Requirements for residence permit and workpermit for Norway

The general requirement is that an application must be made from outside Norway, either by s submitting it in person or by way of mail. A permit is normally granted for one year at a time, and most such permits are renewable. If the application is not signed at the Consulate General’s office, your signature, photo and copy of passport must be notarized (certified) and dated.

The filing fees are:

• Work permit/residence permit: USD 160,-
• Family immigraiton: USD 430,- (plus $25.- to Jamaica)

Please enclose a Money Order or company check. No personal checks accepted. If you submit your application in person you may also pay the fee in cash.

A link to the application forms can be found on the right hand side.

How to apply for a residence permit, what to submit

• Application GP-7028E. The application must be completed in duplicate. (Both originals signed in blue ink.)
• Photos. Two (2) passport size pictures (color or black/white) – no more than 3 months old. Homemade photos are not accepted.
• Birth certificate. Two (2) copies of birth certificate - certified and dated.
• Copies of passport. Two (2) copies of valid passport - certified and dated. If you need a visa, your original passport must be submitted. Please see below.
• Bank statement. Two (2) copies of bank statement showing that you have enough means to support yourself  - certified and dated.

How to apply for a work permit, what to submit

• Application GP-7028E. The application must be completed in duplicate. (Both originals signed in blue ink.)
• Photos. Two (2) passport size pictures (color or black/white) – no more than 3 months old.
• Birth certificate. Two (2) copies of birth certificate - certified and dated.
• Copies of passport. Two (2) copies of valid passport - certified and dated. If you need a visa, your original passport must be submitted. Please see below.
• Offer of employment. The "Offer of Employment" must be submitted in original, duly completed and signed by the future employer in Norway.
• Proof of education. Please enclose certified copies of graduation papers, copies of diplomas and a resume (in duplicate).

How to apply for work permit when company  transfer

• Same requirements as for a work permit, plus:
• Original letter from your company in the U.S. explaining the transfer and a description of your job in Norway (in duplicate).

How to apply for family immigration for family members joining you in Norway + attachments (family reunification):

• Spouse: Same as for residence permit, less bank statements. Plus: 
  • Original letter from your company in the U.S. explaining the transfer and a description of your job in Norway, if applicable (in case of company transfer).
  • Two (2) copies of marriage certificate - notarized and dated.
  • If you are married or engaged to a Norwegian citizen, a copy of his/ her passport must be attached with proof of residence and employment in Norway.
• Children over 18 years of age: Same as for residence permit, less bank statements.
  • Original letter from your company in the U.S. explaining the transfer and a description of your job in Norway, if applicable (in case of company transfer).
• Children under 18 years of age: To be included in spouse’s application, plus same requirements as for residence permits less application form and bank  statements.

A first time work permit or resident permit must have been granted before the applicant is permitted to enter Norway. Please note that the consideration of a work permit application may take up to 6 months, and a family reunification application from 10-13 months. For updated case processing times please see the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, UDI.

You will be informed of the decision in a letter from this Royal Norwegian Consulate General, which you will bring with you when you enter Norway. For more information about this matter, please go to www.udi.no where the application also can be found electronically.

If you need a visa in order to enter the Schengen Area you should apply for the visa after your work or residence permit has been granted, but before you travel to Norway.

Please mail the signed application, documents and payment to:

Applications submitted in person at the Consulate General are accepted between 09:30 a.m. – 12 noon on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.