Process Flow for Netherlands Nursing Pathway

Process Flow for Netherlands Nursing Pathway

Context

The Hexallt Netherlands Nursing Pathway is a staged preparation and professional-progression journey for internationally qualified nurses preparing for opportunities in the Netherlands.

The pathway can involve:

  • suitability and adaptability assessment;

  • Dutch-language development;

  • VIG recognition preparation;

  • Registered Nurse recognition preparation;

  • B1 assessment coordination;

  • professional and interview readiness;

  • employer-opportunity facilitation where available;

  • visa and travel coordination; and

  • progression toward Registered Nurse recognition and BIG registration.

These activities form one connected candidate journey, but they are not one single purchased service.

VIARA, Dutch-language training through Hexallt Language Academy, and Hexallt Abroad professional services are separate services governed by their respective terms.

Hexallt Abroad professional services are commissioned progressively. Candidates purchase the professional service relevant to the stage they have reached rather than paying for every future service at the beginning.

Dutch-language learning and professional-recognition preparation also run in parallel wherever possible.

Stage 1 — Assessment and Initial Learning

The first stage allows the candidate to understand the pathway and experience the learning system before deciding whether to continue further.

Step 1.1 — VIARA Assessment

The pathway normally begins with VIARA — Vocational Integration and Role Adaptability Assessment.

VIARA examines areas such as:

  • professional adaptability;

  • practical decision-making;

  • communication approach;

  • learning adaptability;

  • cultural and workplace readiness;

  • motivation; and resilience.

Its purpose is to understand whether the candidate appears reasonably suited to the pathway before substantial time and financial commitment is made.

For more detail, see:

Understanding the Assessment Framework for Netherlands Pathway

Step 1.2 — Dutch A1, Band 1

Candidates who proceed begin Dutch-language learning through Hexallt Language Academy.

The initial stage is:

Dutch A1 — Band 1

This allows the learner to experience:

  • the Hexallt learning method;

  • Guided Practice;

  • pronunciation and listening development;

  • the expected learning pace;

  • the consistency required; and

  • their own ability to continue learning Dutch.

Dutch-language training is a separate service supplied through Hexallt Language Academy.

Stage 1 Outcome

The initial stage is completed when the candidate has progressed through:

VIARA → Dutch A1 Band 1

At this point, the candidate can decide whether to continue into the professional-recognition phase.

Stage 2 — VIG Recognition Preparation

After completing A1 Band 1, a candidate who decides to continue may commission:

Service 1 — VIG Recognition Preparation & Coordination

This begins the Hexallt Abroad professional-service phase.

Step 2.1 — Identify the Applicable VIG Route

Hexallt reviews the candidate's qualification and circumstances to identify the applicable VIG recognition procedure.

The route may differ depending on the nursing qualification.

For example, qualifying four-year BSc Nursing / Bachelor in Nursing candidates may follow a different recognition route from GNM or other nursing qualifications.

For the complete explanation, see:

Recognition and Licensing Process for Nurses in the Netherlands

Step 2.2 — Document-Gap and Action Planning

Hexallt identifies the documentation required for the candidate's VIG route and prepares a candidate-specific action plan.

This can include identifying:

  • required academic documents;

  • professional documents;

  • certification requirements;

  • language evidence;

  • missing documentation; and

  • actions that should be completed while Dutch-language learning continues.

Detailed document requirements differ according to the applicable recognition procedure.

See:

Documents Required for VIG Recognition Application

Step 2.3 — Authorised Coordination

Where applicable, the candidate may formally authorise Hexallt to act as an intermediary for the VIG recognition process.

The candidate remains the applicant.

Within the permitted authorisation, Hexallt may prepare and organise the dossier, coordinate applicable correspondence and support the recognition process.

See:

Authorising Hexallt to Coordinate Your VIG Recognition Application

Candidates using authorised coordination may also refer to:

BIG-register Authorisation Form and Completion Guide

Step 2.4 — VIG Dossier and Recognition Progression

Hexallt prepares and coordinates the applicable VIG dossier while the candidate continues learning Dutch.

