Members of my family have been granted collective protection. Does this mean that I can also be granted it?
Yes, in some instances. This is the case if you:
- are a close family member of someone who has been granted collective protection, regardless of their nationality. By definition, close family members include a spouse, cohabitant, or children under the age of 18. To be considered a spouse or cohabitant, the marriage or cohabitation must have been entered into before 24 February 2022. You and your family member may apply at the same time.
- are in the category, other family member, and were part of the same household as the person granted collective protection prior to 24 February 2022. Examples of what may count as other family member includes children over the age of 18, grandparents or siblings. You and your close family member apply at the same time. The requirement to be part of the same household is considered fulfilled, even if the applicant stayed somewhere else than in the household before 24 February 2022 (for example, on holiday or to visit family), unless the applicant can be considered to have moved out of the household (for example, for studies).
Even if you meet the criteria listed above, you will not be granted protection if you have:
- a permanent residence permit in Norway or
- a temporary residence permit in Norway that forms the basis for permanent residency or
- an equivalent permit (based on EEA regulations)