Extending your stay
Do you need more time to complete your studies? Or would you like to stay in the Netherlands after graduation? Find out about the procedures for extending your stay as a student residence permit holder.
Extending your student residence permit
If you need more time to complete your studies, or will start a new study programme at Leiden University directly after graduation, you must request a residence permit extension.
Length of extension
The length of extension is determined by your expected graduation date. An extension can be for either one semester or one academic year.
Deadline
- Submit your request 3 months before your current student residence permit is due to expire
Submit your request on time. This is particularly important if you are working alongside your studies. Your employer will need proof of residency in time to extend your work permit.
Late requests?
If you submit your request later, the university can still generally request your extension. However, you risk having a so-called residence gap. This can have consequences for subsequent immigration procedures, such as applications for permanent residency.
Steps to take
1. Inform Leiden University you need an extension
- Approx. 4 months before your permit expires, you will receive an email from Leiden University with information about extending your permit.
- Notify us that you need an extension by following the instructions in the email.
- We will open an extension request for you in the uSis visa portal. You will receive an email with instructions to log in and upload your documents.
2. Upload required documents
You will be asked to upload the following documents in the uSis visa portal.
- Copy of your valid passport (pages with personal data)
- Completed and signed Antecedents Certificate:
- Signature must be hand-written (not digital) and match your passport signature.
- If you must answer yes to any of the questions, consult Leiden University before proceeding.
3. Upload proof of funds
In the uSis visa portal, upload proof of sufficient funds for both your living expenses and tuition fee. The amount required depends on the length of your extension.
Length of extension
Depending on your expected graduation date, we can extend your permit for:
- One academic year (Sept till Aug): 12 months
- One semester:
- Fall semester (Sept till Feb): 5 months
- Spring semester (Feb till August): 7 months
Required amount: living expenses
You must have at least €1150 per month* for the duration of your extension. Note that even if your current permit expires partway through a semester, you must demonstrate sufficient funds for the entire semester or year.
*Valid as of 2026 and subject to annual change
Required amount: tuition fees
Check the tuition fee amount on your study programme website. If you are extending for one semester, divide the tuition fee by 12 and multiply by the number of months of your extension.
How can I demonstrate sufficient funds?
Carefully read the information for degree students on the Proof of funds page then upload the required items. Note that if you submit a Dutch bank statement with your request, it does not need to be stamped and signed.
4. Upload other documents
- Copy of your current health insurance policy
5. Pay the fee
Fee amount
- Student residence permit fee: €254*
*valid as of 2026 and subject to annual change
How to pay?
In the uSis visa portal you will see instructions on how to pay. This can be either by way of online payment or bank transfer. See bank transfer information.
6. Remind yourself of your obligations
Whilst awaiting a decision on your extension request, remind yourself of the obligations for student residence permit holders. These include making sufficient study progress, having access to sufficient funds, and remaining insured.
7. Await decision of the Dutch immigration department
Once your application is complete, we will forward it to the Dutch immigration department (IND), who will make a decision on your request within 2 to 4 week.
8. Schedule a biometric data appoinment
After submitting your extension request, book a biometric data appointment on the IND website. To do so you will need your V-number.
Why must I attend a Biometric data appointment?
Before the IND can issue your student residence permit, you must have your biometric data recorded. This will take place at an IND office in the Netherlands.
What data are recorded?
During the biometric data appointment your fingerprints, signature and a digital photo will be recorded.
8. Collect your residence permit
Approx. 2 weeks after attending your biometric data appointment, you can book an appointment to collect your new residence permit at the IND office in The Hague.
Staying in the Netherlands after your studies
Orientation year permit for graduates
Are you about to graduate, or have you recently graduated from Leiden University? Do you want to search for employment or work in the Netherlands? If so, you can request an orientation year residence permit.
You can find all procedures and requirements on the IND website.
Learn more by watching this IND/Nuffic webinar entitled 'Work in Holland: Special permit for alumni of higher education'.
Other type of permit
If you would like to arrange residency on other grounds, for example employment or partnership, visit the Dutch immigration department website for information on conditions and procedures.
You are responsible for arranging a residence permit on grounds other than study. However, the university would be happy to advise you during visa/residence permit consultation hours.
Visa/residence permit consultation hours
If you have a question about your residence permit, arrange an online Teams appointment during the weekly consultation hours. See contact information on this page for details.
International students: be alert for telephone scams!
International students are sometimes targeted by scammers claiming to be from the IND, government agencies, banks or insurance companies. These organisations will never call you to ask for personal data. If in doubt, hang up immediately and contact the police.