How to apply for the search year
To apply for the search year permit you need to submit the following documents to the IND:
- 'Application residence permit or change to restriction without MVV'. You can find this form on the IND website.
- A copy of your UvA Bachelor's or Master's diploma. You can have a certified copy made at the desk of the Student Service Desk of the UvA. Make sure to bring your original diploma. If you have not yet received your diploma when you visit the IND, you need to submit a 'Verklaring afronding studie/afmelding student'. This is a declaration of graduation. The form has to be filled out by you and the Immigration Office of the UvA and states the name of your programme, your graduation date and the date on which you will receive your diploma. You can find this form here.
Student Service Desk
- When you have applied for your diploma and are ready to fill in the forms, please go to the Student Service Desk to have them signed.
- After that, you can make an appointment at the IND to complete the application.
Appointment
You have to make an appointment to submit 'Application residence permit or change to restriction without MVV' in person at the IND Front Office on Stadhouderskade 85. The IND can then immediately check whether your forms are filled in correctly. You can make an appointment by calling 0900-123 4561. Make sure you have an appointment before your current residence permit expires, and book the appointment early, at least three weeks in advance, because the IND can be quite busy.
Processing time
In theory, the IND can take six months to process your request. In practice, they almost always decide faster. During the waiting time, you are in the Netherlands legally. However, you are not allowed to work without a work permit. Because you don’t have the residence permit pass yet (just a stamp in your passport stating you are here legally) many employers could be hesitant to hire you, despite the fact that this is possible. Also, when you start working you will need to take out basic Dutch healthcare insurance. See this page for more information. The good news? When the IND approves your application, you can work freely.
Please note: Students with a Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP) scholarship are not eligible for a search year residence permit.
Will your current residence permit expire before you graduate?
If so, please contact the UvA's Immigration Officer for advice at immigration-sts@uva.nl.