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The school year has come to an end for most schools in the Netherlands! Students across the country are preparing to defend their graduation research, or getting ready to enjoy a lovely, Dutch Summer break before the next school year begins. As the international students graduate they are thinking about the next step: finding a job. An Orientation Year (or zoekjaar, in Dutch) is what allows international students to live and search for a job in the Netherlands for up to 12 months. In this article, we are going to discuss the most important information about the Orientation Year for international students.  

Why complete an orientation year?

Firstly, you do not necessarily need to complete an Orientation Year to work in the Netherlands. If you already found a job during your studies (for example, during an internship), good for you! You can directly go from a student residence permit to a work permit (likely the ‘Highly Skilled Migrant’ permit, although this is not always the case).  

However, most international students will face hurdles finding a job in the Netherlands, which is why the Orientation Year permit exists. Not only does the Orientation Year enable internationals to reside in the Netherlands, but it also makes them more attractive for employers.  

This residence permit means having unlimited access to the Dutch Labour Market and time to find employment as a highly-skilled migrant for at least 12 months from the day it is issued. During this time, foreigners can work freely in the Netherlands. You may question how you fit in the Dutch labor market on this permit, in comparison to a local Dutch professional. The Dutch government implemented the reduced standard salary, which is designed to even the playing field between you and a Dutch applicant.  The reduced salary criterion for highly skilled migrant permit holders in 2024 is € 2,801 gross. This minimum salary requirement continues to apply, even when switching to another employer or when turning 30 years of age.

Orientation year after graduation

You don’t need to apply for the orientation year permit immediately after graduating from your Dutch university. When a non-EU student completes an education program in the Netherlands, the graduate is eligible to apply for the Orientation Year permit within 3 years after graduation.

Orientation year with a foreign diploma

Do you know that you can apply for the orientation year permit with a foreign diploma if you meet the required conditions? Your degree must be at least a master’s degree and issued by a designated international educational institution. This means the university must be listed in the top 200 of at least 2 of the main general, faculty, or academic subject ranking on your graduation date. The reference rankings must come from more than two different publishers.

These are the main international rankings:

Application for orientation year

International students can apply for their Orientation Year during their study. For it to begin immediately after the study ends, it is a good idea to contact the Immigration and Naturalization at least 3 months before the end of the student residence permit. This should not end before applying for the Orientation Year. The application process is relatively simple, but it can take up to 3 months for the decision to be processed. 

To apply for the orientation year for a knowledge migrant, the following conditions must be met: 

  • You need to have a valid passport or other travel documents
  • You need to sign an antecedents statement
  • You need to take a TB test (exemptions possible)

If you cannot find a job before the expiry date of search year permit, you must change your residence status (apply for a new residence permit) or leave the Netherlands.

How to apply for your Orientation year permit

If you are currently living in the Netherlands and have a BSN, you can submit the application for ‘Orientation year for highly educated persons’ online on the IND website. If you are living abroad and wish to apply for this application, you will need to apply for a provisional residence permit (MVV). You can get an application form from a Dutch embassy or consulate.

Employment contract during orientation year permit

One thing you need to take into account when searching for a job is that your employer must be a recognized sponsor by IND. If you have found a job during your search year, your residence status will then change . Your employer should apply for a residence permit as a highly-skilled migrant on your behalf.

Looking to hire a recent graduate with an international background? 

Octagon Professionals has recognised sponsor status with the IND and is highly experienced hiring people from outside the EU. If your company is seeking to employ a new graduate, we can help your business with the application process, or by hiring them directly on our payroll. Whatever your challenge, get in touch with Octagon Professionals to learn how we can support.  If you are a graduate in the Netherlands and wish to seek international employment after your study, you can check out Octagon’s available vacancies. We will get in touch with you in the event we find a role which fits your profile and career ambitions. 

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