Job-seeking year after graduation

You have to meet the following eligibility criteria in order to apply for an extended residence permit to seek employment:

In the past academic year you have:

• graduated from an associate degree programme, a bachelor’s, master’s or postgraduate certificate programme at a higher education institution in Belgium; or
• obtained a diploma at a foreign higher education institution and completed a mobility programme in Belgium (e.g. Erasmus or other exchange programme)

• If you have obtained your diploma in Belgium

  You must submit your application at the city office where you reside, at the latest 15 days before the expiry of your residence permit. 
  Living in Leuven? Read more on their website.

• If you have obtained your diploma in another country

  You have to submit your application at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence within 3 months after obtaining your diploma.

• a valid passport
• proof that you have:
   
  • either obtained a recognized diploma of at least qualification level 5 (associate degree) at a higher education institution in Belgium
  • or that you stayed in Belgium for your studies as part of a mobility programme (for students who obtained their diploma in another country)
• a proof of health insurance
• a proof of solvency, one of which is the blocked account.
  UCLL offers the blocked account option:
  10,200 euro + 100 euro processing fee = 10,300 euro.
  If you are interested in this option, please download the Blocked Account Proposal, sign it and send it to admissions@ucll.be.  A payment invitation will be sent to you by email.

• You are not entitled to Belgian unemployment benefits
• You must be making effective attempts to find work or take the necessary steps to comply with all legal obligations in order to exercise an independent professional activity. 
• You will have unlimited access to the Belgian labour market. The unlimited access will be granted as soon as you receive your Annexe 15 form or your A card, whichever comes first. 
• Last but not least, as soon as you have found a job you need to apply for a single  permit. More information about this can be found on the website of the Flemish government.
• Information about the professional card for foreigners and the steps to take to start up a business in Belgium is available on the websites of the Regions:

1. Professional card for foreigners (Flanders)
2. Professional card for foreigners (Brussels)
3. Steps to follow when starting up a business