Where available and appropriate, the process may include a pre-submission completeness check before formal submission.

Once the required documentation and language evidence are available, the recognition application can proceed.

The professional-recognition decision remains with CIBG [Centraal Informatiepunt Beroepen Gezondheidszorg] and the competent Dutch authorities.

Stage 3 — RN Recognition Preparation

Dutch-language learning continues through:

A1 → A2 → B1

After completing A2 Band 1, the candidate may commission:

Service 2 — RN Recognition Dossier & Progression Coordination

Registered Nurse recognition is a separate process from VIG recognition.

Step 3.1 — RN-Specific Document Preparation

The RN recognition dossier can require more extensive academic and professional documentation.

Depending on the candidate's case, this may include:

  • nursing diploma;

  • transcript or subject overview;

  • detailed nursing curriculum;

  • professional-authority evidence;

  • professional-registration information;

  • Professional Competencies Appendix;

  • relevant experience evidence;

  • Dutch-language evidence;

  • applicable English-reading evidence; and

  • other documents required for the individual application.

Hexallt reviews the candidate's documentation, identifies gaps and prepares the RN-specific dossier.

Step 3.2 — VIG and RN Recognition Can Progress in Parallel

The candidate does not necessarily need to complete VIG recognition or begin working as a VIG before starting the RN recognition process.

Where the candidate's documents and applicable requirements permit:

VIG recognition and RN recognition may progress at the same time.

This means professional-recognition preparation can continue while the candidate is still outside the Netherlands.

The detailed regulatory sequence is explained in:

Recognition and Licensing Process for Nurses in the Netherlands

Stage 4 — B1 Assessment and Clearance

When the candidate reaches the appropriate Dutch-language readiness level, the candidate may commission:

Service 3A — B1 Assessment Coordination

This service is separate from Dutch-language tuition.

Step 4.1 — B1  Preparation and  Assessment Coordination

Within the confirmed service scope, Hexallt may support the candidate with:

  • identification of the applicable assessment or examination process;

  • readiness coordination;

  • documentation guidance;

  • booking-process guidance where applicable;

  • assessment-process preparation; and

  • next-step clarification after the result.

External examination or assessment charges remain separate unless specifically included in writing.

Step 4.2 — B1 Clearance

Once the candidate obtains the required B1 evidence, professional progression can move further.

Depending on the individual case and documentation status, B1 clearance can allow:

  • completion or progression of the VIG recognition application;

  • progression of the RN recognition application; and

  • movement into employer-readiness preparation.

Dutch-language evidence required for a particular recognition procedure must satisfy the requirements applicable to that procedure.

Stage 5 — Employer Readiness and Selection

After B1 clearance, the candidate may commission:

Service 3B — Employer Readiness & Interview Preparation

This is a professional-readiness service.

It is not payment for employment or for a guaranteed employer interview.

Step 5.1 — Professional Profile Preparation

Preparation can include:

  • CV and professional-profile review;

  • professional self-introduction;

  • communication of nursing experience;

  • workplace communication;

  • healthcare scenarios; and

  • presentation of professional background.

Step 5.2 — Interview and Workplace Readiness

Candidates may receive structured preparation covering areas such as:

  • employer interviews;

  • professional communication;

  • healthcare workplace scenarios;

  • Dutch workplace expectations;

  • feedback and professional responsibility;

  • cultural adaptation; and

  • communication under practical situations.

Mock interviews, coaching and structured feedback may be provided within the confirmed service scope.

Step 5.3 — Employer Opportunities

Where suitable opportunities are available and the candidate is considered sufficiently prepared, Hexallt may introduce or facilitate participation in an employer process.

Employers independently determine:

  • whether to interview a candidate;

  • interview outcomes;

  • selection;

  • role;

  • salary;

  • benefits;

  • working hours;

  • workplace location;

  • sponsorship;

  • employment conditions; and

  • onboarding arrangements.

