Published: 02.12.2020 - Last changed: 29.12.2020

This means that even if you submitted your application before 1 January 2021, the new requirements apply to you if you have not received a response to your application.

The exceptions from the requirement for self-sufficiency for a student in primary or secondary education will only apply if you have been a student for the last 12 months or the previous two semesters. Previously, there was only a requirement for the duration of schooling for students in higher education.

The new rules describe in more detail who will be granted an exemption from the requirement. Those who may be granted an exemption as a pupil or student are:

• Pupils of primary or secondary school with juvenile rights (if you are under 25 years of age or turn 25 before 1 July of this year).
  
  
• Pupils who have participated in primary or secondary education as part of the introductory programme.
  
  
• Pupils who have participated in secondary education as labour market measures under the auspices of the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration's (NAV).
  
  
• Full-time students in higher education. It is a condition that the educational institution is approved by the Norwegian State Loan Fund and qualifies for a student loan or scholarship.
  
  
• Full-time students in higher education through measures from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration's (NAV).

The exception for students in upper secondary education also includes apprenticeships in companies that have participated in teaching in upper secondary school prior to the period as apprentices in companies.

For applicants who are under 25 years of age (or who turn 25 before 1 July this year), it is enough to submit confirmation from the school of participation in the last 12 months or the last 2 semesters.

Applicants over the age of 25 (with the exception of those who turn 25 before 1 July this year) must either submit:

• confirmation from the municipality that he or she has participated in primary or secondary education in the last 12 months or the last two semesters as part of the introductory program, or
  
  
• confirmation from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration's (NAV) that he or she has participated in secondary education in the last 12 months or the last two semesters as part of labor market measures under the auspices of the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration's (NAV).

Do you not meet the requirements?

If you go to school, are older than 25 years and the schooling is not part of the introductory program or labor market measures, you must meet the income requirements.

The income requirement corresponds to 2.5 G (the basic amount in the National Insurance Scheme), which at the time of publication amounts to NOK 278 693 before tax. The rates are adjusted in May each year. If it is your income in 2020 or 2021 that will be assessed, 2.5 G amounted to NOK 253 378 in 2020 and NOK 265 998 in 2021.

If you neither meet the requirement for self-sufficiency, nor are in one of the groups that are granted an exemption, you should wait to apply for a permanent residence permit and apply for a renewal of your temporary residence permit instead.