But what if I'm an Oudkomer? - Guest Post

Just recently, friend and fellow international Connie received her invitation to inburger from the Almere Gemeente and was somewhat concerned (if her Facebook updates are anything to go by!) about what would be expected of her.

But, Connie had a completely different experience to me, which has probably more to do with my poor Dutch communication skills and her brilliant skills than anything! On the day, everything was simple and Connie has been invited to participate in the Exemption Test rather than the full inburgering process. Here's what Connie had to say:

Firstly, she asked for my identification then we went through the city registry, which did happen to say I'm a parent.

After updating the registry with also how many years education I had in the US she turned to the reason we were there. She explained that since 2007 it is now required that anyone living in Holland on a permanent basis needs to have proof of their level of integration.

This means certificates or diplomas, just my test results from a NT2 course from 1997 is not considered proof, I needed a certificate or diploma. When I asked how I could now get one after so long she said that they'd do that for me, that wasn't a problem. They could send my test results in and I'd get a certificate of the current level I tested at. HOWEVER, she didn't think was all necessary since I'd been here so long, spoke good Dutch and seemed to be integrated enough to do the Short Exemption Test. She didn't think I'd have any problem with this after a little bit of studying. She told me it'd be only one chance and if I didn't succeed then I could go the longer route and do inburgering. She was very positive that I'd do fine with the exemption test.

We also discussed the craziness of the whole thing bringing in people that have been here so long, she agreed and said she had a guy on the phone that had been here 25 years!!! But because it's now the law, this is what they're required to ask of us.

I was there maybe 10 minutes and she gave me my registration form for the test and she wished me well. It was a very positive meeting which surprised me since I've found that most people working for the government here are usually NOT very fun to talk to.

Taken directly from the IND website, The Exemption Test is outlined as follows:

TheExemptionTest (Short Form) is a condensed examination that can be taken on a computer. This examination is taken at a higher language level than the standard Civic Integration Examination Abroad, namely B1 level. Individuals who pass the Short Exemption Test shall be issued an Exemption Test (Short Form) certificate. If an individual applying for naturalisation is issued this certificate, he or she will be granted an exemption from the obligation to take the test or the examination.

The page where this quote is taken is by far the most comprehensive information in English that I have been able to find regarding the inburgering process.

As Connie outlined, there is only one shot at taking this test, and if she was to fail (that won't happen!), the inburgering curses will then be the next route to take (and with her level of Dutch and integration this would be completed within the minimum three months anyway).

Please join me in wishing Connie the best of luck with the upcoming Exemption Test. I'm looking forward to hearing more from Connie at this week's International Almere get together at the Cafe Jordaan in the Almere city centre. See you there?

Let's Get Integrated

So, back to the letter from three months ago. I was summonsed to the Gemeente Almere at a completely inappropriate time, which of course I could not make (working swinging shifts between 8am and 7pm has a bit of impact, you could say), so we rescheduled without any issue.

I met with my consultant who was kind enough to ask if we would prefer to speak in Dutch or English (what a relief! The consultant at the IND refused to speak English, so I was expecting the worst). However, she could not give me very much information. Basically she told me that as a condition of my residency I would be required to pass the inburgering exam within five years of the interview date. This was also good news, because I was under the impression that it was within 5 years of landing in the country (more that 18 months previously). Basically, your 5 year requirement to become integrated does not begin until the Gemeente begins the intake process. Depending on your local Gemeente, this could be a fast process, but it could also take a couple of years before you are contacted.

I was told that I have a couple of options. I could either accept their offer of paying for my education via their preferred language and integration school (the ROC Flevoland), or I could learn independently at my own expense (I have since received some conflicting information, but I'll get to that later). Now the only useful information that I had so far been able to find was from the forums within the Expatica website, but what was there was not consistent with what the consultant at the Gemeente was telling me. According to the Expatica forum, I could pass the NT2 level language course which would exempt me from having to go through the arduous portfolio (which I will have to clarify down the track when I know exactly what is involved), but according to the Gemeente I could study and pass the exam, but I would still be required to pass their inburgering curses, hence double the amount of work. So, of course I was not going to volunteer to study alone at my own expense and still follow their courses afterwards, so the NT2 course was crossed off the list.

Now I was back to only one option. Study at the ROC for minimum two classes per week at three hours per class and an absolute minimum of six months (before I was allowed to take the exam). It would be the sole responsibility of the teacher to ascertain when I would be 'eligible' to take the exams. None of it sounding particularly inviting. I really was not prepared to commit myself to a minimum six hours per week in classes in the evening in a location that is not "convenient" to either my home or my work, especially when there was the possibility that I would not be allowed to leave work until the same moment that the classes were scheduled to begin. Oh, did I mention that we were also in the process of moving house and planning a wedding?

Several blank looks (her) and cross words (me), we agreed that the Gemeente would contact me again in January to get the process rolling. However, I had to agree that my five years begins now, rather than in January. Fine. What's three months? In five years I might not even still be living here. Contact me in January. Just leave me alone right now.

