Complete the application. The application is the same for both work and residence. The application can be downloaded from the Norwegian embassy website (see Resources) as a PDF file.
Fill out the Offer of Employment form, which is also a PDF file on the Norwegian embassy website. You will be required to fill out part of it and then submit it to the embassy; they'll pass it along to your Norwegian employer, who will complete the application.
Obtain a valid U.S. passport. You must submit your passport along with the application. There must be at least two blank pages in the passport, and it must be valid for at least six months after the estimated date of arrival.
Get your photo taken. The application requires that you submit at least two passport photos with the application.
Provide a document stating your arrangements for accommodations while you are in Norway.
Provide a statement from the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Organization (NAV). This basically states that you understand what the national insurance scheme is and where your taxes will be going. This document does not have to be submitted with the application, but it will speed up the visa process if done so.
Pay the processing fee, which is 1100 NOK (as of March 2010, equivalent to $182.49).
Submit the application. The application must be submitted to the consulate or embassy where you have lived within the last six months. The application will take about three months to process. You must submit all documents, including the processing fee, to the police station nearest the place where you are going to live. You must check with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration to find out where to submit your application. You cannot submit the application to immigration services alone--the application will be returned to you.
