Extension of the Residence permit
Who needs to extend their residence permit?
You need a residence permit for the duration of your studies, but the actual card is only issued for a maximum duration of one academic year. If you stay for a longer period, you need to extend it. Below is described how you can do this. Note however that there is a limit to the number of years you are allowed to stay in the Netherlands as a student.
How to extend your residence permit
This year, there are two ways to renew your residence permit: you can authorize the University to do it for you, or you can apply yourself. If you authorize the University, you will have your new card before the summer holiday. If you apply yourself you will most likely receive the new card in September or October.
Important
- The extension of your residence permit is your own responsibility. You have to apply for the extension before your current residence permit card expires. Failure to do so will have severe consequences for your stay in the Netherlands.
- If you are planning to go home or travel during the summer, make sure your residence permit is still valid at the moment you want to return to the Netherlands. If it is not, you may need a ‘return visa’ (€140). For more information, contact the IND at 0900-1234561.
- If you expect to graduate before the end of the 2012-2013 academic year, note that the date you provide on the form will be the end date of your new residence permit. Setting this date too early will lead to an extra renewal process.
- If you expect to graduate in September, you may not need a renewal. After your current residence permit expires, you have 28 days to leave the country. We therefore advise you to wait until June/July to see if you need a new permit. If you do, you can apply for an extension yourself.