Search year towards PR

Plzmm New member

Member since 21 November 2023

PlzmmNew member21 November 2023 10:25:27

Hello everyone!

I have a question regarding search year/orientation year.

I stayed in Belgium as a student for 5 years, which I understand counts for 2.5 years towards the PR. I did a year of "orientation visa", which the Agii says "does count as a full year" but other websites say it doesn't count at all.

I got my single permit and worked for a year already. I was wondering if I can apply for permanent residence next year (after 2 years of work visa).

I appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks!!

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GuestPoster124699 Guest

GuestPoster124699Guest21 November 2023 18:04:25

Don’t you have to be employed for uninterrupted 5 years before qualifying for PR? Unless married to an EU/Belgian citizen?

dee_keem Member

Member since 14 October 2022

dee_keemMember22 November 2023 06:03:13

I would also like to know if the search year counts towards the PR.

Since this was started just a few years ago, I'm sure a lot of the communes might not know if it should be counted or not

BMM996210 Contributor

Member since 14 December 2022

BMM996210Contributor22 November 2023 07:46:56

147

@Plzmm

Would be ideal if you take an appointment with the commune to check your eligibility.

I did the same for my PR.

Plzmm New member

Member since 21 November 2023

PlzmmNew member22 November 2023 10:05:56

@ChandlerBing

Student year counts as 1/2 a year for PR

Plzmm New member

Member since 21 November 2023

PlzmmNew member22 November 2023 10:06:50

@BMM996210 Maybe I should. Thanks

brla15 Active member

Member since 04 April 2024

brla15Active member05 April 2024 07:39:11

hi, for long term residence, you can apply (L card) or be granted (B card) after 2 years of working legally in Belgium. that means 2.5 years based on studies + 1 year orientation year + 1.5 or 2 years (to be sure) of working.

Plzmm New member

Member since 21 November 2023

PlzmmNew member05 April 2024 08:13:56

Thanks @brla15.

I applied for the L card. Now we wait and see.

brla15 Active member

Member since 04 April 2024

brla15Active member05 April 2024 09:26:28

oh great to hear. give us an update here about the results - and wishing it will be positive.

Plzmm New member

Member since 21 November 2023

PlzmmNew member10 July 2024 10:51:09

#10

@brla15 My L card got approved 5 days ago. I need to go pick up my card in 2 weeks.

brla15 Active member

Member since 04 April 2024

brla15Active member11 July 2024 07:32:53

#11

@Plzmm thanks for the update, the information is well appreciated.

Mu Jaycee Active member

Member since 13 May 2023

Mu JayceeActive member10 February 2025 18:31:44

#12

Hello @Plzmm, Congrats for the PR and thanks a lot for sharing. Could you please clarify if when you applied the search year fully counted? Can you please share a complete timeline?