Civic integration system 2013

You have to choose a civic integration school yourself. Your contact at

You must pay for your civic integration course and exams yourself. You can pay for the civic integration course and exams with a loan from

If you would like to borrow money, the school where you take your course must have a undefinedBlik op Werkundefined seal of approval. This means that the school meets certain quality requirements.

If you have an asylum residence permit and finish your civic integration within the civic integration period, you do not have to repay the loan. If you fail to pass your civic integration exam on time, you have to repay (part of) the loan.

• Dutch language classes: you will learn to read, write, speak and listen.

• Lessons in Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM).

• Lessons in Orientation oo the Dutch Labour Market (ONA).

You also participate in the undefinedparticipation statement processundefined (PVT). The PVT is a mandatory part of civic integration and lasts at least one half-day. It consists of:

• Education about living in the Netherlands.

• Signing the undefinedparticipation statementundefined.

The undefinedparticipation statementundefined is intended to point out to you the rights, duties and important values of Dutch society. You need to sign the undefinedparticipatieverklaringundefined to successfully complete your civic integration.

You have to complete your civic integration within three years. Some people do not manage to complete the civic integration on time. Sometimes it is possible to get an extension for the civic integration period. However, certain rules apply. It is also possible in certain situations to be exempted from the obligation to complete civic integration. For example, if you have already done a lot towards the civic integration, but do not succeed. Or if you are very seriously ill. There are certain rules for this as well.

You can ask DUO for an extension to the civic integration period or an exemption from the civic integration obligation. Your contact person at VWN or your social worker can help you with this.