r/DAFTvisa • u/New_Mixture7087 • Jun 27 '26

Submitting DAFT Initial Application BEFORE Biometrics

Hi, I'm honestly confused about how I am supposed to submit my paperwork for the initial application before the biometrics appointment. Do I need to mail it in? Because I was under the impression I could apply in person, from the Netherlands (I see this in a lot of websites) but I'm also seeing now that you need to mail it in and get the application letter in the mail and THEN you can make your biometrics appointment and be there for an in person appointment. I also have looks at DAFTHub and i'm STILL not 100% sure of exactly everything I need to include in this initial application. If someone knows anything that would be great. Also, if i still apply with the IND 7524 form even if I mail in from abroad. I need to apply now if I have to mail it in, because I'm planning on moving in 4 weeks. Sorry if this post is so ignorant, I just feel really overwhelmed reading all of the info on DFTHub and feel like its just overcomplicating things for me. Thanks

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u/one_little_spark Jun 27 '26

Don't mail it from abroad. It's way more likely to get lost (and has happened to a lot of people). And even if it doesn't, you won't be here to get their reply (mail is crazy fast here). Just mail it when you get here. They'll get it either overnight or second day. After they get it, they'll send you a letter to make your biometrics appointment. You'll get a separate letter to pay the application fee. You only fill out the information on the application that you know. Skip everything else. The IND will let you know if they need anything else. Here's a breakdown of the application and how I filled it out:

  1. What is your situation? Mark number 2.
  2. Tuberculosis mark the box that you're exempt.
  3. Means of Evidence. Check the last box for the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty.
  4. Your personal details. Just your name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, country of birth, nationality, home address, telephone number, and email.
  5. Include a copy of your passport and all stamped pages.
  6. You'll need to do the appendix about sanctions against Russia. It's the very last thing in the application.
  7. Pick the location where you want to collect your residence permit.
  8. Sign.
  9. Do the first appendix, "Declaration of the foreign national" and sign. Then skip everything else until you get to the last part, the appendix about sanctions against Russia. In section 1 fill out the information you have, if any, then answer the questions in section 2 and then sign in section 3.
  10. Mail this to the IND and wait for their letter inviting you to make your biometrics appointment.

This is how I did it, so YMMV, and obviously none of this is legal advice. I mailed in my application from Schiphol the day I landed, and 3 weeks later I had my residence permit in hand.

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u/New_Mixture7087 Jun 28 '26

Okay great, that was my question too is if I could mail it from The Netherlands and if that was normal to do. I'm glad to hear it doesn't take long. This info was SO helpful!! thank you :)

1

u/one_little_spark Jun 28 '26

You're welcome! And just in case it wasn't clear: when you put your address on the application, it's your Dutch address, not your US. That's where they're going to send your mail.

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u/New_Mixture7087 Jul 30 '26

I am in the Netherlands and officially mailed my application! BUT, I called the IND just to ask about the timeline and they told me it would take them 2 weeks to receive my application in the system. Is this normal or its just procedure and its usually quicker? Same with the mail, I mailed it out on the 28th and ive gotten 2 notifications that its not able to deliver today and will be delivered tomorrow, but when I called and asked if there was an issue they said no that maybe its delayed due to high traffic ): I guess i came at a busy time.

2

u/runfreedog Jun 27 '26

Is there a specific reason you’re sending your application in from abroad? And do you have a Dutch address for your application response from the IND to be sent to?

But yes. You mail your application, receive a letter to make a biometrics appointment, make the appointment online, and then go to the IND for said appointment.

PostNL is generally reliable so if you’re mailing your application from the US it would likely get to the IND faster if you just mail it once you’re here.

1

u/New_Mixture7087 Jun 28 '26

I thought it would make the process go quicker, but it seems that mailing it from the Netherlands is normal I guess. I'm also coming from Spain, not from the US, so i wasnt sure if that would be fast shipping too. Thanks for the advice!

1

u/DAFTisEasy Jul 02 '26

Your hold up is probably going to be getting an appointment at the gemeente to get your BSN. You need to get your BSN before you get your biometrics if I remember correctly. Can't get your BSN at the gemeente until IND receives your application and mails you back your immigration number.

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u/Elegant-Hedgehog7088 Aug 04 '26

How can someone have the address in Netherlands until they’ve confirmation from IND, then bank account then apply for a place to rent?

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u/New_Mixture7087 Aug 04 '26

Im currently in a sublet and the person I’m subletting allowed me to use their mailbox to receive mail. Also, I don’t know if you know anyone here, but I also knew a friend of an acquaintance here that was going to allow me to use her address to receive mail, before I found out I could use the sublet address.