The Introduction Program is a full-time program designed to assist certain newly arrived immigrants in finding work or education. It is not available to everyone moving to Norway. The target group is determined by age, type of residence permit, time of settlement, and other conditions. The municipality makes decisions, creates a plan together with the participant, and pays the introduction benefit. This SamfunnPrep guide explains the rules applicable as of September 12, 2026.
Who has the right and obligation?
The main rule in the Integration Act applies to individuals who:
- were between 18 and 55 years old when a relevant residence permit was granted
- have a permit mentioned in the Integration Act § 9, typically refugees and certain family members
- are residing in a municipality by agreement with the integration authorities, when this condition applies
- have lived in the municipality with a relevant permit for less than two years when the decision is made
Nordic citizens and individuals covered by the EEA agreement are not included in this main group. The municipality may offer the program to certain individuals who do not have a statutory right, including some individuals over 55 years old or residents without an agreement. An offer that the municipality may choose to provide is not the same as an individual right.
From January 1, 2026, an important work exemption also applies: Individuals who are employed or have a job offer of at least 30 hours per week do not have the right and obligation to start the program under the main rule. If the job or offer ceases before the deadline in the law, the right and obligation may return. Ask the municipality to assess the case.
Special transitional rules for collective protection
Individuals from Ukraine with collective protection must consider the date of the first permit. IMDi states:
- First collective protection from January 1, 2026: right and obligation to the introduction program when the other conditions are met.
- First collective protection before January 1, 2026: retains the category "right to program," even after an extension in 2026.
This is a transitional rule that can easily be overlooked in a brief overview. Do not assume that all individuals with collective protection have the same obligation. Ask the municipality to show which regulations and which category are stated in your decision.
What should the program include?
The program should be year-round and full-time. It should be tailored to your background and end goal. Common mandatory content includes:
- Norwegian language training
- training in social studies
- courses in life skills in a new country
- work or education-oriented activities
- parental guidance if you have or will have children under 18 years old
Work-oriented content may include internships, part-time work, job searching, industry courses, or measures through NAV. Education-oriented content may include preparatory training for adults, upper secondary education, or preparation for higher education. The content should fit the end goal, not be the same package for everyone.
For individuals with collective protection, training in social studies is still not mandatory content in the introduction program under the special rule. Other rules regarding Norwegian and social studies may still apply outside the program. Ask the municipality what you need to complete. Also read about free Norwegian courses in Norway.
Plan, contract, and end goal
The municipality should assess your competencies. This includes education, work experience, language, and goals. Career guidance should help you choose a realistic path.
Then the municipality creates an integration plan together with you. The plan should outline the end goal, Norwegian language goal, content, duration, and how the program will be implemented. The municipality and the participant also enter into an integration contract regarding central obligations.
Read the plan before you approve it. Ask for answers to these questions:
- What is my end goal: work, further education, or a specific qualification?
- What is my Norwegian language goal?
- Which activities actually lead towards the goal?
- What are the start and end dates?
- How do I report illness, absence, or changes?
If the goal or situation changes significantly, the plan should be reassessed.
How long does the program last in 2026?
The duration is determined by the education you have beforehand and the end goal. For participants covered by the new rules, IMDi provides this main overview:
| Background and end goal | Maximum program duration |
|---|---|
| Upper secondary or higher education beforehand: work, higher education, or vocational retraining | Up to 1 year, without extension |
| Without upper secondary: work | Up to 2 years, without extension |
| Without upper secondary: complete parts of upper secondary | Up to 3 years, with possible extension of up to 1 year |
| Without upper secondary: complete upper secondary | Up to 4 years, with possible extension of up to 1 year |
| Without upper secondary: complete vocational training | Up to 5 years, without extension |
This is the maximum, not a guarantee. The municipality determines the time in the decision. Transitional rules may mean that older rules apply to individuals who started earlier. Ask the municipality to specify which set of rules has been used.
Introduction benefit: how much and how?
When you participate, you have the right to an introduction benefit. The full annual benefit is twice the basic amount in the National Insurance Scheme, called 2 G. From May 1, 2026, G is 136,549 kroner. This results in 273,098 kroner in full annual benefit before tax. The amount changes when G is adjusted.
For participants under 25 years old, lower rates apply:
- 2/3 of the full benefit when you do not live with parents
- 1/3 of the full benefit when you live with one or both parents
The benefit is taxable and paid by the municipality. Invalid absence results in deductions. Other public benefits may, in some cases, reduce the introduction benefit. However, work income is not deducted in the same way under the main rule, but work may affect program duration and content. Ask the municipality to calculate your payment in writing. For other benefits, you can read the Nav guide for newcomers in Norway.
Absence, changes, and complaints
Report illness or other absence according to the municipality's routine. Do not wait until the end of the month. Documentation may be required. Absence without a valid reason results in deductions from the benefit, and serious or prolonged breaches may affect the program.
The municipality's decisions regarding participation, plan, suspension, or benefit must be provided as a decision when the law requires it. This includes justification, complaint deadlines, and where to send the complaint. Ask the municipality for help if you do not understand the decision, and request an interpreter if needed. Do not use a general online deadline; read the deadline in your decision.
Social studies may be part of the training or a later examination requirement, depending on your situation. See how the social studies test works, and practice for free with SamfunnPrep when you are ready.
