Information for you who have applied to renew your study permit

It is normal with different waiting times

Not all applications for renewal are processed within the same waiting time. You may find that others receive an answer earlier than you, even if you applied at the same time. This is because the police and UDI share responsibility for processing the applications, and have slightly different waiting times. 

Many applications for renewal of a study permit are processed by the police. You will find information about their waiting times on the police's website (external website). If the police cannot process your application themselves, they will send it to UDI. It could be, for example, that you are delayed in your studies, that you have changed studies, or that you are not following normal study progression. If UDI has to carry out additional investigations, it may take longer before you receive an answer. 

If the police send your application to UDI, you will be notified by e-mail or SMS. Most people will receive an answer to their application within 8 months of submitting the application to the police, regardless of whether it has been processed by the police or UDI. 

Has you permit expired while you are waiting for an answer?

If you have applied in time, i.e. registered a new application within one month before the expiry of the previous permit, you have the same right to stay and work in Norway as you had with the permit which has expired. Here you can read about how you can document legal residence while you are waiting for a residence card. 

You are advided not to travel out of Norway until you have received a decision and a new residence card. You will need a valid residence card when you are going to reenter Norway. Here you can read more about the requirement for a valid residence card when travelling abroad.

Your case will not be processed faster even if you contact us.

• If information or documents are missing from your application, we will contact you. 
• If your application is complete and does not require additional investigations, we will process your case, and you will receive a decision from us. 
• If your case requires additional investigation, this will be conducted. How long it will take to complete the investigations will vary. You can read more about what the additional investigations may involve. 

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