What happens when you have applied for protection (asylum)
As an asylum seeker, you will talk to a lot of people and move many times. Some people have to wait a long time for an answer on their application for protection. You can choose to go home at any time.
You will find more information about the process at asylinfo.no (external website). The information has been translated into many languages.
The police will register you as an asylum seeker and issue you an asylum seeker card
At the National Arrival Centre, you will talk with the police and register as an asylum seeker. You will receive an asylum seeker card, which shows that you have applied for protection.
You will stay at the National Arrival Centre until you have finished registering the application for protection. You will be given a bed and food during your stay at the centre, which could last up to three weeks.
You wait for your asylum interview
Some people take part in their asylum interview while staying at the National Arrival Centre, others have are interviewed after their stay at the centre has ended. You will be notified of when your asylum interview is to take place. See how long you will have to wait.
You attend your asylum interview
During your interview, you tell UDI about yourself and explain why it is not safe for you in your home country. An interpreter is present during the interview to translate what you and the interviewer say to each other. The interpreter is a person who knows your language.
You move to an asylum reception centre
When you have finished what you have to do at the National Arrival Centre, you will move to one of the many asylum reception centres located throughout Norway. You will be informed of where you are going to move. You must move to the reception centre where you are allocated accomodation.
You wait for UDI to decide on your application
The waiting times differ from person to person. Some people get an answer after a short time, while others will have to wait a long time for an answer. Check here for information on waiting times for those who have applied for protection (asylum).
UDI reaches a decision on your application
You will be notified when your application has been processed. You will receive a letter by post. It is important that your name is on your mailbox. If you have moved, you must report it so that UDI has your correct address to send the decision letter to.
If your application is approved
You will receive a letter from UDI
The letter will state that you have been granted a residence permit. It will also set out the rights and obligations you have in Norway. Most people also receive this information in a video. The letter will indicate whether you will receive a video and how to watch it.
The police will ask you to show up to the station to give your fingerprints. You will be sent a document that shows that you have a residence permit in Norway (residence card) in the post.
You wait for your municipality (kommune) assignment
You wait for information on which municipality you will be living in.
You move to your municipality
You are are informed of where you will be moving. You will receive assistance with your move.
If your application is rejected
A lawyer will inform you of the decision on your application
The lawyer will help you to appeal. UDI will consider your appeal. If UDI does not reverse its decision, it will send your case on to the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) to handle your appeal.
You wait for the decision on your appeal by the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE)
Most people who appeal are allowed to stay in Norway while UNE processes their appeal. Check here for information about waiting times for appeals in asylum cases (external website).
UNE reaches a decision on your appeal
You've been waiting a long time. Finally, you get an answer.
Your appeal is denied
You have to go home
When you lose your appeal, you have to go home. You can apply for help to return home again.