Who is covered by the programme?

The target group consists of persons between 18 and 55 years who:

  • have been granted asylum and thus the status of a refugee
  • are resettlement refugees
  • have been granted a residence permit on humanitarian grounds following an application for asylum
  • are reunited with the groups mentioned above as part of a family reunion
  • following the breakdown of a marriage or cohabitation, have been granted a residence permit on an independent basis due to abuse in the marriage or cohabitation (as from 1 July 2011)

Those who are in the target group for the scheme and require basic qualifications have a right and obligation to take part in the introduction programme.

Skills assessment and career guidance

Participants within the target group have both the right and the obligation to complete a skills assessment and career guidance. These measures ensure that the programme is adapted to each participant’s needs. The municipality is responsible for conducting the skills assessment, while the county authority is responsible for providing career guidance.  

Responsibilities of the municipalities

The municipality is obliged to arrange for an introduction programme for newly arrived immigrants in the target group who live in the municipality. The Integration Act at the same time gives the municipalities a legal framework for the integration work. The right to take part in the introduction programme only applies in the first municipality where the immigrant settles.

The content of the programme

The introduction programme is individually adapted full-time skill acquisition and its goal is to increase the possibility of newly arrived immigrants participating in working and social life and to increase their financial independence. The main elements of the programme are Norwegian-language and social studies training and measures that prepare the participant for further training/education or work.  

End goals and programme duration

The municipality must set an end goal for each participant’s programme. Educational background is the main factor when determining both the end goal and the duration. From 1 January 2026, programme duration will be extended for participants who are to receive formal education as part of the programme.  

Integration plan and integration contract

The municipality, together with the participant, must prepare an integration plan and an integration contract (cf. Sections 15 and 16 of the Integration Act). From 1 January 2026, the participant’s long‑term goal will be included in the integration plan instead of the integration contract.  

Financial support

Participation in the programme entitles the participant to an introduction benefit. The benefit corresponds to twice the National Insurance basic amount per year. Participants under the age of 25 who do not live with their parents receive two‑thirds of the benefit. Participants under 25 who live with one or both parents receive one‑third of the benefit. The benefit is taxable.  

Introduction Programme for individuals with collective protection

The temporary adjustments in the Integration Act for individuals with collective protection will be repealed from 1 January 2026. Social studies training will still not be mandatory for this group.

From 1 January, individuals aged 18 to 55 with collective protection will have both the right and the obligation to participate in the Introduction Programme.

Their programme must include at least:

  • Work‑ or education‑oriented activities
  • Norwegian language training
  • A shortened life‑skills course

Participants with children under 18 must also take part in a parental guidance course, including those who have children during the programme.