At the National Arrival Centre, you will talk with the police and register as an asylum seeker. You will receive an asylum seeker card, which shows that you have applied for protection.

You will stay at the National Arrival Centre until you have finished registering the application for protection. You will be given a bed and food during your stay at the centre, which could last up to three weeks.

Some people take part in their asylum interview while staying at the National Arrival Centre, others have are interviewed after their stay at the centre has ended. You will be notified of when your asylum interview is to take place. See how long you will have to wait.

During your interview, you tell UDI about yourself and explain why it is not safe for you in your home country. An interpreter is present during the interview to translate what you and the interviewer say to each other. The interpreter is a person who knows your language.

When you have finished what you have to do at the National Arrival Centre, you will move to one of the many asylum reception centres located throughout Norway. You will be informed of where you are going to move. You must move to the reception centre where you are allocated accomodation. 

The waiting times differ from person to person. Some people get an answer after a short time, while others will have to wait a long time for an answer. Check here for information on waiting times for those who have applied for protection (asylum).

You will be notified when your application has been processed. You will receive a letter by post. It is important that your name is on your mailbox. If you have moved, you must report it so that UDI has your correct address to send the decision letter to.

The letter will state that you have been granted a residence permit. It will also set out the rights and obligations you have in Norway. Most people also receive this information in a video. The letter will indicate whether you will receive a video and how to watch it. 

The police will ask you to show up to the station to give your fingerprints. You will be sent a document that shows that you have a residence permit in Norway (residence card) in the post.

You wait for information on which municipality you will be living in.

You are are informed of where you will be moving. You will receive assistance with your move.

The lawyer will help you to appeal. UDI will consider your appeal. If UDI does not reverse its decision, it will send your case on to the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) to handle your appeal.

Most people who appeal are allowed to stay in Norway while UNE processes their appeal. Check here for information about waiting times for appeals in asylum cases (external website).

You've been waiting a long time. Finally, you get an answer.

The vast majority of appeals sent on to UNE are rejected (external website).

When you lose your appeal, you have to go home. You can apply for help to return home again.