Job Seeker Permit - Recent Graduate (Oppholdstillatelse som arbeidssøker)

Norway•Europe

Open

Job Seeker Permit - Recent Graduate (Oppholdstillatelse som arbeidssøker)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 day – 8 months

Estimated Cost

NOK kr 3,150–kr 6,300

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Residence permit allowing recent Norwegian graduates and researchers to seek skilled employment for up to one year after completing their studies.

The Job Seeker Permit for Recent Graduates is a 12-month residence permit from Norway's Directorate of Immigration (UDI) for international students and researchers who have completed higher education or vocational training in Norway. It bridges the transition between academic completion and professional integration in the labor market.

The permit authorizes full-time work during the job search period. Valid for 12 months (non-renewable, does not count toward permanent residence), with applicants required to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency (minimum NOK 325,392). Processing takes up to 8 months; family members cannot join. Upon securing a qualifying job offer, holders transition to a skilled worker permit before expiry.

This visa is ideal for recent international graduates or researchers from Norwegian institutions who want to work and search for skilled positions matching their education level.

Cost Breakdown

Application fee (adult 18+)NOK kr 6,300

Application fee (under 18)NOK kr 3,150

TotalNOK kr 3,150–kr 6,300

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Skilled Worker Permit (Oppholdstillatelse som fagarbeider)

Norway

Skilled Worker Permit (Oppholdstillatelse som fagarbeider)

ValidityUp to 1 year

ProcessingVaries

View Visa Details

Norway

Residence permit for studies

ValidityDuration of the study program

Processing2-4 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have completed a degree in higher education or vocational training in Norway.

Must hold a valid residence permit as a student in Norway at the time of application.

Must apply for the job seeker permit before the current student permit expires.

Must have sufficient funds to support oneself during the stay (documented proof required).

Must intend to seek employment as a skilled worker in Norway.

Must pay the required application fee.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

vocational or higher

Min. Savings

341,373 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Documentation of completed degree or vocational training (diploma or confirmation from the educational institution).

Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the permit.

Application form and receipt of paid application fee.

Documentation of current student residence permit.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Full-time work permitted while job seeking - immediate employment authorization
Direct transition from student status without visa gap or reapplication delay
Up to 12 months to find a qualified position in Norway
No job offer required before applying - greater flexibility
Graduates of Norwegian institutions qualifying - direct pathway after study
Relatively low fees (NOK 6,300 for adults) compared to other work visas
Can convert to skilled worker or student permit if needed

Worth Knowing

Not renewable - single 12-month grant only
Time does not count toward permanent residency pathway
Requires documented proof of sufficient funds (NOK 341,373+)
Processing takes up to 8 months; must apply before student permit expires
Dependents cannot join on this visa
Only for recent graduates/researchers from Norwegian institutions
Must have completed recognized higher education or vocational training in Norway
Non-renewable with no path to permanent residency

Application Process

Apply online before current permit expires

Book appointment with police to submit documents

Verified Claims (7)

Last verified Jun 27, 2026

Fee Breakdown

Application fee (adult 18+): 6300 NOK; Application fee (under 18): 3150 NOK

udi.no

Fees

NOK 6,300 (adults 18+); NOK 3,150 (under 18)

udi.no

Included Nationalities

null

udi.no

Max Stay Estimate

type: days, initialDays: 365, notes: Maximum 1 year per grant; not renewable

udi.no

Min Savings

341373

udi.no

Processing Estimates

{"minDays":1,"maxDays":244}

udi.no

Processing Time

Up to 8 months after submitting documents to police or VFS Application Centre

udi.no

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Overview

Residence permit allowing recent Norwegian graduates and researchers to seek skilled employment for up to one year after completing their studies.

This visa is ideal for recent international graduates or researchers from Norwegian institutions who want to work and search for skilled positions matching their education level.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have completed a degree in higher education or vocational training in Norway.

Must hold a valid residence permit as a student in Norway at the time of application.

Must apply for the job seeker permit before the current student permit expires.

Must have sufficient funds to support oneself during the stay (documented proof required).

Must intend to seek employment as a skilled worker in Norway.

Must pay the required application fee.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

vocational or higher

Min. Savings

341,373 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Documentation of completed degree or vocational training (diploma or confirmation from the educational institution).

Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the permit.

Application form and receipt of paid application fee.

Documentation of current student residence permit.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Full-time work permitted while job seeking - immediate employment authorization
Direct transition from student status without visa gap or reapplication delay
Up to 12 months to find a qualified position in Norway
No job offer required before applying - greater flexibility
Graduates of Norwegian institutions qualifying - direct pathway after study
Relatively low fees (NOK 6,300 for adults) compared to other work visas
Can convert to skilled worker or student permit if needed

Worth Knowing

Not renewable - single 12-month grant only
Time does not count toward permanent residency pathway
Requires documented proof of sufficient funds (NOK 341,373+)
Processing takes up to 8 months; must apply before student permit expires
Dependents cannot join on this visa
Only for recent graduates/researchers from Norwegian institutions
Must have completed recognized higher education or vocational training in Norway
Non-renewable with no path to permanent residency