Hi Ruby, I am an American married to a Norwegian myself, so I can try to help you through the process. Firstly we were married in the US ourselves, he came home to Norway and sent for me to come the following year (I did come for 3 months late the same year for the holiday as well), as I had to sell my home and make preparations.

I could have easily come back with him had I not needed to take care of other things first. Now here is how we did it best....I came on a tourist visa on a oneway ticket, then we waited until 2 weeks before my visa was up to file all the needed papers for me to stay permanently...(please make sure all your paperwork is complete and all originals and copies neeeded are included so there are no delays), check the UDI site for all needed papers.

So I came end of July and we filed mid October and I was able to stay during the process being we were already married. Now i am not sure about a marriage taken place anywhere other than your homeland or here in Norway, exactly how this process would be effected, this you would have to look into in depth.

All of our paperwork was fully filled out and all documents included which were needed, so we had no hiccups in the process. I received my papers just after Christmas and had to make an appointment at customs in the politi to have my passport updated and have everything finalized. I then had to file again each year for the following 3 years (4 times total) before receiving my permanent residence status and it wasn't cheap. Last one cost even more than the others as well. I know that the laws have now changed and it's every two years now that you file and costs even more.

You will be eligible for norskkurs (Norwegian language school) up to 3,000 hours over a 5 year period. It will bemandatory for you to do no less than 600 hours (550 regular and 50 hours samfunnsfag) to be eligible for permanent residency. Finding work will also be contingent upon your norsk abilities depending on where in Norway and what line of work. So don't be surprised if it takes a year or more before you are able to find work.

I wish you both luck on your new life journey.

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