Working after your studies
After graduation at a research university or university of applied sciences in the Netherlands, foreign students do have the possibility to extend their stay for a period of one year to search for a job as a highly skilled migrant.
In order to make use of this so called ‘search period’ you need to apply for a change in the purpose of stay endorsed on your residence permit. The new residence permit with the purpose ‘verblijf gedurende zoekjaar afgestudeerde’ (seeking work after graduation) is meant to look for a job as a so called ‘highly skilled migrant’, but you are also allowed to look for a job as a regular ‘labour migrant’.
During the one year ‘search period’ you are not allowed to ask for any State benefits. In order to pay your own way while searching for a job that allows you to stay on in the Netherlands you may work freely. No work permit is required.
After the one year ‘search period’ you must either apply for a change of purpose or leave the country.
For more information on this topic, please read the factsheet 'Staying after your studies to find a job as a highly skilled migrant.' or visit the Nuffic webpage about Working after your studies.
