innvandringsstatus

innvandringsstatus, or immigration status, is the legal standing a person has in a country as a result of migration or asylum processes. It determines what rights the person may have and what obligations they must meet while residing there. Immigration status is defined by national laws and can change over time as circumstances or policies change.

Common categories include temporary residence permits (for work, study, or family reunification), permanent residence, refugee or subsidiary protection status, and asylum seekers while their case is being decided. Other statuses may include temporary special permits, student visas, and, in some jurisdictions, stateless status or naturalized citizenship. Some individuals may also be in an irregular or undocumented situation if they lack a valid legal status.

Status is usually established by the relevant authorities—such as immigration agencies, border guards, or courts—through applications, decisions, and the issuance of documents like visas, residence permits, or residence cards. Rights and access to services often depend on status; these can include the right to work, to study, to access healthcare, and to social benefits, as well as obligations such as reporting requirements, visa conditions, and the possibility of visa renewal or revocation.

People may change their status through renewal, changes in circumstances (for example, employment or family ties), marriage, naturalization, or changes in law. Challenges can arise with uncertainty during processing, loss or revocation of status, or risks of deportation for those with irregular status. The specifics of innvandringsstatus vary by country.