Last updated 16 October 2026, 00:00 (UTC+0)
Job seeker visa in Netherlands for Canadian citizens
Orientation year visa
Job seeker visa — what you need to know
Issued to highly educated foreigners meeting specific educational conditions, for residing in the Netherlands with the purpose of employment.
Available to graduates, PhD holders and researchers within 3 years after completing their studies or research
Available to graduates of accredited Dutch higher education institutions, Erasmus Mundus programmes and certain foreign universities
For a degree from a foreign university, the educational institution must meet the applicable international ranking requirements
A foreign degree may need to be evaluated by Nuffic
A job offer or employer is not required at the time of application
The residence permit is issued for exactly 1 year and cannot be renewed
The holder may work freely without a TWV work permit
The holder may work as an employee, undertake an internship, work as a freelancer or run their own business
After securing employment, the holder may switch to a highly skilled migrant residence permit
A reduced salary threshold of €3,122 gross per month applies when switching to the highly skilled migrant route in 2026
The holder may switch to a start-up residence permit or a self-employed residence permit
The applicant may change employers during the year without obtaining a new permit
Eligible individuals:
- Highly educated foreigner
How does this visa work?
Don’t postpone the application
The visa is processed 3 months. Many people contact us 3–5 days before their trip, so start the process in advance
How can you prove the basis for the visa?
They clarify the purpose of the visit and future activities in the country
What must be prepared?
Basic package — always required, regardless of the application conditions
What additional documents may be required?
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Are you eligible for this visa?
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of one or more member states.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Official visa information
English international
Category code
D
Type of visa
Residence visa
Category
Work visas