Immigration office using "virtual assistant" to handle student residency applications

Residence applications for international students have been assessed by a computer for some time now. The "virtual assistant" checks if all the requested documents are correct. This includes proof of identity and whether the finances are in order, explains a spokeswoman for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

Of more than 17,000 residence applications submitted by prospective foreign students between March and the end of July, over 13,000 were handled by a computer. This application round was the first time that automated processes have been used. Previously, about 15 temporary workers were hired for the same work.

The education institutions supply the applications and check whether all the terms have been met. Therefore, the applications are actually already complete by the time they reach the IND.

"The approval rate is therefore very high: 99 percent last year, and this year, we are also approaching 100 percent," said the spokeswoman.

A quarter of the international students are from outside Europe, mainly China, India, America, Turkey, and Indonesia. Nearly all applications are made to pursue an education at a college or university.

Students successfully awarded residency documents will be able to collect them during centralized events at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht on August 24, September 14, and October 5.