If you are desperately waiting for your Norwegian residency permit to come through you are probably itching to work and earn some money, although as we've covered, doing so will get you into trouble.
There are things you can do however to advance your career prospects and help your integration in Norway, as well as build a network of contacts.
This guide applies to first-time non-EU/ EEA family reunification applicants (familiegjenforening) currently in Norway.
You can have interviews
Use your time wisely. The "limbo" period does not stop you from building your network. Attend job fairs, seminars, workshops, and talks. Many NGOs in Norway run CV workshops and job‐hunting support specifically for immigrants.
As Maria Reiten Hindahl, legal advisor at Caritas Norge, confirms, this is allowed. "As long as you do not perform paid work," she tells The Local.
She adds a key insight: you can even attend job interviews.
However, "you must always clarify to the potential employer that you cannot start working until your permit is officially granted," she warns.
Certain social media and expat groups can also connect you with opportunities. Other foreigners have been in your exact situation, and because they know the struggle, they have built spaces and groups to help. This kind of networking often becomes the key to finding a job.
You can even join a Trade Union (fagforening)
This is one of the smartest "insider" moves you can make. As Hindahl says, “there is no legal barrier preventing a person in the "limbo" from joining a union. Membership may depend on the union’s internal rules, but pending immigration status alone does not disqualify you”.
In Norway, being part of a union is very common, and it's one of the main professional networks in the country. You can't register as a full "working member," which may mean that some unions will not allow you to enroll fully. However, most of the big confederations offer very cheap student memberships (studentmedlem) or memberships for those not currently working.
READ MORE: Should foreign workers in Norway join a trade union
Your best bet is to find the union that fits your profession and field. Contact them directly to discuss your options, but keep in mind that every union is different. They will have their own membership requirements and fees. Some may require an application to assess your eligibility, while others might ask for proof of employment, meaning you'll have to wait.
The benefits can be huge: free or cheap professional development courses, networking events in your specific industry, and free legal advice to check your future contract.
Get your 'Norsk' upto scratch
You are already committed to building a life in Norway. Learning the language is the key. This keeps you active and helps you integrate. But, as Cintia, a 36-year-old Argentine national who lives in Fredrikstad says, it's not always a straight line.
"I had to study Norwegian, and the process was quite slow, which is why I quit the course 3 times. I felt like I wasn't advancing much with the language. I started going to the supermarket and attending social events to practice my basic Norwegian... I felt very insecure," says Cintia.
As with learning any language, you won’t become fluent unless you practice speaking. This is where the famous språkkafé (language café) comes in. They are social, not work, and are permitted. They are spaces where you'll meet people, practice Norwegian, and just stay sane. You'll find numerous options, both in-person and online, throughout the country.
Where to look:
- Public libraries across Norway, such as Deichman in Oslo (the king of free community clubs), often host free språkkafés and activities.
- Caritas Norge: Offers information centers and language cafés.
- Red Cross (Røde Kors): Offers both physical and digital språkkafés.
- Most neighborhoods have a community center that hosts them.
- Municipal “rett og plikt” courses
The municipal introduksjonsprogram offers free Norwegian and social studies (samfunnskunnskap), but access is legally restricted to those with an approved residence permit. So, you generally have to wait until your application is approved. However, some municipalities may allow early registration on a case-by-case basis. It’s always worth contacting your local municipality to ask about options.
Other courses
While you wait for your residence permit, "you can take private courses provided they do not involve work or value creation for a business," assures Hindahl.
This includes languages other than Norwegian. For example, if you want to improve your English skills, this period can be an ideal time to do so.
There is no restriction on studying online through foreign universities or international platforms, since these programs do not require any specific immigration status in Norway.
However, you generally cannot enroll in formal education programs in Norway, such as university studies or folkehøgskole, until your residence permit is approved. These institutions require a valid residence permit or a student permit to register. That said, some institutions may allow you to pre-register.
"It is not possible to participate in these while waiting for a family reunification decision," says Hindahl. "One needs a valid residence permit (and generally for any studies longer than three months)."
Get Ahead with NOKUT (HK-dir)
You don't have to wait to get your degree recognized.
“The UDI does not prohibit educational recognition or evaluations," confirms the legal expert. "You can start the process with NOKUT or HK-dir while your application is pending, even without a residence permit”.
READ MORE: How to get foreign qualifications recognised in Norway
Final Advice: Use this time to build the foundation and lay down the groundwork for your new life in Norway. The experts are right: making connections and learning on your own are two things you can totally do, and they really will make things easier down the line.
Coming up in Part 3: What are the rules around travel whilst you wait for your Norwegian residency permit. Keep an eye on the website.
To Learn More:
We thank Maria Reiten Hindahl, Advokatfullmektig at Caritas Norge, for providing expert legal information for this article. Caritas offers free legal aid and support for immigrants in Norway.
Comments