In April a group of international graduates started a petition to extend the search year to accommodate the decline in vacancies and networking opportunity. In a written response to questions from the Dutch Parliament Minister Koolmees for Social Affairs and Employment explains that it is not possible to extend the search year as the conditions for this residence permit are entrenched in law, and changing them is an uncertain and lengthy process. However, because the government values the contribution of international students and highly skilled migrants greatly, they decided to extend the period for which graduates are eligible for a highly skilled migrant residence permit with a lower salary criterium.
In the attached flyer you can find more information about the search year and other residence permit that can facilitate your stay in the Netherlands after graduation.
In closing we would like to remind you that where-ever your road will take you, The Netherlands wants to keep in touch with you.