Study visa process for Holland | Pakistan Law Reports

Holland, or more formally the Netherlands , is an internationally oriented and innovative country located in the heart of Europe. This makes it ideal for people who are looking to enrich their knowledge through study abroad . Holland was the first non-English-speaking country with courses taught in English. The Dutch higher education institutions together offer 1,000 international study programs and courses which are taught entirely in English. Higher education in Holland enjoys a worldwide reputation for its high quality. This is achieved through a national system of regulation and quality assurance . Holland has also received international acclaim for its problem-based learning system , which trains students to analyze and solve practical problems independently. Education in the Netherlands is not free, but tuition fees are reasonable. The latest Worldwide Cost of Living Survey shows that the cost of living in Amsterdam is modest compared with cities like New York, London, Paris and Beijing. To enter Netherlands for study purposes, people from most countries need a visa. This is a sticker placed in your passport at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your own country, but it must be applied for well in advance. Short stay visa For a stay of less than three months, you might need a short stay visa (Visum Kort Verblijf), depending on your nationality. Check the website www.ind.nl or ask your local Dutch embassy or consulate for advice. Authorization for temporary stay If you will be staying for longer than three months, you need an authorization for temporary stay (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf, or MVV). This requirement does not apply to citizens of EU/EEA member states, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Switzerland or Monaco. Check the website www.ind.nl or ask your local Dutch embassy or consulate for advice. The regular application procedure for an MVV may take three to six months, sometimes even longer. The Dutch host institution can apply for an MVV on your behalf using a fast-track procedure. But to do this, the institution must give the authorities a guarantee, which they sign. Institutions will not always agree to do this. But it is worth asking the institution about the fast-track procedure, because it will save both time and trouble. Residence permit Within three days after arriving in Holland , all foreign nationals must register with the local authorities. Those intending to stay for longer than three months also need to obtain a residence permit (verblijfsvergunning). You may need this even if you did not require a visa to enter the country. The administration fee is rather high and currently stands at € 430 (April 2005). Nationals of EU member states are not strictly required to have a residence permit, but it is advisable for them to obtain a residence document (costs € 28) to avoid hassles when dealing with certain authorities and companies. Work permit In order to follow an internship or work placement in Holland, students from outside the EU/EEA need a work permit (Tewerkstellingsvergunning) in addition to their entry visa. Your employer must apply for this permit for you. You also need a work permit if you want to take paid work alongside your studies. There are two options if you want to work while you study: either less than ten hours a week year-round, or full-time during the months of June, July and August only. If you have successfully completed your program of higher education, you may apply for a residence permit valid for five years . To do this, you must have a contract of employment.