Applicants for some temporary work and study permits in Norway may be refused even though they appear to meet the formal requirements, because the authorities doubt that the applicant will leave Norway when the permit expires. This is often called an assessment of return preconditions (returforutsetninger). This article gives an overview of how this works in practice.
Which permits does this concern?
Several types of residence permit under chapter 6 of the Immigration Regulations expressly state that the permit does not form a basis for permanent residence. Examples include:
seasonal workers (Section 6-3 sixth paragraph);
posted workers and self-employed contractors with a business abroad (Section 6-13 fifth paragraph and Section 6-14 fourth paragraph);
students (Section 6-19 fifth paragraph);
researchers with independent funding (Section 6-20 second paragraph);
interns (Section 6-21 fourth paragraph);
musicians, artists and cultural workers (Section 6-22 fifth paragraph); and
employees of non-profit, religious and humanitarian organisations (Section 6-23 third paragraph).
When a permit does not lead to permanent residence, the stay is meant to be temporary. The Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) explains, for study permits, that this means the authorities must assess whether the applicant will actually leave Norway when the permit expires (une.no). By contrast, some permits, such as the permit for self-employed persons under Section 6-18, expressly form a basis for permanent residence (Section 6-18 fourth paragraph).
Legal basis
The Immigration Act and the Immigration Regulations do not, as far as we have been able to verify, contain a separate provision that sets out a “return requirement” as such. The assessment is described by UDI and UNE as part of the overall assessment of the purpose of the stay and the conditions for the permit. For the current practice, see udi.no and UNE’s information on study permit cases.
What do the authorities look at?
Based on UNE’s published information on study permit cases, relevant points include:
The purpose of the stay: whether the real purpose is the stated one, for example full-time study. Previous refusals of other applications, such as work permits, may lead the authorities to doubt the stated purpose.
The situation in the country of origin: UNE states that it will take a lot to find return likely where the applicant comes from a country that many people leave in order to apply for asylum in Europe.
The applicant’s own situation: the applicant’s history and connection to the country of origin may be part of the overall assessment.
UNE states that it may refuse an application on this ground even where all other requirements for a study permit are met. The weight given to each factor, and how the assessment differs between permit types and countries, follows from UDI’s practice and may change. We do not reproduce country lists or country groupings in this article, because they are not set out in the Act or the Regulations and are not published by UDI or UNE as fixed rules.
How can applicants prepare?
Make sure the purpose of the stay is clear and consistent across the application, the study plan or job offer, and any earlier applications.
Where relevant, document your ties to your country of origin or residence, for example family, employment, property or ongoing studies.
Explain any earlier refusals or applications openly.
Consider seeking advice before applying if you have previously applied for protection or for another residence permit in Norway or another Schengen country.
There is no way to be certain that the authorities will find return likely. The assessment is made case by case.
How we can help
We assist applicants with work and study permit applications, including cases where return has been questioned, and with appeals to UNE. Contact us if you would like Advokatfirmaet Sterk AS to look at your situation.
This article provides general information as of 29 October 2026 and is not legal advice for your specific situation.