Fast forward to January. No letter. Maybe (hopefully) they have forgotten me.

No such luck. The letter arrives on my door mat on 02 Feb with a summons for this coming Thursday (that's right, the day after tomorrow according to the letter) at 9am back to the Gemeente. This is where the fun really begins....

We arrived at the Gemeente in time (traffic slowed us down, as did lack of parking), but we were standing at the reception in the main hall before 9.00. There was one receptionist on duty. Helping a woman plan her wedding. All I wanted was a number and confirmation that I was there for my agreed appointment. There were three others in the queue ahead of me. All of a sudden a second receptionist appears, with coffee for everyone (on staff. She didn't ask me if I would like one). And another man decided to slip in front of myself and another person waiting for the only other receptionist. Nice. Luckily for me I am engaged to a big tough man who does not have any qualms taking on a hells angels wannabe. So while they were arguing, I was lucky enough to make it to the front of my queue and check in (it was now more than 10 minutes past 9). Oh, it's not necessary, I need to go to the Social department. Nice to know. Especially as every other time I have been forced to visit my local Gemeente I had to check in at reception first.

So, we almost sprinted down the corridor knowing that we were late, and we all know that the Dutch definition of late is waiting for the clock to finish chiming the hour before ringing the door bell, so I was automatically assuming that my appointment was cancelled an I would be expected to return home to wait for my nasty letter. However, I was in luck! I explained why we were late, and it seemed to be an acceptable reason. Perhaps I wasn't the first to fall foul to waiting in the incorrect location....

In sweeps Anita* who is my new consultant. My original consultant has since had a baby, and is not at work. I missed her already. She may not have been a wealth of information, but she had a nice vibe, and offered me a drink at least. According to Anita, there were no interview rooms left, so we were led to a cubicle amongst everybody else with space for only one person each side (interviewer and interviewee), although there were four of us. Anita immediately introduced herself and a colleague (all in Dutch and with no consideration that I may not understand everything) and we sat down to begin the interview.

I thought that this point would be most appropriate to point out that although I understand some Dutch, it is not up to the level of discussing this type of issue (i.e. what is expected of me in the inburgering process and how it all works), so Anita stated (in English, bless her) that she would continue in Dutch, and at any point that I did not understand, I should interrupt. So I interrupted. Which she did not appreciate. Anita was quite insistent that we continue the interview in Dutch, and I was just as insistent that we did not.

Eventually we moved past the language barrier, and were able to get on with the purpose of the visit. Unfortunately, I cannot volunteer much information on what is expected of me as part of the inburgering process, because there was no written information, and no explanation of the three branches that I could choose from. From memory (forgive me, it was difficult to figure out), there is a Work branch, a Family branch, and a Community branch, where you complete a 30 unit portfolio on the basis of which branch you choose. Anita decided that the work branch would be the most interesting and least difficult branch for me as I am already working, but could not tell me what is involved in this branch. I questioned her on the different options for the portfolios, because from what I understand, I will be expected to visit particular businesses or companies, and pretend to require their services in one way or another. For example, opening a bank account, or submitting a police report, or visiting a job agency. There is the option of taking an exam to cut the number of portfolios necessary in half, which is essentially a role play, with written and spoken assessments. There does not appear to be anyway to avoid the portfolios altogether, which quite frankly terrifies me!

We also discussed the methods of study. There were basically three options available to me from the Gemeente. 1. I could study at the ROC Flevoland. 2. I could study with Ttif Company, who are a specialised inburgering school, or 3. I could learn independently, the Gemeente giving me a budget of 6000 euros and I would be required to arrange my education myself, and ensure I pass the exams within 18 months (of this interview date). This option was touted as something that would be beneficial for me as I work full time. I asked Anita to provide me with information in the form of written documentation that I could take home about each option, but she could not. There was a small leaflet for the Ttif Company, but nothing about the ROC, and nothing to point me in any sort of direction for independent learning (obviously very independent!). Oh, and I had to accept their 'offer' then and there. Anita recommended the Ttif Company because of their more flexible teaching hours and methods, which to be perfectly honest was the only constructive point to come out of the entire meeting. However, the Ttif Company cannot officially test my Dutch levels, so I would need to go to the Geldergroep for that. However, Anita nor her colleague could tell me where this was located...

So, to recap, there was 1. no information regarding which branch would be best suited to me and my learning, and 2. no informations regarding the institutions that I would need to use, but I was still expected to make a choice and sign their offer on the spot. Nothing like feeling pressured into something. In all honesty, I do not know how you can avoid this situation. If you can enlighten me on your own experiences in this situation I would be very grateful!

In the end of this story, I signed the offer. Mostly because I couldn't understand what other option I had, and was sent home to await my invitation from both the Ttif Company and the Geldergroep, both of which have already arrived since! So, this Friday I'm off for my intake at the Ttif Company, and next week I have my Dutch level exam. I'll keep you posted on how they both go.


*Name changed

In the Beginning...

