Questions and answers

• How to submit new documentation

  If you have new documentation which is important for your application, you can send it to UDI.

• Am I allowed to enter Norway before I have received an answer to my application?

  Some students can enter Norway before they have received an answer to their application.

• What happens to my application while I wait?

  1. Once you have submitted your application documents to the police or the embassy, your case will be forwarded to UDI. When UDI receives your application, you will be notified by email or SMS. 
  2. The application is now waiting to be processed by UDI. Every month you will receive an email or SMS with information about what is happening with your case. Once a month we will also update the information in our guide to waiting time for study permits.
  3. As soon as your application is next to be processed, UDI will consider your case.
  4. When UDI has made a decision, you will be notified by the police or UDI. If you have given someone power-of-attorney, this person will always be notified, and must notify you. 

• When can I start working part-time?

  You may not start working part-time, including remote work, until you have been granted a residence permit. 

• How long do I have to wait for an answer to my application?

  Go to our guide to waiting time for study permits.

• Can I request priority?

  Very few applications can be prioritised. To request priority, you must send us

  • a detailed explanation
  • documentation, for example a medical certificate

  You cannot request priority by phone, chat or email.

  Visit our Can I request priority-page?-page and choose the alternative that best describes your situation for more information about priority.

• What do I have to do if I move before my application is processed?

  You are registered in the National Population Register

  You have to report your new address to the National Population Register (external website) as soon as you know you will be moving. UDI automatically receives your new address from the register.

  You are in Norway, but not registered in the National Population Register

  If you are in Norway, and you move before your application has been processed, you must notify the police of your move no later than one week after you have moved. You can notify the police where you are moving to, or where you lived before.

  You are abroad

  If you are abroad, and you move before UDI has processed your application, you must notify the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application. If you fail to do this, you risk not receiving the answer to your application. 

• How can I withdraw my application and get a refund of my fee?

  The application fee can only be refunded if you have not yet attended your appointment to hand in the application in person. If you have sent an application where you only need to upload the application documents electronically, you cannot get the fee refunded after you have uploaded the documents.   

  If you want your application fee refunded, you must contact the police district or the embassy responsible for your application. UDI cannot assist you with reimbursement. 

  If you have already handed in your application in person but wish to withdraw it (even if you will not be reimbursed), you must notify us in writing. You can write a short letter explaining that you wish to withdraw your application. The letter must be signed by you, the applicant. You must send the letter electronically. When we receive the information that you want to withdraw your application, we will dismiss the case and send you a written confirmation.