Immigration - Norway

Immigration to Norway

Norwegian Flag

Overview & Basic Info

 
  • Read through this entire page now:
    • Students studying in Norway for longer than 3 months (you!) will need a resident permit to study. Visas only last for 90 days and are not sufficient.
    • Applying for this permit is a lengthy process and requires travel. Be prepared. 
    • You cannot apply until you've been officially accepted to your University.
    • You're allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during school, though finding a job without Norwegian language skills is difficult.
  • UDI Guide: Be sure to read the UDI checklist & procedures before starting the process
  • Step-by-step guide: The online application portal takes you through step by step.
  • Need help? Call the helpline: 347-329-2738 (8:00 am – 6:00 pm CST, Mon–Fri) or email info.norway@vfsglobal.com
Be prepared for costs & travel outside of Denver: 
  • Application Fee: You must pay an application fee. If you're over the age of 18, the application is about US $620. If you're under 18, the application is free. 
  • Travel required: You'll need to travel to a VFS Global Visa Application Center to hand in paperwork in person. There are locations in New York, NY; Washington, DC; Houston, TX; Chicago, IL; or San Francisco, CA. This travel is an added personal expense.
 

1. Gather All Supporting Documents

  • UDI's Checklist: You'll use this as a cover sheet for the rest of your supporting documents. 
    • Go to the VFS Global website to download a new checklist and print a copy.
    • Mark off documents as you gather them.
    • Don't forget to sign this sheet!
    • See a sample here, but be sure to actually go to the website to download your checklist as it may change from time to time.
  • Passport: Your actual physical passport. It must be valid until 6+ months after your date of departure from Norway.
  • Passport Copies: Good quality copies of the pages in your passport.
    • Copy of the information page with your biographical data and the expiration dates.
    • You also need copies of all used pages (i.e., pages with stamps, visas, or notes).
    • Don't forget to sign your passport before copying it! 
  • 2 Passport Photos: Two new/recent passport size photos with white background
    • Be sure to meet all photo guidelines (white background, etc.)
    • It's very difficult to meet all guidelines by taking your own photos. We highly recommend professional passport photos. You can get these at Walgreens or the DU ID Card Office.
  • Letter of Admission: Letter from the University with your name, your studies, the level of studies, program length, and that you're admitted full-time.
  • ​Cover Letter from the Application Portal: This is the email attachment you receive when you register your application online.
    • If for some reason, you cannot apply online, bring a filled-out application form. (www.udi.no/forms)
    • Don't forget to sign this!
  • Proof of Place to Live in Norway: You'll be living in SiO's student housing, so this will be your written rental contract with them.
  • Proof of Funds for Living Expenses: You must show that you have NOK 116,369 (equal to approx. 13,500 USD) per year, or half of that for a single semester. You must document this in one or more of these ways:
    • Statement of support from the Norwegian State Education Loan Fund (Lånekassen)
    • Documentation from the DU Office of Financial Aid showing what type of grants/financial support you will receive
    • Contract for part-time work that shows how many hours you will work per week, your pay, and the duration of the contract
    • Bank statement from your account in a Norwegian bank
    • Statement from the Norwegian university/college that you have deposited the amount in an account that they have opened for this purpose – Contact the Norwegian university/college for details & to set up this arrangement
  • Proof of Funds for Tuition: You must show that you're able to pay the tuition in addition  to the living expenses above. Your OIE advisor will give you a "letter of support" for immigration purposes, showing that DU guarantees your tuition and housing fees. 
All documents listed above must be:
  • Original documents (not photocopies)
  • In English or Norweigan. If any of your documents are in a different language, you must include a translation into Norwegian or English.
  • With you and ready to hand in at your Visa Application Center appointment. 

2. Fill Out an Online Application

3. Hand in Application & Documents at Visa Application Center

Book an appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Center to hand in paperwork in person:
  • Book the appointment on this site.
  • Find the addresses of each Visa Application Center here
Leave your passport at the center:
  • When you apply, you will need to leave your passport at the center.
  • You can either pick up your passport at this center later or have it shipped to you.
  • To have your passport shipped by UPS courier (US $30), make sure you request this service when submitting your application. 
  • Self-addressed envelopes are not accepted for the return of passports.

4. Track Your App

  • You can track your application on the Visa Application Center website.
  • If you submitted your application directly at The Royal Norwegian Consulate in New York, send an email to info.norway@vfshelpline.com with the following details to track your application:
    • Your complete name (as written in your passport)
    • Appointment reference number
    • Passport number
    • Date of birth
    • Date of submission