Post Study Work Visa in Germany – Work Permit, Duration, Eligibility, Process

Germany is surely a popular place to settle down after graduation. With the biggest economy in Europe, it is a wealthy nation renowned for its inventions in the automotive and engineering industries. It leads the world economy and takes pride in offering its citizens excellent living conditions. But you can’t start working there just like that! There are some legal formalities! The first one is getting a Post Study Work Visa in Germany.

Join to earn the required German language proficiency before applying for a post-study work visa!

Post-Study Work Visa in Germany: Introduction

Many people all over the world have the desire to relocate to Germany because of its fantastic job market and abundance of employment opportunities It enjoys an unmatched reputation as the global leader in the export of engineering equipment, machinery, and automotive components. It makes sense that after graduation, many students hope to live and work in Germany.

But as we previously stated, you need a post-study work visa for that. That leads to the question, what is a post-study work visa? Let us find out what is a post-study work visa.

What is a Residency Permit?

Foreign nationals are allowed to dwell in Germany with a residence permit, known as an Aufenthaltstitel in Germany. It is granted to citizens of “third-country” nations or those outside the EU. The term “third countries,” or “Drittstaat” in German, refers to nations that are not EU members.

The two main types of residence permits are as follows:

• The term Aufenthaltserlaubnis refers to a restricted residency permission, while
• Niederlassungserlaubnis is the term for an unlimited residence permit, often known as a settlement permit.
• Studying or finishing an internship in Germany requires non-EU students to apply for a residence permit. They can apply through the Foreigners Authorities. The residence permit is granted for a limited time. The document serves certain functions in Germany, such as education, training, and research. In that way, the post-study work visa, which we are discussing, is a type of residency permit.

What is a Post Study Work Visa?

Students who complete their education in Germany can work in the country after graduation. This time is in addition to the amount of study time that your German study visa specifies. Students can apply for an extended 18-month Job Seeking Visa, also called a post-study work visa, to pursue employment connected to their studies. In Germany, these additional 18 months are referred to as a post-study work permit. The candidates are allowed to work as much as they like and pursue any employment to support themselves throughout these 18 months.

Post-Study Work Visa in Germany – Work Permit, Duration, Eligibility, Process

After graduation, finding a good career can be a challenge for international students. There are no restrictions on living and working in Germany for students from the EU, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Iceland. However, non-EU students need to obtain a residency permit. Non-EU students are permitted to stay in Germany for a maximum of 18 months with this residence permit. Students have these months to find employment.

This 18-month period begins when an applicant gets their last exam result. The residence permit’s duration cannot be prolonged. Students have to prove that they can cover their living expenses for the term. Additionally, students need to show that they are looking for jobs that fit their qualifications. The DAAD cautions against applying for professions requiring no specific skills, such as a delivery agent or waitress. This does not, however, prevent students from working of any kind for these eighteen months.

Students need to be aware that to receive the permit, the following conditions must be fulfilled.

• Proof that education was completed
• Documentation of health insurance coverage
• Proof of ability to obtain a living

Also Read : DAAD Scholarship in Germany

Post-Study Work Visa: When to Apply?

Your German student visa expires when you complete your studies there. It is recommended that students apply for an 18-month work visa much before their student visa expires. Students ought to start searching for jobs during their last semester because the 18-month extended work period begins as soon as they receive their final exam results.

So, you must begin preparing for your post-study work visa well in advance to guarantee a seamless transition from student to professional.

Start researching visa requirements and application procedures as soon as possible. Get acquainted with the required paperwork and deadlines to prevent last-minute rush. Remember that processing periods for visas can differ. It’s important to have reasonable expectations about how long the processing of your visa application will take. Make appropriate plans and give yourself enough time to do the task.

Types of Post-study Visas in Germany

The German government issues visas to foreign nationals in two main types. They are further divided into several subcategories that are particular to your work and the reason for your visit. Let’s examine every kind of post-study visa available to professionals in Germany who are looking for employment.

Temporary or Limited Residence Permit

In temporary Residence permits, graduates from German universities have an advantage over nationals of other non-EU countries when it comes to obtaining a work visa.

