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Hi, if you allow me reply to your 2 inquiries:

1) Tricky question because student permit and search year are handled differently in terms of approval.

Renewal of student permit, submitted late, will require the municipality to make a reasoned decision to either accept or reject your application. Take note of "reasoned decision" in this case.

For search year, your files are submitted to DVZ. In my experience, DVZ notes the nuances of your application file and are particularly strict about everything! I was once rejected for my application because of small details that I cannot prove strongly enough. Note that my files are complete, only that DVZ doesn't find the proof to be convincing enough.

So if I am in your situation, I would also be worried but hopeful that the DVZ will accept your file.

In hindsight, it is not a good habit to submit files that are late.

2) You are technically not allowed to travel outside Belgium when holding Annex 15. I recently travelled to Denmark by car and there was border control in Germany-Denmark border. This situation is bizarre but also politically motivated and I read that that France and Germany are also doing the same for Belgium. I would advise you to travel internally, I mean there are still plenty of pretty places in Belgium.

Now border contol everywhere almost...i think since u have annex 5 should be ok...they would reject single permit but somebody like u who spend its own money they will not reject. But it is december and huge delays everywhere

@brla15

Thanks for your answer, appreciate it! I am really stressed about it, but for now there is nothing I can do but wait...

Did you appeal the refusal? If so, may I ask how was that process?

@User2445

Hi,

For context, I did the search year after Master's degree, then single permit. While I have a valid single permit expiring in 09/2026, I applied for F card early this year, I think sometime in January. I didn't follow-up my application but I received a letter in my mailbox in July '24 to get the decision letter in the municipality. Since I am working, I dont have time to collect it during the office hours, which let me to get the decision letter sometime in August '24.

The decision was rejected because I cannot prove durable and lasting relationship with my partner despite conversation screenshots. Fortunately, me and my partner are already living together for 1 year at that moment (August) when I got the decision, so I re-gathered all necessary documents and re-applied in October. I did not make an appeal because I can just re-apply with a stronger case at hand.

And that is how I get the impression that the DVZ notes the nuances in the application file, and seems like they are particularly strict not just the strength of your file but also the completeness and compliance your application.

But I would like to hear the results of your application, good news or otherwise. It will help others with similar situation as yours.

PS. I'm still waiting for my 2nd F card application decision.

@User2445

I also gathered the documents late last year and applied for the search year in the last days before October 31, it took almost 4 months to receive the card but it was positive. The good thing is that you can work with annex 15.

@Unknown fan

Thanks for sharing! Nice to hear that everything was good, during those 4 months did you search for a lawyer to prepare in case there was a refusal?

@User2445

No I didn't expect any rejection so I just waited but didn't travel outside Belgium at all, if you provided the right documents (wether through a blocked account or a guarantor) you shouldn't worry.