Application processing times – service goals
For the most common types of applications the Immigration Service has maximum time limits for how long applicants should expect to have to wait for a decision (service goal).
The stated maximum processing time is calculated starting from the date the Immigration Service receives a fully completed application. An application is considered fully completed if it contains all the information requested of the applicant, contains all relevant information, has been signed correctly and includes the necessary documentation.
The Immigration Service determines whether the application is fully completed. The vast majority of applications are fully completed when the Immigration Service receives them and applicants typically will not hear from us until the decision is sent. If the application is not fully completed we will inform the applicant as soon as possible. This is often the case for Greencard applicants who have a foreign education.
Maximum processing times
Service goals for first-time stays in Denmark vary from one to seven months, depending on what type of application has been submitted and how complicated it is. The service goal can also vary due to seasonal fluctuations in the volume of applications being processed. See table 1.
For example, if it states that first-time applications for residence permits for researchers take one month to process, then a decision on a fully completed application for a residence permit for a researcher will be made within one month. A fully completed application submitted on 1 September 2009 would be finalised by 1 October 2009.
The Immigration Service’s service goal for processing all types of temporary extensions is three months.
Service goals have also been set for other types of applications, such as for visas and passports. See table 2.
Table 1: Maximum processing times for first-time applications
Table 1: Maximum processing times for applications concerning extension of residence permits, residence cards, passports, Visa (short term) and residence permit not to be considered as lapsed