Your student visa will expire when your academic program is over, and you will have eighteen months to apply for a work visa so that you can stay in the nation. If you don’t apply for this permit while you are still enrolled in school, you will have to leave the country. You can work whatever full-time or part-time job you choose without any additional requirements, and you can use this time to hunt for a desirable position in the industry of your choice.

Conditions for Temporary or Limited Residence Permit

To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Evidence of completing the course (a transcript or a university degree).
• Documentation proving you are currently covered by health insurance.
• Proof that you have enough money to cover your living expenses while you search for work.

Job Seeker Visa

This is for everyone who graduated, went back to their home countries, and then decided to return to Germany to look into other career options that would be a good fit. This visa is only provided for a brief amount of time, up to six months, during which you can plan academic interviews, investigate other options, and get a general understanding of your field of employment. You must understand that this is a temporary visa and that you must apply for a permanent one as soon as you receive an offer of employment.

Conditions for Job Seeker Visa

The conditions to apply for a Job Seeker Visa are listed below.

• An academic qualification that you gained from an institution.
• A certification recognised by the German authorities to prove that you have some level of proficiency in the German language. The lowest level of proficiency listed is the B1 level.
• It is essential that you have to apply for a visa when you are in your own country.
• Settle any financial concerns, such as a blocked bank account, or get a declaration of commitment.

EU Blue Card

It allows citizens of other countries to remain and work in Germany and the other twenty-five EU member states. Those with technical expertise and credentials in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are given preference for the EU Blue Card.

Conditions for an EU Blue Card

The following paperwork must be ready for candidates to receive this permit:

• A university degree or a comparable document
• Authentic health insurance documentation
• German employment contract guaranteeing that you will receive enough money to support your living expenses
• EU cardholders must earn between €43,056 and €55,200 annually in gross income as a minimum.

Temporary Residence Permit (After Getting Employed)

You must apply for this visa as soon as your company sends you an appointment letter. There are two types of permits available. One is the EU Blue card, which we discussed above. Another is the German Residence Permit.

Foreign nationals with a German residence permit are permitted to remain and work in Germany for the duration of the employment contract. As long as you continue to be employed, you are free to renew this permit as often as you like. For everyone who wants to spend a significant amount of time in Germany, this is advantageous. The conditions and paperwork for getting this permit are almost the same as that of the ones required for the EU Blue card, which we detailed in the section above.

Temporary Residence Permit (for Self-Employment)

You can even think about starting your own independent business or working as a freelance professional after graduating from a German institution. In most cases, independent professionals can obtain freelance employment, however, there are regulated fields like medicine where certain licenses and credentials are required to get hired.

If you want to open your own company or engage in self-employed commercial activity, you will require a residency permit. If you choose to work as an independent professional or as a freelancer, you will require the same. When you work as a freelancer, you will typically need to submit a CV, your transcript of the final exam, and a thorough explanation of your plans.

Conditions Required for Temporary Residence Permit (for Self-Employment)

The following conditions must be met for you to be eligible for this permit:

• Present a business plan and offer documentation of pertinent business experience.
• Show that you have a legitimate bank loan or that you can afford your project.

Once your firm takes off and you can show earnings, you may be eligible to extend your permit to live in Germany for a longer period. This permit can be obtained for a maximum of three years at first. After that, you can apply for a settlement permit, which would let you stay in the nation for an unlimited period.

Permanent Residence Permit

You must apply for a Permanent Residence Permit if you are a foreign national who wishes to live in Germany permanently. As long as you have this permission, you and your spouse and family are free to live and work in the nation without any limitations. You will advance from obtaining a temporary resident permit to obtaining a permanent resident permit.

Requirements for Permanent Residence Permit

To be eligible for this permission, you must fulfil the following requirements:

• You have had the temporary residency permit for work purposes in your hands for a minimum of two years.
• You work in a job that fits your skill set and is in line with your degree.
• You have been paying into the statutory pension insurance fund for the past 24 months.
• You have passed the German Language Proficiency exam at the B1 Level and are a proficient speaker of the language.
• You are fully aware of the national rules and regulations that all citizens must abide by on a local level.
• You can make your living arrangements.

Process of Post-Study Work Visa in Germany

You cannot just walk into a German office and acquire a post-study work visa. Certain procedures need to be followed here. Everything related to this procedure will be discussed in this section.

