Family reunification – a complicated process with many pitfalls

Family reunification – a complicated process with many pitfalls

Family reunification or family immigration is the process by which a person who wishes to move to Norway applies for this to reunite with family who already live here. This can be a spouse, partner, child, or parent.

A Complex Set of Rules

The rules for family reunification are very complex. There are many different categories and conditions depending on the applicant's citizenship and situation. The rules also change relatively often.

A Demanding Application Process

The application process is demanding. There are a number of criteria that must be met, and small mistakes can have significant consequences.

The most common mistakes are:

  • Insufficient documentation or failure to update changed information

  • Failure to pay the processing fee or only including a copy of the receipt

  • Incorrect procedure, such as sending from the wrong country

The consequence of mistakes is usually rejection, which means a new and delayed application process. The processing time is from 12 to 15 months.

Lack of Guidance and Varying Interpretation

Many find that the immigration authorities do not provide enough guidance along the way, so mistakes are only discovered upon rejection. Many also experience varying interpretations of the regulations between caseworkers.

Summary

In summary, family reunification is a challenging process with many pitfalls. Because of this, it is recommended to contact a lawyer with experience in family immigration cases.

Even with assistance, it is easy to make mistakes in this process. In some cases, the courts also interpret the rules differently from the immigration authorities, so a rejection can be overturned.

It is possible, but difficult, to obtain free legal aid. Contact us for assistance with your family reunification case.

Sterk Law Firm

We fight for your rights and opportunities in Norway

We fight for your rights and opportunities in Norway

We fight for your rights and opportunities in Norway

Immigration law is a demanding field. The regulations are complex and change frequently. The processing can be lengthy, with high demands for documentation. At the same time, often much is at stake, both for the applicant themselves and any family members. Receiving a rejection on an application or being expelled from the country can have dramatic consequences for those involved. At Sterk Law Firm, we understand these challenges. Many of our lawyers have themselves experienced what it is like to be new in Norway. We know that every case is unique, and that it can be crucial to receive individually tailored assistance. Through our work with hundreds of immigration cases, we have gained solid expertise, good contacts, and broad experience.

Immigration law is a demanding field. The regulations are complex and change frequently. The processing can be lengthy, with high demands for documentation. At the same time, often much is at stake, both for the applicant themselves and any family members. Receiving a rejection on an application or being expelled from the country can have dramatic consequences for those involved. At Sterk Law Firm, we understand these challenges. Many of our lawyers have themselves experienced what it is like to be new in Norway. We know that every case is unique, and that it can be crucial to receive individually tailored assistance. Through our work with hundreds of immigration cases, we have gained solid expertise, good contacts, and broad experience.

Advokatfirmaet Sterk

Your partner in immigration law

Explore

More articles

The Dublin Cooperation: How does the European system for asylum applications work?

Immigration Law

Apr 7, 2025

The Dublin Cooperation: Rules, Responsibility Criteria, and Human Rights Boundaries

The Dublin Regulation forms the basis for determining which country is responsible for processing an asylum application in Europe. This article explains the main principles, objectives, and challenges of the regulation—from responsibility criteria and exceptions to key legal decisions that have shaped its implementation. Gain insight into how the system functions, how it has been implemented in Norwegian law, and why it has come under pressure in the face of larger refugee crises.

The Dublin Cooperation: How does the European system for asylum applications work?

Immigration Law

Apr 7, 2025

The Dublin Cooperation: Rules, Responsibility Criteria, and Human Rights Boundaries

The Dublin Regulation forms the basis for determining which country is responsible for processing an asylum application in Europe. This article explains the main principles, objectives, and challenges of the regulation—from responsibility criteria and exceptions to key legal decisions that have shaped its implementation. Gain insight into how the system functions, how it has been implemented in Norwegian law, and why it has come under pressure in the face of larger refugee crises.

The Dublin Cooperation: How does the European system for asylum applications work?

Immigration Law

Apr 7, 2025

The Dublin Cooperation: Rules, Responsibility Criteria, and Human Rights Boundaries

The Dublin Regulation forms the basis for determining which country is responsible for processing an asylum application in Europe. This article explains the main principles, objectives, and challenges of the regulation—from responsibility criteria and exceptions to key legal decisions that have shaped its implementation. Gain insight into how the system functions, how it has been implemented in Norwegian law, and why it has come under pressure in the face of larger refugee crises.

Revocation of residence permits in Norway

Immigration Law

Apr 6, 2025

Revocation of Residence Permit in Norway – Basis, Process, and Exceptions

Revocation of a residence permit is a significant decision that can affect both temporary and permanent permits. This article examines the grounds for revocation under Section 63 of the Immigration Act, procedural rules, and the consequences of such a decision. Gain insight into when authorities may revoke a residence permit, the legal safeguards applicable to the foreign national, and the considerations that must be made when addressing questions of revoking protection or in cases of long-term residence in Norway.

