Published: 12.07.2021 - Last changed: 26.11.2021

All foreigners who have the right to enter under the Immigration Act can enter Norway from 26 November 2021. UDI will therefore again start processing applications for au pairs.

We have a large backlog of unprocessed applications because of the corona pandemic. When UDI resumes processing the applications, we will process the oldest cases first. We do not currently have information on how long it will take to process all the cases. We will update our guide to waiting times when we have more information. We will not be able to provide more information about the waiting times if you contact our information service.

If you have handed in an application for an au pair permit before 1 June 2021, and you are waiting for an answer now, we encourage you to send an updated contract on cultural exchange (pdf, 782 kB) and an updated questionnaire to be completed by the au pair. You can upload these documents on UDI's website. If these documents are in your case when we process it, you will receive an answer to the application sooner.

In addition to processing the oldest cases, we also process applications handed in in EU/EEA/Schengen countries. If you have handed in your application in a country in the EU/EEA/Schengen area, you will find information in our guide to waiting times.

If you have been granted a residence permit as an au pair before or during the pandemic, and you need an entry visa to travel to Norway

If you have been granted a residence permit before or during the pandemic and now need an entry visa to travel to Norway and start your stay as an au pair, you must send an updated contract on cultural exchange (pdf, 782 kB) and an updated questionnaire to be completed by the au pair. UDI needs this information to decide whether you still meet the criteria for entering Norway and being an au pair.

If you have an expired residence permit in another country and are waiting to travel to Norway

If you have an expired residence permit in another country, UDI cannot decide that you are allowed to stay in this country while you are waiting to be able to enter Norway. In principle, you must return to your home country if you no longer have a valid residence permit in another country. You may need to check with the authorities of the country you are in if you may stay there. If you choose to stay in a country where you are not allowed to be, you do so at your own risk.

Do you want to withdraw the application?

If you no longer wish to have your application processed, you can request that the case be withdrawn by sending a written confirmation to UDI. You can upload the confirmation on our website. Unfortunately, you cannot get the application fee refunded if you withdraw your application.

Phasing out of the au pair scheme

The government platform states that the new government will phase out the au pair scheme. We do not have more information about this yet.