After graduation - Validity of your residence permit

If you have a residence permit for study purposes, please note that your permit becomes invalid upon graduation/termination of enrolment. The University has to inform the IND of this fact, and the IND will then proceed to withdraw your permit. You do have 28 days to leave the country.

If you want to pursue a career in the Netherlands after graduation you can stay for 12 months to look for a job as a ‘highly skilled migrant’. This procedure is called ‘seeking work after graduation’.

While you are searching for a job you will have to pay your own way, either from your own funds or by finding other (temporary) employment. You may not claim state benefits.

Procedure for ‘Seeking work after graduation’

• Complete the IND application form 'Application regular residence permit without MVV or change to purpose of stay'.
• Make an appointment with the nearest IND Front Office (0900-1234561) to hand in the form, all other required documents and to pay the fee of €331.

Highly skilled migrant

In order to qualify for a residence permit as a highly skilled migrant, you need to find a job with a minimum salary of €26.931. To apply for this permit you can also use the above-mentioned form. This will once again cost €331.

More information

• Nuffic
• IND information: 0900 1234561.