During the Search Year, the graduate may not apply for unemployment benefits or welfare (OCMW). The act of applying for any sort of financial support from the Belgian government might result in an early or forced termination of your Search Year.
During the Search Year the graduate must:
- Actively search for employment or
- Actively take steps to establish an independent professional activity, ie. a business
If the graduate cannot provide proof that he/she is looking for a job or setting up a business during the Search Year, Immigration has the right to terminate the residence permit early.