Here’s a summary of the Skilled Worker Program for Norway:
Skilled Worker Program in Norway
Overview:
The program is for graduates of agricultural schools or universities with experience working on dairy or pig farms. Applicants need prior farm experience, specifically on dairy or pig farms in Europe or English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, UK).
- Experience Required: At least 1 year of farm work in relevant fields.
- Driver’s License: Required, and the ability to drive a tractor with a trailer is an advantage.
- Family: The worker can bring their family (spouse and children). The spouse can also work in Norway. After 3 years, they can apply for permanent residence.
Employee Status:
- Status: Skilled worker, with a work permit issued by the Norwegian Immigration Service (UDI).
- Work Areas: Dairy farms and pig farms.
- Work Duration: Initial 1-year permit, extendable for 2 more years. After 3 years, eligibility to apply for permanent residence.
Job Responsibilities:
- Dairy Farms: Milking cows, feeding, spreading straw, caring for calves, tractor driving, general farm work (repairs, construction, cleaning).
- Pig Farms: Feeding, castrating piglets, insemination, working in the farrowing shop, and maintaining premises.
Accommodation:
- Housing Provided: Separate private room, kitchen, bathroom, and heating. If distant from the farm, transport is provided.
- Cost: 4000-7000 NOK (approximately 400-700 euros, deducted from salary).
Salary:
- Salary: 170 NOK/hour (17 euros).
- Monthly Income: After deductions (wage tax, accommodation, and food), approximately 1100 euros for 37.5 working hours/week.
- Overtime: Paid at the same hourly rate.
Social Protection:
- Free medical care and emergency services.
- Paid sick leave.
- Paid holiday leave (4 weeks/year).
Registration and Processing:
- Job Search: Dairy farms (2 months), pig farms (4 months).
- Work Permit: 12-15 weeks for approval after submitting documents to the Norwegian Embassy.
- Total Process Time: 14-20 weeks from registration to arrival in Norway.
Costs:
- Real Staff Services: 2200 euros.
- Immigration Fee: 650 euros.
- Visa/Consular Fees: Approx. 70 euros (check with local embassy).
- Travel and Insurance: Costs to be clarified locally.
Candidate Requirements:
- Minimum 1 year of work experience on a similar farm.
- Good recommendations from previous employers.
- English proficiency (spoken).
- Age: 20-40 years.
- Driving license and tractor operation skills.
- Sufficient funds for program registration.
- Completed education in animal husbandry or veterinary medicine (minimum 3 years).
Program Steps:
- Initial consultation with Real Staff or their partner.
- Submission of CV and relevant documents.
- Interview with Real Staff.
- Signing of contract with Real Staff (or partner), prepayment of 400 euros.
- Placement offer, signing of contract with the employer, payment of immigration/consular fees, and submission of documents.
- Obtaining work permit and final preparations (flight, services).
- Start work in Norway and registration with local authorities.