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Orientation Year Permit

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Do you want to work in the Netherlands after your studies? Apply for Zoekjaar!

The Orientation Year (zoekjaar) work and residence permit allows graduates from non-EU countries to remain in the Netherlands for one year after graduating, with unrestricted access to the Dutch employment market. Although many graduates who apply for this visa are recent bachelor's and master's student graduates from universities in the Netherlands, you are also eligible for this visa in certain cases if you have carried out research (for example with a highly skilled migrant visa), or if you are a master's graduate from an internationally recognised top 200 university abroad.  

You have up to 3 years after your graduation to apply for an orientation year visa, and it is possible to apply for multiple orientation year visas as long as they are based upon different programmes or research. For example, someone who graduates from a bachelor's degree programme can apply for an orientation year based on this bachelor's degree, but if they later complete a master's degree, they can apply for another orientation year visa on the basis of the master's degree. You must be able to support yourself financially whilst you are here, but you do not need a work permit during the search year.  

Once employment is found, the permit can be converted into a residence permit for highly skilled migrants (with a lower than usual salary requirement), or another permit such as a start-up residence permit. The application form and all required documents have to be submitted to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst - IND). 

Evaluation of foreign diploma

Nuffic is the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education. From primary and secondary education to vocational and higher education, research and adult education.

Nuffic plays an important role in fostering international cooperation in education between the Netherlands and other countries. Its goal is to support Dutch institutions and the Dutch government in internationalisation activities.

When applying for the zoekjaar, any foreign diploma has to be evaluated by Nuffic. You can learn more information about credential evaluation on the International Credential Evaluation website. You can visit the Nuffic website below for additional information on recognised diplomas.

Go to Nuffic

Preparing for your orientation year

There are many practical things to consider and prepare for when you apply for the orientation year visa. However, it's also important to consider how you wish to spend this year and what you can do to make sure that you make the most out of it. Would you like to build the foundation for a start-up, or learn more about a target audience in preparation for a self-employed residence permit? Or perhaps you would like to take the opportunity to integrate more into the Netherlands, by learning Dutch and networking?

OUR TIP: Start thinking about this already during your studies! It is easier to find good opportunities during the orientation year if you already have some experience acquired during your studies, such as internships, student boards, course projects, but also contacts from networking.

More tips for your orientation year
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More questions on the orientation year?

Do you have more questions about applying for the orientation year, including requirements, limitations, and what to do once you need to convert your orientation year residence permit into a different residence permit? Then take a look at the IND's answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding this residence permit below!

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