Hexallt does not sell jobs or charge candidates for employment.

Step 5.4 — Employment Offer

Where an employer selects the candidate, the employer issues the applicable employment offer or employment documentation.

The candidate should independently review the offer before deciding whether to accept it.

The actual employer offer governs employer-specific matters such as salary, benefits, workplace, accommodation support, transport and sponsorship.

Stage 6 — Visa, Travel and Relocation

When the candidate reaches the offer or relocation stage, the candidate may commission:

Service 4 — Visa & Travel Coordination

Step 6.1 — Offer and Relocation Planning

Hexallt may help the candidate understand:

  • the progression after offer acceptance;

  • candidate responsibilities;

  • employer responsibilities;

  • documentation requirements;

  • applicable immigration-process steps;

  • travel readiness; and

  • arrival preparation.

Step 6.2 — Immigration and Appointment Guidance

Where applicable, Hexallt may provide candidate-facing guidance relating to:

  • official immigration procedures;

  • visa or residence-process documentation;

  • embassy, consular or visa-application-centre information;

  • appointment processes; and

  • candidate preparation.

Hexallt does not issue visas, residence permissions or immigration decisions.

These remain with the relevant government authorities.

Step 6.3 — Travel and Arrival

Where the employer and immigration processes proceed successfully:

Employment Offer → Immigration Process → Travel → Arrival in the Netherlands

Employer-funded travel, accommodation, local transport or relocation benefits apply only where confirmed by the responsible employer.

Stage 7 — RN Recognition and BIG Progression

Where RN recognition has already begun before relocation, the process continues from the stage already reached.

It does not need to restart after the candidate arrives in the Netherlands.

When the candidate's case reaches the relevant BI/BIG progression stage, the candidate may commission:

Service 5 — BI/BIG Progression Coordination

Step 7.1 — Professional Assessment / BI Process

Where required under the applicable RN recognition procedure, the candidate progresses through the professional-content assessment process.

For nurses, this can include the BI assessment and subsequent professional assessment by the competent Dutch authorities.

Hexallt may support the candidate with procedural guidance, action planning and progression coordination within the purchased service scope.

Step 7.2 — Additional Requirements, If Any

The competent authority may determine that additional measures are required.

Depending on the individual assessment, this can include:

  • additional education;

  • practical training;

  • supervised learning; or

  • another professional measure.

Not every candidate receives the same outcome.

Step 7.3 — Certificate of Competence

Where RN recognition is completed successfully, the candidate may receive the applicable Dutch recognition outcome:

Verklaring van vakbekwaamheid — Certificate of Competence

This represents professional recognition of the foreign qualification for the Dutch nursing profession.

RN recognition and BIG registration are connected but legally separate stages.

Step 7.4 — BIG Registration

After successful RN recognition, the candidate completes the applicable BIG-registration requirements.

Depending on the candidate's circumstances, fresh or updated regulatory documentation may be required.

Where applicable, Hexallt's support can include:

  • BIG-registration preparation;

  • explanation of authority correspondence;

  • progression planning;

  • supervision-related guidance; and

  • applicable declaration or handover coordination.

For the complete professional-recognition and BIG progression sequence, see:

Recognition and Licensing Process for Nurses in the Netherlands

Step 7.5 — RN Professional Progression

Once the applicable professional-recognition, registration and supervision requirements are completed, the candidate can progress professionally as a Registered Nurse, subject to:

  • the candidate's BIG status;

  • employer requirements;

  • workplace readiness; and

  • an appropriate employment opportunity.