Revocation of residence permits in Norway

Immigration Law

Apr 6, 2025

Revocation of Residence Permit in Norway – Basis, Process, and Exceptions

Revocation of a residence permit is a significant decision that can affect both temporary and permanent permits. This article examines the grounds for revocation under Section 63 of the Immigration Act, procedural rules, and the consequences of such a decision. Gain insight into when authorities may revoke a residence permit, the legal safeguards applicable to the foreign national, and the considerations that must be made when addressing questions of revoking protection or in cases of long-term residence in Norway.

Revocation of residence permits in Norway

Immigration Law

Apr 6, 2025

Revocation of Residence Permit in Norway – Basis, Process, and Exceptions

Revocation of a residence permit is a significant decision that can affect both temporary and permanent permits. This article examines the grounds for revocation under Section 63 of the Immigration Act, procedural rules, and the consequences of such a decision. Gain insight into when authorities may revoke a residence permit, the legal safeguards applicable to the foreign national, and the considerations that must be made when addressing questions of revoking protection or in cases of long-term residence in Norway.

Flyktningkonvensjonen og asylregler

Immigration Law

Apr 6, 2025

The Refugee Convention and asylum rules

Who is considered a refugee? How is persecution defined? When is one entitled to asylum? This document provides a comprehensive introduction to the central concepts and principles of refugee law. From the ancient Hittite kings to today's international regulations, we trace the development of legal protection for displaced individuals. The article explains the conditions for refugee status as outlined in the Refugee Convention and highlights how Norwegian immigration law implements these principles in practice. With detailed descriptions of evidence assessment, risk analysis, and grounds for persecution, the text offers a solid foundation for understanding who qualifies for international protection and why.

Flyktningkonvensjonen og asylregler

Immigration Law

Apr 6, 2025

The Refugee Convention and asylum rules

Who is considered a refugee? How is persecution defined? When is one entitled to asylum? This document provides a comprehensive introduction to the central concepts and principles of refugee law. From the ancient Hittite kings to today's international regulations, we trace the development of legal protection for displaced individuals. The article explains the conditions for refugee status as outlined in the Refugee Convention and highlights how Norwegian immigration law implements these principles in practice. With detailed descriptions of evidence assessment, risk analysis, and grounds for persecution, the text offers a solid foundation for understanding who qualifies for international protection and why.

Flyktningkonvensjonen og asylregler

Immigration Law

Apr 6, 2025

The Refugee Convention and asylum rules

Who is considered a refugee? How is persecution defined? When is one entitled to asylum? This document provides a comprehensive introduction to the central concepts and principles of refugee law. From the ancient Hittite kings to today's international regulations, we trace the development of legal protection for displaced individuals. The article explains the conditions for refugee status as outlined in the Refugee Convention and highlights how Norwegian immigration law implements these principles in practice. With detailed descriptions of evidence assessment, risk analysis, and grounds for persecution, the text offers a solid foundation for understanding who qualifies for international protection and why.

Renewal of residence permit in Norway

Immigration Law

Apr 6, 2025

Rules for Renewal of Residence Permits in Norway – The Immigration Act

Renewing a residence permit is a central process for all foreigners with temporary residence in Norway. The article explains when and how to apply for a renewal, what conditions must be met, and the consequences of a late application. Get an overview of timelines, documentation requirements, and special rules for different groups, as well as how the renewal process is connected to the possibility of obtaining permanent residence later.

Renewal of residence permit in Norway

Immigration Law

Apr 6, 2025

Rules for Renewal of Residence Permits in Norway – The Immigration Act

Renewing a residence permit is a central process for all foreigners with temporary residence in Norway. The article explains when and how to apply for a renewal, what conditions must be met, and the consequences of a late application. Get an overview of timelines, documentation requirements, and special rules for different groups, as well as how the renewal process is connected to the possibility of obtaining permanent residence later.

Renewal of residence permit in Norway

Immigration Law

Apr 6, 2025

Rules for Renewal of Residence Permits in Norway – The Immigration Act

Renewing a residence permit is a central process for all foreigners with temporary residence in Norway. The article explains when and how to apply for a renewal, what conditions must be met, and the consequences of a late application. Get an overview of timelines, documentation requirements, and special rules for different groups, as well as how the renewal process is connected to the possibility of obtaining permanent residence later.

Contact us

Contact Sterk Law Firm for legal assistance and advice. Our dedicated team of experienced lawyers is ready to find tailored solutions for your specific challenges.

Portrait of a man in a suit with arms crossed, in front of a graphic background – expressing professionalism and confidence

By submitting this form, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Explore

Explore how Sterk Law Firm can address your legal needs and assist you in achieving your goals.