Who is covered by the programme?

The target group consists of individuals aged 18 to 55 who:

  • Have been granted asylum and therefore have refugee status
  • Are resettlement refugees
  • Have been granted residence on humanitarian grounds following an asylum application
  • Are family members reunited with the groups mentioned above

Have received an independent residence permit after a relationship breakdown due to abuse  

The municipality's responsibilities

Municipalities are required to offer the Introduction Programme to newly arrived immigrants in the target group who are settled in the municipality. The Introduction Act provides the legal framework for this integration work. The right to participate applies only in the first municipality of settlement.  

The content of the programme

The Introduction Programme is a full‑time, individually adapted qualification programme. Its aim is to strengthen immigrants’ opportunities for participation in working life and society, as well as to support their financial independence. The programme must include at least:

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

Participants with children under the age of 18 must attend a parental guidance course. This also applies to participants who have children during the programme.

From January 2026, a minimum requirement for work‑oriented activities will apply to participants following a work‑focused programme.  

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.