The processing time for applications for international protection varies depending on the procedure your application goes through.

In 2025, the average processing time for all applications for international protection was 4,5 months.

The decision on your application for international protection will be sent to your legal representative, who is responsible for informing you of the outcome.

To withdraw an application for international protection, you need to contact the Directorate of Immigration. Your name and date of birth must be included in the request.

The Directorate of Immigration recommends that you wait to buy a flight ticket from Iceland until you have received advice from our return specialists.

As an applicant for international protection, you will be invited to an interview where you will have the opportunity to submit documents that may be relevant to your application, in consultation with your legal representative and a representative from the Directorate of Immigration.

If you wish to submit additional documents after your interview, please contact your legal representative.

To be allowed to work while your application for international protection is being processed, you must be issued a provisional residence and work permit.

Such a permit is only granted temporarily until a final decision has been made on your application for protection. The permit does not grant any other rights.

A foreign national whose application for international protection has been rejected or withdrawn can request voluntary return assistance.

Requests for assistance must be received before the deadline for departure, specified in the Directorate's decision.

You can request voluntary return assistance by filling out a request form and sending it to return@utl.is.