Orientation meeting about individual protection
When refugees from Ukraine seek protection in Norway, we first assess whether they are eligible for collective protection. The vast majority of refugees from Ukraine receive collective protection. If UDI has assessed that you are not eligible for collective protection, UDI will notify you that your application for protection will be assessed individually. This means that UDI will assess the application in line with standard procdure for international protection.
UDI held a meeting to explain individual protection. In the meeting, we explained the further process and what rights you have. The information was interpreted into Ukrainian.
The orientation meeting was held by video conference.Watch the recording of the orientation meeting here (external website).
Application process
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I have not been granted collective protection, but my family members have. Am I also eligible for collective protection?
In some cases, yes. This depends on factors such as whether you are the spouse, cohabitant or child of the person granted collective protection. It is also possible to be granted collective protection if you, on 24 February 2022, lived together with a member of your extended family (e.g. in-law) or, for example, a caregiver who has been granted collective protection in Norway.
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Why can't all refugees from Ukraine receive collective protection?
The collective protection scheme has been determined by the Norwegian government. Whether or not to widen the scope of this scheme is a political matter, one which UDI is not able to answer.
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May I leave Norway while I am waiting for my application for individual protection to be processed?
No, your case will be dismissed if you leave Norway.
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Is there any way to speed up the application process?
Unfortunately, no, this is not possible.
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Where can I submit documents pertaining to my case?
You are to hand in original documents (i.e. passport, ID) in person at your local police station. You can also send them in by post to:
National Police Immigration Service (NPIS)
Postboks 2095 Vika
0125 OsloOn a piece of paper, write your name, address and DUF number, and enclose it separately in an envelope with your other documents.
Do not send originals to UDI. You may send copies of documentation to UDI in an envelope addressed to:
Utlendingsdirektoratet
Postboks 2098 Vika
NO-0125 Oslo
NorwayEnclose a separate piece of paper with your name and DUF number.
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If I apply for a student visa in Canada, will it affect the assessment of my application for protection in Norway?
If you apply for a visa it will not affect your application, but if you are granted a visa and leave Norway your case will be dismissed.
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Is it possible to meet with a representative from UDI?
If you have questions regarding your case, please contact our Information Service desk.
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Do I have to present my passport when applying for a temporary work permit?
Yes, you must have a valid passport in order to obtain a temporary work permit. If the police already have your passport, you simply inform them of this. If not, you must bring your original passport with you to your appointment with the police. The police will notify you of the time and place of your appointment.
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May I apply for a temporary work permit if I only have an internal passport/passport card (e.g. Passport of the Citizen of Ukraine)?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to obtain a temporary work permit with only an internal passport/passport card. You need a valid passport to obtain a temporary work permit. If the police already have your passport, you simply inform them of this. If not, you must bring your original passport with you to your appointment with the police. The police will notify you of the time and place of your appointment.
Passports
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I would like to have my passport back for a brief period while I am waiting for my application for protection to be processed. May I have my passport back?
Unfortunately, no, this is not possible.
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Who gets to keep their passport?
Persons who are eligible for collective protection may keep their passports when they apply. Other applicants have to submit their passport. If you have applied for collective protection and UDI notifies you that your application will be assessed individually, you will be asked to submit your documents to the police.
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Some banks require a passport as identification when opening a bank account. How do I open a bank account if I do not have my passport?
There are a number of banks that will allow you to open a Norwegian bank account as long as you have a card for asylum seeker. Unfortunately, UDI does not have more information about which banks will accept a card for asylum seeker.
Dublin cases
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Will I be informed if my case is a Dublin case?
Yes, you will be notified if we register your case as a Dublin case. Most applicants will be notified when they are registered by the police. The Dublin Regulation determines which country is responsible for examining an application for protection.
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I have a Dublin case. How long do I have to wait for my application for protection to be processed?
The normal waiting time for cases under the Dublin procedure is about four months, but this may change. For updates on waiting times, please see Waiting times for those who have applied for protection (asylum).
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Can Norway refuse to process a Dublin case application for protection even if the deadlines for requesting another Member State to take charge of your case or decision to transfer have passed?
Yes, Norway can refuse to process your case even though the deadlines have passed.
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My case is a Dublin case, and my family has received or is eligible for collective protection. May I also apply for collective protection?
No. If the Dublin Regulation applies to your case, then you have already applied for protection, and your application has been designated for individual assessment (individual protection) instead of collective protection. You cannot choose which assessment category your application will be assigned to.
Rights and financial support
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If I am granted individual protection, how long will the ban on returning to Ukraine remain in effect?
As long as you have individual protection status, you are not allowed to return to your home country. If you do so, your permit may be revoked.
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I am waiting for a decision on my application for individual protection. Why are my rights so restricted?
Refugees from Ukraine who are eligible for collective protection will have their applications answered fairly quickly. Those who are not eligible for collective protection and, thus, are waiting for the outcome of an individual assessment of their applications, have different rights because no decision has been reached on their applications yet. Those whose applications are pending may apply for the right to work in the meantime, but they are not allowed to travel abroad. Those who have already been granted individual protection are allowed to work, and they may also travel up to half of the period their residence permit is valid for.
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I am waiting for a decision on my application for individual protection. Can my children attend school or kindergarten?
Children have the right to primary and lower secondary education regardless of how their application is being processed. Children of the appropriate age will be offered a place in a municipal kindergarten. If the municipality cannot provide placement, then the reception centre is to arrange an activity room for children over 2 years of age.
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Do I have a right to receive training in Norwegian while living in a reception centre?
All reception centre residents over 18 years of age are obligated to take part in training in the Norwegian language and social studies. The programme consists of 175 hours of Norwegian-language training and 25 hours of social studies. Instruction is free of cost. The reception centre cooperates with the municipality to ensure that everyone can take part and to arrange transport to the place of instruction.
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How much financial support will I receive if my application for alternative accommodation (Alternative accommodation to reception centres) is approved?
UDI provides a subsidy to the municipality that agrees to provide accommodation for you. It is the municipality that decides the amount of funding support you can receive. If you have a need for financial support, please contact NAV in your municipality. An alternative to reception centres means that you can live in a standard home, instead of in a reception centre or an emergency accommodation offered by UDI.