Adults and families with children who have applied for protection (asylum)

Information about waiting times in multiple languages

We are currently processing the following cases

Many applicants have been waiting a long time for an answer to their applications for protection. We know that waiting is difficult.

In the period up to summer 2026, we will be processing applications submitted in 2023 and 2024. But we will not be able to process all these cases before summer.

You will be notified when you are to attend an interview

UDI is again processing applications from Syria. We will notify you when it is your turn to be interviewed. There is no need to contact us; we will contact you.

There are a lot of people waiting, so it may still be a long time before you are invited for an interview. In addition, some applicants will have to wait longer for an answer after their interview than what was usual in the past. This is because it takes longer to process cases when we have to assess them based on entirely new circumstances.

Others may be interviewed and receive an answer before you, even though they applied after you

The situation in Syria has changed a lot. UDI has to assess cases in light of these new circumstances to find out what this means for different people and groups. We have to speak with people with different backgrounds who arrived in Norway at different points in time. Consequently, you might experience that some people are interviewed before you, even though they applied after you. In addition, some applicants will have to wait longer for an answer after their interview than what was usual in the past.

How does UDI process your case?

Certain cases are processed faster

There are many people applying for protection from many different countries. UDI cannot manage to process all these applications right away. Applications from certain groups of applicants have to be processed more quickly. This includes:

  • applications processed in accordance with the Dublin Regulation, which in most cases means that applicants must travel to a different European country to have their applications processed.
  • applicants who, in UDI’s estimation, clearly do not need protection, such as those who come from a safe country where they can travel back right away.
  • applications from families with children, and applications from children who arrived without parents or caregivers. These cases generally have to be processed faster.

If you are not part of any of these groups, it may take a long time for you to be interviewed and for your application to be processed. This does not mean that anything is wrong with your case or that we have forgotten you.

While staying at the National arrival centre

Everyone applying for protection in Norway must first register an application at the National arrival centre. You will only be here a short time because there must be space for newcomers.

Most applicants will need to move to an ordinary reception centre and wait for their interview and an answer to their applications there.

Applicants cannot choose or influence whether they will be interviewed at the National arrival centre. It depends on how many people have applied for protection at the same time.

When living at an ordinary reception centre

If UDI did not interview you before you moved into an ordinary reception centre, it might be a long time before you are interviewed and receive an answer to your application for protection.

It makes no difference for your waiting time where in Norway your reception centre is.

If you live in private accommodations

If you live in private accommodations, such as with family or friends, your waiting time will be the same as for those living in ordinary reception centres. It is very important that you provide us with your address, email address and telephone number so that UDI can contact you for your interview and with the answer regarding your application.

What does UDI do with your case while you are waiting?

When you apply for protection, we place your application in a queue until one of our case officers has time to process your case. This means that your case is not assigned to a case officer at UDI until you are called in for your interview. No cases are forgotten.

Why does it take a long time before being interviewed?

UDI allocates a lot of time for asylum interviews, usually an entire day. Each case requires a lot of planning. This is why it takes time to interview everyone who comes to Norway.

How long does it take to receive an answer after the interview?

In most cases, UDI can give you an answer rather soon after your interview. Sometimes, however, we need more time. We might need to look more closely into the information you provided in your case, or we might need to know more about the situation in your home country before we can process your case. In such cases, it can take longer to receive an answer after an interview, but everyone will receive an answer.

Is there anything you can do to make your case go faster?

If you have any identity documents that you have not given to the police, you need to hand them in as soon as possible.

  • If you have original identity documents, you are to hand them in to your local police district.
  • If you have copies and photos, you are to send them to UDI.

It is important that UDI has all the documents for your case before your interview. This can help you to avoid your case taking longer than necessary.

What information can UDI give you about waiting times?

Many people contact UDI to ask about the waiting time for their cases. We are not able to provide any information about waiting times over the phone other than what is published on udi.no.

If we need more information from you to process your case, we will contact you.

Can my case be moved to the front of the queue?

Most applicants for protection want their case to be processed quickly. However, there must be highly exceptional reasons for your case to be moved ahead in the queue.

Information updates

This information on waiting times applies from April 2026.

The information will be updated on 1 July 2026 or before if substantial changes occur.