The most common reason why UNE rejects applications for a study permit is that we do not believe the purpose of coming to Norway is to study full-time. Other common reasons are that the applicant is not going to continue their studies at a higher level, or that their study progression is poor.
We also reject applications if the applicant cannot provide for him/herself in Norway or if we do not believe that the applicant will go home after he/she concludes his/her studies.
UNE rarely reverses UDI decisions. In the cases where we do reverse a UDI decision, this is usually because we have received new documentation or new information which means we take a different view of the case than the UDI.
What do we consider?
We reject many cases if we do not believe that the purpose of coming to Norway is to study full-time, for example if the applicant has previously worked extensively in addition to studying. Some people apply for a study permit after having had several rejections applications for a residence permit rejected, for example applications for residence for the purpose of working in Norway. This may lead UNE to conclued that the purpose of the stay is not to study.
Some applicants are behind in their studies when they apply for renewal. This may be a reason for rejecting an application. Others may have changed academic fields without the new study programme being a continuation of the programme they originally started. This may also be a reason for rejecting an application.
We also reject some applications because we do not believe that the applicant will return home after completing their studies. One example is applicants who come from a country from which many people apply for asylum in Norway.
In some cases, we do not believe the applicant is able to support themselves financially in Norway. It is a requirement that the applicant has funds corresponding to the rates by the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund, and that this money is at thier own disposal. Some applicants do not meet this requirement.
You can read more about the conditions for being granted a study permit on the UDI's website (external link).
UNE rarely reverses UDI decisions. In cases where we do reverse a UDI decision, this is usually because we have received new documentation or new information which leads us to take a different view of the case than UDI.
In some cases, the applicant may meet all the requirements for being granted a study permit. We may nevertheless reject the application because we do not believe the applicant will return home after completing their studies. The rules state that a study permit does not form the basis for permanent residence in Norway. This means that we must assess whether the applicant will actually leave Norway when their study permit expires. Some applicants come from countries that many people leave in order to apply for asylum in Europe. In such cases, it will take a lot for us to consider it likely that the applicant will return home.
If you submitted your application for renewal of your study permit to the police no later than one month before your previous permit expired, you are entitled to stay in Norway on the same terms until UNE has considered your case.
If you applied later than one month before your previous permit expired, but UDI has granted you deferred implementation, you must contact UDI to find out what this means for you. This is because you are not entitled to stay here on the same terms as before. You may have been allowed to stay in Norway, but not to work here.
As a student, you are generally allowed to work up to 20 hours a week and full-time during holidays. If you work more than this, your study permit may not be renewed. You may also be expelled from Norway and the Schengen area. Being expelled means that you cannot enter Norway or the Schengen area.
We will consider your case even if you leave Norway while your case is being processed. You can only return to Norway if you have a valid basis for residence, for example a valid residence permit or visa, or if you are exempt from the visa requirements.
Read more at UDI regelverk:
- Utlendingsloven § 26 (external link)
- Utlendingsforskriften § 6-19 (external link)
- Utlendingsforskriften § 10 - 21 (external link)
UDI's circulars:
- Residence permit for students (external link)
- Residence permit for students at religion/belief-based or folk high schools (external link)
Questions and answers
It is rare that we prioritise a case because it is the start of studies or compulsory attendance at the course. There has to be something quite special in your case for it to be processed ahead of others in the queue. If you believe there is something special in your case that means we should prioritise it, you can send us a written explanation for this.