Visa Information for Norway Bilats

All students on semester or academic year programs in Norway must apply for a residence permit. Application and instructions can be found on the Minneapolis Honorary Consulate website.  The staff at the consulate are available to answer questions about the application process.  They can be reached at (612) 332-3338 or cg.minneapolis@yahoo.com.

Please keep in mind the following when applying for a residence permit:

• Timeline: Applications require 2 months processing time, so start the process as you receive official notification of acceptance from the university in Norway.  It is highly recommended that you at least begin the application process before departing for Norway, even if you will not receive your residence permit before you leave the US.  The process can be completed upon arrival in Norway and is much easier if you have already submitted your application in the US.
• For the application:
  • Submit an orignial plus one copy of all documents (make a set of copies to keep for yourself as well)
  • Submit photocopies of ALL pages of your passport, not just the inside cover
  • Confirmation of housing is provided in the letter from your host university
  • Include official transcripts from all institutions you have attended
  • Check or money orders payable to the Royal Norwegian Embassy (NO personal checks will be accepted)
• Bring a copy of all documentation for the residence permit with you to Norway, including proof of financial support.

Notes regarding confirmation of subsistence/proof of financial support

As part of the application process you are required to submit proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Norway. You will need to submit the same documents as part of your residence permit. You should also bring copies of these documents with you when you register with the police within the first week of arriving in Norway.

If you plan to use financial aid:

• You will need to submit proof of your financial aid in the form of one or more of the following documents:
  • a print out of your financial aid awards from Onestop or a letter from the Office of Student Finance
  • letter from a private scholarship adminstrator stating the amount of the award
• Bring a copy of these documents with you to Norway and be prepared to show them if asked when you register at the police station

If you do not plan to use financial aid :

• Copies of financial statements must be in your name or a joint account with your name and another person
• You will need to work with the host institution to set up a Norwegian bank account and transfer funds to that account. These funds will be available upon arrival in Norway. You will receive information about this from your host institution.