What is an integration reception centre?

Integration reception centres are asylum reception centres which offer a fulltime training programme for people who have been, or who are likely to be, granted a residence permit in Norway. The objective of the fulltime training programme is to enable you to find employment and make your transition into Norwegian society easier. 

Applying for housing at an integration reception centre and the fulltime training programme is voluntary.

When applying for housing at an integration reception centre, you must confirm that you wish to participate in the fulltime training programme.

Rights and obligations in the fulltime training programme

You must

• follow the house rules at the reception centre
• take part in all mandatory activities every day. Many of these are all-day activities.

You will receive

• the same financial support you would receive if you were staying in an ordinary reception centre
• free public transport
• childcare
• valuable experience from the programme’s activities that will help you gain a job more quickly, and thus be able to support yourself and your family.
• key insights into Norwegian society

The fulltime training programme consists of

• instruction in the Norwegian language and on-the-job language training (internship)
• training in social studies
• career guidance
• work-oriented activities
• activities related to school and education
• other activities that the reception centre arranges in cooperation with NGOs

Individual plan

In cooperation with the municipality, you will set up a personalised plan outlining clearly defined goals and activities. The plan will be based on your expertise and the career guidance advisor’s evaluation. You will receive an individually tailored contract with the municipality. You will be required to take part in all group and individual activities outlined in your full-time programme. Not participating in the activities, not completing your tasks or not following the house rules is a breach of your contract with the municipality. You will then lose your place in the fulltime training programme, and you will have to move to an ordinary reception centre.

How to apply

You can apply by contacting an employee at the reception centre where you currently live and notify them that you wish to apply to move to an integration reception centre.

UDI will process your application. You can relocate to an integration reception centre where housing is available if your application is approved.

There are two integration reception centres in Norway:

• Kristiansand reception centre, integration section
• Steinkjer reception centre, integration section

What if my application for asylum is rejected?

If your application for asylum is rejected, you will lose your place in the fulltime training programme. You will then have to move to an ordinary asylum reception centre.