	74	56	52	3 months

Please note: The current case processing time is the average case processing time for cases processed between 1 and 31 March 2022, calculated by 5 April 2022. The expected processing times refer to the case processing times for the majority of cases which should be taken to mean that around 70 to 90 percent of the applications have been processed within the indicated interval - depending on the type of scheme, individual conditions pertaining to the application etc.
(1) The estimate regarding the Pay Limit scheme is excluding a number of particularly complicated cases, e.g. in the restaurant industry, where a high percentage of applications are turned down. Cases of this type should expect longer case processing times.
(4) Includes Labour Market Attachment, Association stand-still, Drillrigs and other mobile work places, Establishment card, Job seeking stay, Special individual qualifications, the Positive List for Skilled Work, The Positive List for People with a Higher Education as well as accompanying family members of persons working in Denmark.
(5) The amount of student applications fluctuates in the course of the year, meaning that outside of the beginning of each semester there will be a lower number of more complex applications. This results in longer case processing times. Consequently, this number should not be taken as an indication of a general rise in case processing times, as it will go down by the beginning of next semester where the vast majority of students apply.