Case processing time is calculated from the day you submit your application to a Norwegian embassy or consulate and to a decision has been reached in the case.
The length of time it takes to process an application depends on who is processing it and whether or not you have enclosed the necessary documentation.
Who processes the application?
In most cases, the embassy or consulate will process your application. The embassy or consulate sends it to the UDI for a decision if it is in doubt as to whether the application is to be rejected or approved.
If the embassy or consulate rejects your application and you decide to appeal, your appeal will be processed by the UDI. If it was the UDI that rejected your application, your appeal will be processed by the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE).Read more about the procedure for processing visa cases.
Requirements and documentation
Applications that are incomplete and are to be processed by the UDI may be sent to the embassy or consulate in order to obtain further information and documentation. In some cases, the UDI may also contact by telephone or email a person authorised by the applicant in order to obtain the information that is missing.
When you apply for a visa, remember the following:
- Check that you meet the requirements for the visa you are applying for. You can find more information about requirements under visa.
- Ensure that you submit all the necessary documentation to the embassy or consulate. The documentation requirements vary according to nationality. Ask at the place you submit your application. You can find more information about this under visa.
- Fill in the mandatory fields in the application form carefully.
If important information has been left out, the processing of your application may take longer than originally stipulated. In some cases, applications may be rejected on account of incomplete information or documentation.
Case processing time
Case processing times vary from place to place. You can ask when you can expect to receive a reply at the embassy or consulate where you submit your visa application.
If it is necessary to make enquiries in other countries under the Schengen Agreement, this may in some cases result in longer case processing times.
| Case processing time |
|
|
Application sent to the UDI for a decision |
3 months |
|
Appeals concerning rejection by a consulate or embassy |
5 months |
|
Appeals concerning rejections by the UDI |
3 months |
The stipulated case processing time is advisory. This means that some cases may take longer while others take less time.
The table showing case processing times is updated every second month as case processing times change. This means that the case processing time of your application may change after it has been submitted.
Visa application form
Further information
If you have further questions on this topic, you can contact your nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate or the UDI’s Information Service for Applicants.