It began about three months ago. I received my very first summons, or "Intakegesprek" from the Gemeente Almere. I would be expected to present myself to the Sociale Afdeling at 11.00 on a Thursday morning to begin my integration process. Clearly this was not possible. I had to work.

Now, before I get into this, as my very first post in the blogosphere, let me give you some background information about me and my situation...

I met Maarten in 2005 while he was backpacking in Australia. He took a tour from Alice Springs to Uluru and Kings Canyon and I was his tour guide. I'm not sure if I need to expand on that... Fast forward two years, I had relocated to Edinbugh and Maarten came to visit. We had not seen each other since our Central Australian Adventure, but had stayed in contact via email and phone calls fairly regularly. So we took another tour, this time both as passengers, to the Isle of Skye and were joined at the hip from that point forward. We commuted back and forth between Edinburgh and Almere for almost a year, desperate to make the relationship work. It became very clear that the long distance relationship was not going to work and someone had to make the leap. That someone was me. Almost two years later we are planning a wedding, own our own home (well have a mortgage), and are arguing about whether or not we can get a cat (I want one, he doesn't). All in all, it is domestic paradise and we make each other very happy. But, it has taken a lot of effort to get to this point. Let me explain.

After much hoop jumping and a lot of money out of pocket later, I finally earned my residence permit as Maarten's "spouse." I initially arrived with a Working Holiday Visa, which for Australians (under 31) is the easiest and cheapest way into the country. The information on obtaining a Dutch residence permit can be obtained here. You will need your birth certificate when you arrive. Not for the IND (immigration), but for the Gemeente (City Council). They need it to register you in their system, but you can be registered without it, as an incomplete registration. From memory, the Gemeente does not have my birth certificate on file. Not because I didn't have it, but because I had not had it apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia. I assume it is a similar department in other countries.

You must be prepared to jump through quite a few hoops and run around in circles to get where you need to be amongst the bureaucracy in the Netherlands. You need to be registered at the Gemeente to obtain a visa, and you need to have a visa to register at the Gemeente. Before arriving, I prepared myself by obtaining a Schengen Visa, however as an Australian I don't believe this is necessary. I think we can come and stay initially for 90 days without any visa. This I found out afterwards, but because I stress very easily (you'll see later if you follow my inburgering process, I'm sure) I was pleased that I arranged it before landing. Because the information from the IND is quite often inconsistent, it can be quite a struggle to find your feet. The Schengen stamp in my passport informs me that I need to report to the "Aliens Police" within three days of arriving. This quite misleading. I interpreted this as being the Gemeente, when it actually means an IND office. You must make an appointment with the IND to obtain the visa. Because I did not know that the IND is the Aliens Police, I found out from the Gemeente that I was in the wrong place. Thankfully they could give me an incomplete registration which actually helped my cause! The earliest appointment I could make in Amsterdam was more than two weeks later, which was a problem as I was supposed to report within three days of landing, so we found an appointment in Zwolle, about an hour's drive north west of Almere the next day.

When we arrived in Zwolle, the process to obtain the WHV (working holiday visa) was very straight forward and cost me 20 euros (from memory, but it may have been 30). I was then able to work immediately and complete my registration with the Gemeente and obtain my BSN (burgerservicenummer), which is like a tax file number or National Insurance number or Social Security number. Without it you cannot be paid by your employer. Once your registration at the Gemeente is complete, the BSN comes through within two weeks. Note, you can work while you wait for the number, but you cannot be paid for it.

Fast forward six months we began the spouse permit application (as we were informed that we should expect the visa to take six months to process), so we headed back to the IND with our 830 euros in hand and submitted the application. You should note that it is important to bring all documents to the appointment. You will need to ensure you have a "No Recorded Result" notification from your home country's Department of Births Deaths and Marriage. You will also need this certificate to be apostilled the department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the same as your birth certificate. This apostille and certificate must have been issued within the last six months prior to lodging the application, and in Australia, it is not cheap. Be prepared to part with almost $100AUD for the certificate and apostille.

There is also a condition of obtaining Dutch Health Insurance. We found it was not necessary according to our consultant at the IND, only that we must have it before renewing the visa in 12 months time. Do NOT fall into this trap. I had travel insurance from World Nomads which was valid for a further six months, and according to the consultant, this would be OK. This is not true. Once the insurance policy ended, we applied for Dutch Health insurance via Zilveren Kruis only to be told that I must have insurance from the start date of my permit (six months previous) and that I would be expected to back pay to that date, with a discretionary 30% 'fine' on top of that amount. All in all, about 1000 euros. I am still watching the post every day, because this bill still hasn't arrived, more than six months further down the track!

On waiting for the spouse residence permit to come through, we found that rather than the six months we were expecting to have to wait, it came through in under six weeks! And that is including the Christmas and New Year period. Lucky me!

This has become much longer than anticipated for a small introduction to the Inburgering experience! We are now uptodate on my personal situation, and now ripe to be integrated. As I said earlier, I received my summons, and it was time. But time for what? Hopefully we can find out together....