Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research
For graduates and researchers who have finished studies/research in Norway and want to find skilled work.
The Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research is a Norwegian work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~NOK 6,300) and processing time (~1-2 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research is for
For graduates and researchers who have finished studies/research in Norway and want to find skilled work.
No direct path; convert to a skilled-worker permit to build towards PR.
Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research - eligibility criteria
- Completed a higher education degree or research in Norway
- Held a study or researcher permit immediately before applying
- Can support yourself financially during the search
- Apply before your current permit expires
Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research (Norway) is ~NOK 6,300, with an indicative processing time of ~1-2 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at UDI (Norway).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Inside Norway |
| Length of stay | Up to 1 year |
| Work rights | Full and part-time work permitted while seeking skilled employment |
| Study rights | No new full-time study |
| Government fee | ~NOK 6,300 |
| Processing time | ~1-2 months |
| Route to PR | No direct path; convert to a skilled-worker permit to build towards PR. |
Pathway & next steps
No direct path; convert to a skilled-worker permit to build towards PR.
Many applicants also compare Student · Study permit (residence permit for studies), Skilled Worker · Residence permit for skilled workers, Researcher · Residence permit for researchers with own funds / hired researcher. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Norwegian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research pitfalls we fix
Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research - frequently asked questions
How much does the Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research cost?
The Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research government fee is ~NOK 6,300. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at UDI (Norway) before applying.
How long does the Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-2 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research lead to permanent residence?
No direct path; convert to a skilled-worker permit to build towards PR.
Can I work on the Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research?
Work rights: Full and part-time work permitted while seeking skilled employment.
Who can apply for the Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research?
For graduates and researchers who have finished studies/research in Norway and want to find skilled work.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Norway government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- UDI (Norway) - official Norway immigration authority