Waiting times for applications processed by UDI
There are 5,595 people waiting for a decision on their application for a permanent residence permit. The waiting time is calculated from when you submit your application and documents at the police in Norway, or at an application centre abroad.
We cannot give more information about the waiting times, even if you contact us. Fewer enquiries can help everyone receive a decision faster.
| Residence permit at the time of application | Waiting time |
|---|---|
| Family immigration | 25 months |
| Protection (asylum) or humanitarian grounds | 25 months |
| Work immigration | 24 months |
| Other | 25 months |
Last updated:
22 January 2026
. Next update:
19 February 2026
.
Waiting times may change
We usually process the oldest application first. Some applications take longer than others, so the waiting times are only a guide and cannot show exactly when you will get a decision.
This can affect the waiting time
The waiting time can be affected by:
- The number of applicants
- Changes in your situation
- Conflicts and unrest in other countries
- Missing documents
- Additional investigations, such as DNA tests and interviews
- If you have a criminal record
If anything is missing in your application, we will contact you.
More information about waiting times
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I don’t remember when I submitted my documents. Where can I find this?
When you book an appointment to submit your documents at the police or at a VFS application centre, you will receive an email confirming your appointment. This email includes the date of your appointment to submit your documents.
If you used a drop-in appointment at a VFS Application Centre, you will not have received an email confirming your booking. In that case, you must find out by yourself when you submitted the documents. UDI cannot assist you in this matter.
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I’m not sure whether UDI has received my documents. What should I do?
We will contact you if documents are missing
UDI will not reject an application because some documents are missing. Once the waiting time is over and your application is being processed, we will check all the documents. If anything is missing, we will contact you so that you can upload or obtain the missing documents. You will keep your place in the queue.
Have you sent us additional documents?
If you have new information that is important to your case, you can send it to us after you have submitted your application and documents.
When you submit documents to UDI, you will receive a confirmation email. The confirmation shows which documents you have submitted and what information you have provided. This confirms that we have received your documents. The documents are usually added to your case within one day, but it can take up to 30 days.
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Appeal after receiving a rejection
If you have appealed a refusal, you will receive a response about
6 months
after UDI or the police have received your appeal. We will either overturn the decision and give you a permanent residence permit, or send your case to the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) to consider your appeal. If we forward your appeal to UNE, you will be notified by email or SMS.
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Can I request priority?
Very few applications can be prioritised. To request priority, you must send us
- a detailed explanation
- documentation, such as a medical certificate
You cannot request priority by phone, chat or email.