Research and Planning Phase

Before jumping into the process research important things like the application procedure, requirements for the post-study visa, documents that you need to submit with your application etc.

You should also start looking for jobs right away. Find industries and businesses that fit your interests and skill set by researching the German job market. Investigate career fairs, networking events, and job portals to learn about current employment opportunities.

Make contacts with professionals in your area of interest by using internet resources such as LinkedIn, industry associations, and networking events. Through networking, you can find insightful people, career leads, and possible mentors who can help you with your job search.

After collecting and compiling all the necessary and helpful information, make the plan accordingly and start executing each phase in your plan step by step.

Preparing the Documents

After the research and planning comes the document preparation phase. Compiling and arranging the required paperwork is essential to a seamless visa application procedure. This is a list of the necessary documents you should normally have.

• Two completed and printed application forms.
• Biometric Passport Photos
• Two passport-size current pictures of yourself.
• Valid National passport.
• Proof of Health Insurance
• Proof of residence.
• Contract of Employment.
• Proof of qualification
• Curriculum Vitae
• Qualification Proof
• Proof of having sufficient funds to support yourself
• Cover Letter
• Document stating clean criminal record
• Receipt of visa fee payment.
• Language Proficiency Certificates

You might need to get your degree or credentials recognized by the appropriate German authorities if you earned them from a non-German university. This procedure guarantees that your credentials are regarded as legitimate and up to German standards.

Please present the required bank paperwork if you are depending on a blocked account (Sperrkonto) to pay your living expenses. Alternatively, if you have a financial sponsor, you must send a letter of support along with the sponsor’s financial information.

Application Process to Obtain Post-Study Work Visa in Germany

When you have acquired all the necessary paperwork, it’s time to apply for a visa. To ensure a successful application, adhere to the following steps:

Make sure you accurately complete the application for a visa and include all required information. Keep an eye out for any extra declarations or forms that might be needed. Send your application to the German embassy or consulate in your native country, along with the necessary documentation, or submit it to the local immigration office.

Verify your application again for any mistakes or information that is missing. Verify that every document is accurate, signed, and complete. Don’t submit any inaccurate or deceptive information as this could result in the denial of your visa.

Once your application has been submitted, you can follow its progress online or via the methods that the immigration authorities have designated. Visa processing periods can vary, so be patient.

Visit Your Local Immigration Office

It’s time to visit the closest local immigration office in Germany to submit your application when you’ve acquired all the necessary paperwork. Schedule an online appointment in advance to prevent needless waits. It’s important to arrive on time and prepared for your appointment because it creates a good impression for your application.

Participate in An Interview

You might have to go to an interview during your visit to the immigration office. This interview is a crucial part of the application process since it gives you a chance to talk about what you want to do and where you want to go during the Post-Study Work term. This is your opportunity to show that you are dedicated to working in Germany and that you are prepared to add to the labour force of the nation.

Post-Study Work Visa in Germany: Procedure Duration

Numerous factors can affect the length of time it takes to process post-study work permits in Germany. The following variables can affect the processing time, even if there isn’t a set amount of time:

Number of Applications

The volume of visa applications that the immigration authorities receive may have an impact on the processing time.

Application Completeness 

Make sure your application is filled out completely and that all required supporting documentation is attached. Applications that are not complete may cause delays.

Individual Circumstances

Since every case is different, processing times may vary depending on various factors like background checks or further document verifications.

Generally speaking, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible. Ideally, this should be three to six months before the date that you plan to begin working or your post-study work period.

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Eligibility for Post-Study Work Visa in Germany

You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a German post-graduate work permit:

• You must have finished a university degree to submit an application for a German work permit after your master’s.
• A valid passport is a requirement.
• You need to have a valid visa issued by German authorities.
• You need to have enough cash with you to cover both your living expenses while in Germany and your return trip home. This covers all extra expenses beyond the necessities of life that come with residing in Germany, such as lodging or travel fees.
• You need parental permission to work if you are under eighteen (18).
• If you are over eighteen and still live with your parents, you must obtain their approval before accepting an internship or employment offer for this program.

Visa Application Costs

There are costs associated with applying for a post-study work visa in Germany. These costs may change based on your place of origin and the type of visa you have.

