What to Expect at Your IND Appointment for DAFT Visa
The IND appointment was the part of our Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) process that made us the most nervous. We'd heard conflicting stories online---some people said it took 20 minutes, others described hour-long waits and intense questioning.
Here's exactly what happened at ours, so you can walk in prepared.
Before the Appointment
How to Book
You book your IND appointment online through the IND website. You'll need your V-number (from your application confirmation) to log in.
A few things to know:
- Slots fill up fast. Amsterdam and The Hague offices are the busiest. Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven tend to have more availability.
- Book early. As soon as your application is submitted, start looking for appointment slots. Wait times can be 2-4 weeks or longer during busy periods.
- Check often. New slots appear throughout the week, usually in the morning. If your preferred location is booked out, check daily.
Pro Tip: If you're flexible on location, you can often get an earlier appointment at a smaller IND office. The process is identical everywhere.
What to Bring
Bring everything. Even documents you think they won't ask for. Here's the list:
- Valid US passport (original)
- Appointment confirmation (printed or on your phone)
- Completed application forms
- All supporting documents (originals AND copies)
- Proof of 4,500 euro bank deposit
- Business plan
- Health insurance proof
- Passport-size photos (biometric specifications)
- Payment method for the application fee (debit/PIN card preferred)
The DAFT document checklist has the full breakdown of everything you need.
Arriving at the IND Office
Arrive about 15 minutes early. The IND offices are usually in business parks or government buildings. They're well-signed and easy to find.
At the entrance, you'll go through a light security screening---bags through a scanner, walk through a metal detector. Think airport security but friendlier and faster.
Check in at the reception desk with your appointment confirmation. They'll give you a number and direct you to the waiting area.
The Waiting Room
The waiting room is calm and quiet. Nothing like a US DMV. There's usually a coffee machine, plenty of seating, and digital screens showing the queue.
We waited about 25 minutes past our scheduled time. Bring something to keep you occupied---a book, your phone, whatever. Some offices have free Wi-Fi.
What We Wish We Knew: The waiting room is shared with everyone at the IND, not just DAFT applicants. Asylum seekers, family reunification cases, work permit holders---everyone waits in the same space. It can feel a bit overwhelming, but the process moves steadily.
The Appointment Itself
Document Review (15-25 Minutes)
An IND officer calls your number and brings you to their desk or a small office. They go through your documents methodically, checking each one against your application.
They checked ours in this order:
- Passport validity (must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay)
- Application form completeness (every field filled in, every signature in place)
- Apostilled documents (birth certificate, FBI background check, etc.)
- Business plan (they flip through it, they don't read every page)
- Proof of funds (bank statement showing the 4,500 euro deposit)
- Health insurance (valid Dutch or international policy)
The officer set aside one document to copy and returned everything else.
Questions They Asked Us
The officer asked a handful of simple questions. Nothing felt like an interrogation:
- "What does your business do?"
- "Do you have clients already?"
- "Where will you be living in the Netherlands?"
- "When did you arrive?"
That was it. We answered in one or two sentences each. The officer nodded, typed some notes, and moved on.
Reality Check: This is not a business pitch. Don't launch into a five-minute explanation of your company vision. Short, honest answers are what they're looking for. If your paperwork is solid, the questions are a formality.
Biometrics (10 Minutes)
After the document check, they take your biometrics:
- Fingerprints: A digital scan of all ten fingers. They'll ask you to press each finger on a glass pad. Takes about two minutes.
- Photo: They take a new biometric photo on the spot, even if you brought passport photos.
- Signature: You sign on a digital pad.
The staff walk you through every step. It's quick and painless.
Payment
You pay the application fee at the appointment. As of early 2026, it was approximately 350 euros per applicant. They accept debit cards (PIN cards). Credit cards and cash may not be accepted at every office---bring a Dutch debit card if you have one.
After the Appointment
The officer gives you a receipt and explains what happens next:
- Processing period: The IND reviews your complete application. This typically takes 2-8 weeks, though it can stretch longer.
- Decision notification: You'll get a letter or email with the decision.
- Permit pickup: If approved, you'll return to the IND to collect your residence permit card.
You can track your application status online through the IND portal using your V-number.
For a detailed breakdown of what the wait looks like, check our DAFT processing timeline.
Our Tips
Dress comfortably. Business casual is fine. We saw people in jeans and sneakers. Nobody judges.
Bring your partner. If you're both applying (one as primary, one as a dependent), your appointments are usually back-to-back. They can sit in the waiting room while you go first, or vice versa. Read more about bringing a partner on DAFT.
Don't overshare. Answer what's asked. Volunteering information that wasn't requested doesn't help and can occasionally create confusion.
Stay calm. The IND staff at every office we visited spoke excellent English and were professional and patient. This is routine for them.
Keep copies. The officer may keep some original documents. Make sure you have copies of everything before you walk in.
FAQ
Q: Can I reschedule my IND appointment?
A: Yes, you can cancel and rebook through the IND website. Try to give at least a few days' notice. If you no-show without canceling, it can delay your ability to book a new slot.
Q: Do I need to speak Dutch at the appointment?
A: No. Every IND officer we interacted with spoke fluent English. All DAFT-related communication can be handled in English.
Q: What if they find a problem with my documents at the appointment?
A: If a document is missing or incorrect, the officer will note it and give you instructions on how to submit the corrected version. It doesn't mean your application is denied---it just means you'll need to provide the missing item, which adds processing time.
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We're not immigration lawyers---just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.