We can only help you apply for a WHP once you have met your admission conditions - see your application in uSis for details. These will include:

• Meeting any language requirements
• Submitting any requested academic records in the correct manner
• Meeting any other conditions of admission

For more information see Exchange admission and application.

This will invite you to start your residence permit application in the uSis visa portal.

• Joining us in September: you will receive this email 24 hours after you have been (conditionally) admitted, but not earlier than 1 April.
   
• Joining us in February: you will receive this email 24 hours after you have been (conditionally) admitted.

You will be asked to upload the following documents in the uSis visa portal.

• Copy of your valid passport:
  • Include all pages with personal information, visas and entry/exit stamps. 
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the start date of your study programme. If it will expire earlier, you must renew your passport before applying for your WHP.
     
• 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 the Incoming Exchange team before proceeding.

To apply for a WHP via Leiden University, you must meet the same financial requirements as other Exchange students applying for a student residence permit.

Carefully read the information on the Proof of funds page, then upload the required items in the uSis visa portal.

Check criteria carefully!
Make sure your proof of funds documents meet all the stipulated criteria! Missing or incorrect documents will significantly slow down the processing of your residence permit application.

Upload the following additional documents on the Other screen of the uSis visa portal: 

• Your completed and signed WHP application form (first 5 pages only).
  • At section 1, select option 1 (when you visit the IND, this situation will apply)
  • At section 6.1 leave the 'V-number' blank
  • At section 8 tick the box for Den Haag
     
• Proof you have (financial) means to return to your home country. This can be: 
  • Copy of your return ticket or reservation; OR
  • Copy of a bank statement showing you have sufficient funds for a ticket home. Note: this is in addition to the proof of funds mentioned under Step 4. above. 
     
• Copy of your health insurance policy valid for your entire period of stay in the Netherlands. See our information on health insurance.

After you submit your application, Leiden University will check all information and documents are in order. If anything is missing or incorrect, you will be notified via uSis. Check your emails and uSis notifications frequently and take action immediately if needed.

Priority for students requiring entry visas

In the period June to August, Leiden University receives a large number of visa/residence permit applications. As a result, we must prioritise applications from students who need a visa to enter the country. This means it may take us 6 to 8 weeks to process your WHP application. Thank you for your understanding. 

Once your application is complete, Leiden University will make an appointment for you at the immigration department (IND) office in The Hague. Your appointment will be scheduled shortly after arrival. You will receive an email with the time and date of your appointment and information on how to reach the IND office.

After arrival, attend your WHP appointment at the IND office. Be on time and take the following with you:

• Your passport
• Sufficient money (in cash) to pay the €81 WHP fee
• Printed copies of all the documents you uploaded in the uSis visa portal, i.e.:
  • Antecedents certificate
  • Proof of funds
  • Completed and signed WHP application form
  • Proof of (financial) means to return to your home country, i.e. ticket, reservation or bank statement 
  • Copy of your health insurance policy

During the appointment, the IND will:

• Check your WHP application documents and passport
• Receive payment of your WHP fee
• Record your biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo)
• Place a sticker in your passport demonstrating your have legal residency whilst awaiting your permit. With this sticker you can register at a Dutch town hall (see Step 10. below) and apply for jobs in the Netherlands. 

After your appointment, you may have to wait several weeks for the IND to approve your WHP application. However, the sticker in your passport serves as proof that you may reside in the Netherlands until the process is complete.

Once your application has been approved, the IND will invite you to collect your Working Holiday Permit at one of their offices. 

Throughout your stay, you must continue to adhere to the conditions for your Working Holiday Permit. See the IND website for details. 

Make sure to complete all the procedures that are relevant to you as soon as possible after arrival.

• Town hall registration
  As a residence permit holder, you must register with your local Dutch town hall as soon as possible after arrival.
  
  Note: as a WHP applicant, you must first attend your IND appointment and have a residence sticker placed in your passport (see step 9. above) before registering at town hall.
  
  Schedule your appointment and check the required documents on the Town hall registration page. Remember to arrange housing well in advance as you will need proof of your Dutch address for your appointment.
   
• Open a Dutch Bank account
  You are highly advised to open a Dutch bank account after arrival. This is particularly important if you have transferred funds to Leiden University for your visa/residence permit application, or have been awarded a scholarship by Leiden University. These funds will be transferred to your Dutch bank account. Find out how to open a Dutch bank account.
   
• Refund of living expenses
  Did you transfer funds for living expenses to Leiden University as part of your visa/residence permit application? After you have opened a Dutch bank account, submit this refund form to request that the funds be returned to you.