The new rules are expected to come into force next spring.File photo Image: Senni Nieminen / YleYle News16:37Finland's government has proposed further measures to address financial challenges facing international students.Petteri Orpo's (NCP) right-wing government has proposed to roll out a one-year waiting period for foreign students' family reunifications, "to clarify the amount of required financial resources", as well as add an education-related language skill requirement for student resident permit applicants, a press release said on Thursday.The government submitted the proposal to Parliament on Thursday.According to the government, supervision data suggests that most international students in Finland thrive academically and can reside in the country without significant hardship — though some face income difficulties."Students coming to Finland must have a genuine ability to pursue their studies, to get by with their own financial resources and to build their future here. Through these legislative amendments, we will ensure that international students have the necessary prerequisites to do so," Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen (NCP).Misleading recruitersAccording to a report from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, students' financial struggles often stem from two sources: foreign recruitment agencies that falsely advertise Finland's job market, and excessive agency fees that leave students in debt.The government has also proposed that international students' family members should only be able to apply for residence permits after the student has been in the country for at least a year."In this way, the student would have a reasonable idea of the financial resources required for a family to live in Finland. Currently, the student’s family members can apply for a residence permit at the same time as the student," the release explained.Financial requirementsThe government has also proposed clarifying the financial requirements for international students by establishing specific income amounts in euros through legislation and government decree.It said that at the moment, current requirements are unclear, so this change would ensure students understand the actual cost of living in Finland before arriving.According to the government, that would also provide authorities with clear, standardised criteria when evaluating whether applicants have sufficient funds during the residence permit application process. To keep pace with inflation and changing living costs, the required income amount would be formally reviewed and updated every three years, the government release explained.Language requirementsThe government proposed introducing a language proficiency requirement for student residence permits. This would allow authorities to deny permits to applicants lacking necessary language skills, while avoiding extra administrative work for educational institutions or additional steps for students who already meet the language standards.Ministry reports have identified two key problems:First, some students arrive with insufficient English (or other language of instruction) skills, making it impossible for them to successfully complete their degree programs.Second, some individuals are exploiting student permits not to study, but simply as a pathway to enter the Finnish or broader EU job market without genuine academic intentions, according to the release."The act and amendments are scheduled to enter into force on 5 April 2027. The application of the one-year waiting period for family reunification would begin at that time. Other amendments would become applicable in October 2027," the release read.