FAQ Termination of enrolment
See our list of frequently asked questions regarding termination of enrolment and deregistration from the municipality.
If I have graduated or wish to terminate my enrolment, where do I go?
What other departments and or institutions do I need to inform as well?
How can I apply for the orientation year after graduation?
If you think about pursuing a career in the Netherlands after graduation, you can apply for an ‘Orientation year’ residence permit. This residence permit gives you the opportunity to find a job within one year after obtaining your degree. In that year, you don’t need a work permit to work in the Netherlands.
What is the validity of the residence permit after graduation?
If you are no longer enrolled, we will notify the IND. The IND will give you 3 months after the graduation date/end date of your exchange programme or until the expiry date on your card, whichever comes first. You must leave the country before your permit expires, unless you have arranged residence on other grounds, such as the orientation year(opens in new window).
Examples validity:
Example 1: Your residence permit is valid until 30 November. You graduate one month later than expected, on 30 September → This means that you can remain in the Netherlands with your residence permit until 30 November.
Example 2: Your residence permit is valid until 30 November. You graduate on time, on 30 July → This means that your residence permit will remain valid for three more months, until 30 October.
If you start a new study programme or need more time to complete your studies, it is your own responsibility to request an extension of your residence permit at a suitable time. You can apply for an extension from 3 months before the end date of your residence permit. Note that submitting your extension application after the expiry date of the residence permit will result in a residence gap.
What is the validity of the residence permit after discontinuing my studies?
If you hold a residence permit for study and end your enrolment without graduating, your residence permit becomes void as of the date of enrolment termination. You will have to leave the country within 28 days (about 4 weeks). An exception to the 28-day rule is if your residence permit expires within three months after the termination of your enrolment, you must leave the Netherlands before the date of expiry, rather than within 28 days.
Plan on re-enrolling to finish your study programme later? Please be aware that you will need a new visa and/or residence permit first. You would therefore have to contact immigration@hva.nl at least 3 months in advance of your new start date to start up the necessary application procedure.
How do I deregister from the municipality?
When you leave the Netherlands, remember to cancel your registration with the municipality you live in. Please check the website of your own municipality for instructions on how to do so. If you live in Amsterdam, you can find more information about deregistration on their website.
How do I return my residence permit card?
Returning your residence permit to the IND
Your residence permit card must be returned to the IND when you leave. You can either go to an IND front office to hand in your residence permit. Please remember to fill out this form and bring it with you to your appointment. You can make an appointment by calling 088 043 0430.
Or you can send the card by post to:
IND Bureau Documenten
P.O. Box 7025
8007 HA Zwolle
The Netherlands
Please make sure to invalidate your card before you send it, by cutting off a corner. Do not cut the document in half!
Will I receive a refund of my tuition when I terminate my studies?
Please contact the central student administration directly to discuss your personal situation.