Complete Pathway at a Glance

Stage 1 — Assessment and Initial Learning

VIARA
↓
Dutch A1 Band 1
↓
Candidate decides whether to continue

Stage 2 — VIG Recognition

After A1 Band 1
↓
Service 1 — VIG Recognition Preparation & Coordination
↓
Route identification
↓
Document and certification planning
↓
Authorisation where applicable
↓
VIG dossier preparation and recognition coordination

Meanwhile:

Dutch-language learning continues

Stage 3 — RN Recognition Preparation

After A2 Band 1
↓
Service 2 — RN Recognition Dossier & Progression Coordination
↓
RN document analysis
↓
Academic and professional evidence preparation
↓
RN dossier preparation and progression

Meanwhile:

Dutch progresses toward B1

Stage 4 — B1 Assessment

Candidate becomes B1-ready
↓
Service 3A — B1 Assessment Coordination
↓
B1 assessment
↓
B1 clearance

Stage 5 — Employer Readiness and Selection

After B1 clearance
↓
Service 3B — Employer Readiness & Interview Preparation
↓
Professional and cultural readiness
↓
Employer opportunity where available
↓
Employer interview
↓
Independent employer decision
↓
Employment offer where selected

Stage 6 — Visa and Relocation

Offer / relocation stage
↓
Service 4 — Visa & Travel Coordination
↓
Immigration process
↓
Travel preparation
↓
Arrival in the Netherlands

Stage 7 — RN Recognition and BIG Progression

RN recognition continues from the stage already reached
↓
Service 5 — BI/BIG Progression Coordination, where required
↓
Professional assessment / BI process
↓
Additional measures if applicable
↓
Certificate of Competence
↓
BIG-registration requirements
↓
Applicable supervised progression
↓
RN professional progression

Important Distinctions

One Journey, Separate Services

The Netherlands Nursing Pathway may be presented as one connected progression journey.

However:

  • VIARA is a separate assessment service;

  • Dutch-language training is supplied through Hexallt Language Academy; and

  • Hexallt Abroad professional services are separately commissioned as the candidate progresses.

Payment for one service does not automatically purchase a later service.

Professional Services Are Purchased Progressively

A candidate does not pay the entire Hexallt Abroad professional-service total at the beginning.

Each professional service becomes relevant when the candidate reaches its defined progression point.

VIG and RN Recognition Are Separate

VIG recognition and Registered Nurse recognition are different professional-recognition procedures.

Where applicable requirements permit, they may progress in parallel.

Professional Recognition Can Begin Before Relocation

Document preparation and professional-recognition applications do not necessarily need to wait until the candidate reaches the Netherlands.

The pathway is designed to progress recognition work as far as reasonably possible before relocation.

Hexallt Prepares and Coordinates; Independent Bodies Decide

Hexallt Abroad provides professional preparation, documentation support, authorised coordination, readiness development and progression support.

Hexallt does not determine:

  • VIG recognition;

  • RN recognition;

  • BIG registration;

  • employer selection;

  • salary or employment terms;

  • visa approval; or

  • immigration decisions.

Professional authorities, employers and immigration authorities make their own decisions within their respective roles.

Candidate Responsibility

Candidates remain responsible for:

  • supplying authentic and accurate information;

  • obtaining required documents;

  • participating consistently in language and professional preparation;

  • attending required assessments and appointments;

  • complying with authority and employer requirements;

  • maintaining professional conduct; and

  • independently reviewing employment documents before acceptance.

For more detailed information, refer to:

Additional guidance relating to language training, interview preparation, employer selection, relocation and candidate-specific professional services may also be provided at the relevant progression stage.

Guiding Principle

The pathway is designed so that candidates prepare progressively rather than making every commitment at the beginning.

Assessment helps establish suitability.

Language learning builds communication capability.

Professional documentation begins early.

VIG and RN recognition preparation can progress alongside Dutch-language development.

Employer readiness begins when the candidate has reached the appropriate professional and language stage.

Relocation preparation begins after an employment opportunity reaches the appropriate point.

RN recognition and BIG progression then continue from the professional stage already reached.

Hexallt's role is to help the candidate understand the pathway, prepare properly, build capability and navigate each stage with greater clarity.

We prepare candidates for opportunities. Employers and competent authorities determine the outcomes.