It will probably cost the applicant 75 euros or more to apply for a visa in their own country. A residence permit application through the Foreigners’ Authority might also cost up to EUR 100 after entering Germany. It is advisable, therefore, to confirm with the German embassy or consulate in your native country the precise fees that apply to your specific situation.

In addition to the visa application price, notarizations, document translations, and other administrative procedures may incur additional costs. Consider these variables while setting aside funds for your post-study work visa application.

Where Should We Go to Apply for A Post Work Visa?

You can submit your visa application in the following offices.

• German Embassy
• German Consulate
• Visa Application Centre

If your country does not have a German embassy or consulate, contact one in a neighbouring country.

Finding a Job After Graduating in Germany

The 18-month residence permit duration may be exhausted much sooner than anticipated. As such, overseas students need to maximize their time and take a proactive approach to finding employment. Maria-Theresia Jansen, a Federal Employment Agency employment adviser, states that students need to begin looking for work at least four months before the end of their educational program.

Students should approach their job search analytically, using what Maria-Theresia Jansen refers to as their “Inner Inventory.” Students, she says, should be able to answer the following four important questions.

• Who am I?
• What can I do?
• What do I want to do?
• What is possible for me at the moment?

Tips for International Students in Germany to Secure Jobs

Some tips important to secure a job in Germany as an international student are provided below.

• Do not limit your employment search to positions that precisely match your degree. You should also try looking for opportunities in relevant industries.
• Your job hunt may become more difficult and time-consuming if you have a “tunnel vision“
• Do not restrict your job hunt to large corporations. A total of 3.6 million small and medium-sized businesses support Germany’s economy. Putting in an application to these businesses can improve your work prospects.
• The STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields have more job openings.

How To Find Jobs in Germany After Graduation?

You can find work in Germany after graduating there via the sources listed below.

• DAAD alumni network
• University alumni network
• University career services
• Job fairs
• Online job portals

Benefits of Having a Post-Study Work Visa

Getting a post-study work visa comes with many advantages. Some of them are listed below.

• There is an opportunity to obtain practical work experience. During your PSW term, working in Germany enables you to put your academic knowledge to practical use.
• Increased likelihood of finding long-term work. Your path to obtaining a long-term employment contract and, eventually, permanent residency in Germany may begin with obtaining a PSW Permit.
• Assimilation into the German labour market. As you get work experience, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with people in your industry through networking.
• Potential to convert to a permanent residency or work visa. Gaining a job throughout your PSW term might pave the way for a secure future in Germany.
• An opportunity to discover and experience the German lifestyle. This time allows you to fully immerse yourself in German culture and way of life, in addition to job opportunities.

Some Points to Keep in Mind

While the post-study work permit is an excellent opportunity, it is not without its obstacles. Here are some suggestions for making the most of your post-study work period.

Begin the Job Search as Early as Possible

To increase your chances of success, start exploring for work prospects early. Connect with professionals in your field. Making relationships might be beneficial in your job search. Attend networking events, seminars, and employment fairs to broaden your network.

Learn the Local Language and Polish It

You will have an advantage when applying for a German visa if you speak the language fluently. Applying for junior roles typically requires it. Knowing German will provide you with numerous opportunities that your classmates who do not speak the language will not have. Improving your German language skills can greatly improve your career prospects and inclusion into the local community. However, if you want to work in the IT/tech field or for a worldwide start-up, you may be able to do without it. You should keep in mind that a Level B1 certificate in German is usually always required to obtain a resident visa.

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Don’t Cherry Pick Job Opportunities

Please don’t be too choosy when it comes to fresher and junior roles in any sector. nobody gets a huge salary and benefits in starting positions. Consider a variety of career opportunities, including internships and part-time positions, as they can serve as stepping stones to your ideal job.

Keep Yourself Updated on Immigration and Visa Regulations

It’s important to keep up to date on any changes that can impact your stay in Germany because immigration laws are subject to change.

Conclusion

Remember that the post-study work visa provides access to interesting job prospects and allows you to maximize your educational experience in Germany. Stay proactive, undertake extensive research, and seek advice from your university, study abroad advisors, or appropriate authorities to guarantee a successful visa application.