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Germany starts new skilled immigration policy. Easy work visa of Germany starts

Germany has started its new immigration policy for skilled labor. Thanks to government efforts during last year, more skilled workers will be able to come to Germany to cover the shortage of labor. Citizens of non-EU countries will now from 1 March be able to apply for a work visa in Germany with a lot more ease than before.

A work contract from a German employer, basic knowledge of German language, and required qualification (with recognition report from Germany) will be sufficient enough to make the applicants through. Employers will need not to provide a proof of job availability(“Vorrangprüfung”) from BAMF (Germany’s Federal immigration office) which will make the process more easy and hectic free. One cam also apply for this visa even if his profession is not in shortage occupation list. 

Though the new immigration law has not been able to get the desired fame as the German government hoped, still it will open the doors for skilled labor without having a passport from EU countries. 

Key Points of the new immigration law

Germany’s new immigration law mainly brings the following changes into the old immigration system:

  • Suspension of the checks if there are available workers either in Germany or EU countries for the applied job of the foreigners. This will surely help to make the job offer process faster and more vocational and skilled jobs would be open for non-EU workers.
  • The previously exercised norm, immigration only for highly skilled ‘Academically Qualified’ persons is to be joined by the vocationally skilled workers. This will help even diploma holders and ones with having professional experience in skilled work to count.
  • Under some restrictions, students will be able to come to Germany to attend vocational training courses.
  • Permanent residency possible with less time

Who will be able to benefit from this program?

All Non-EU citizens having a skilled occupation will be able to get benefits from this new law. There will be more chances for them now to get settled (PR) in Germany after passing a few initial years in Germany. They may well be able to bring their family members as well upon a successful stay in Germany.

Types of work visas under the new immigration system

1- General work visa

Having a qualified occupation, the applicants will be able to apply for a work visa. This requires the following:

  • a work contract from a German employer.
  • basic knowledge of the German language.
  • required qualification. Highly qualified and skilled people with vocational training will both be able to apply for this visa. 
  • recognition report from Germany for either a degree or vocational training completed

2- Jobseeker visa for highly qualified professionals

Skilled migrant workers can come to Germany for 6 months to look for a job. To do so, one needs sufficient funds for up to 6 months of stay in Germany. Educational qualification and its recognition in Germany are also required. German language knowledge at a level of B1 is also essential (to really find the jobs). Visa holders during their stay in Germany for a job search, will be able to work for 10 hours a week for any job. Once they get the job and after get a work visa, will be able to work full time. Read here for complete details of Germany’s job seeker visa. 

3- Job seeker visa for skilled people with vocational training

Skilled workers with vocational training can also go to Germany for a job search. They will be given a residence permit for six months. The precondition for this is that the foreign qualification is recognized by the relevant institution in Germany and that the person can contribute to the duration of his or her stay and has the necessary German language skills for the required profession. Generally speaking, German language skills are required at least at the B1 level for general reference. In Germany, it is possible to get up to 10 hours a week on a trial basis during your time spent searching for a job. This enables employers and foreign professionals to know if they are suitable for each other. Accredited academic qualification professionals, who are allowed to come to Germany for six months to receive a job as before, are also allowed to work on a test basis.

4- Vocational training finding visa

Interested applicants for vocational training search in Germany, will be able to apply for training seeking visa. This will be possible if the applicant:

  • is a maximum of 25 years of age
  • is capable of having a German language level of CEFR B2.
  • has passed higher secondary school from abroad that allows him to pursue higher education.
  • can bear the expenses of his stay in Germany.

5- Foreign students in Germany can also get a residence permit for work

Students are already allowed to switch their student visas into work visas once they have completed (also during studies) their education in a university. For example, they could also switch to a vocational training program and can get a residence permit. But now, according to a new law under certain conditions, they are also able to switch the student visa into a work visa if they receive a job contract and can work in a qualified occupation.

Permanent residency for vocational training candidates

The new law enables foreigners who successfully complete a vocational training course in Germany to receive a permanent residence permit two years later. This also implies on graduates.

Permanent Settlement in Germany for qualified professionals

Everyone seeks if the PR is possible after working for a certain time period in Germany. Yes, it is possible now. Foreign qualified professionals can get a permanent residence permit after four years. This is a year less than of lastly implemented laws. This generally applies to general work visa holders.

“and because IT specialists are in high demand, there is a special regulation for them. They may also enter without training (apprenticeship or formal education) – provided they can prove that they have worked abroad for several years in the industry”.

http://https://youtu.be/Jlqy6_l4w4k

Complete A-Z guide for applying for work visa of Germany according to new immigration law

How to check the in-demand list of professions?

Germany also issues every year in-demand occupations white list that lets the applicants know if they can apply for a certain category of their own interest. Some of these list jobs are:

  • Carpentry, roller shutter, and blind construction
  • Software development
  • Construction professions in plumbing (without specialization)
  • Professions in sanitary, heating, and air conditioning

Check here the complete in-demand list of workers

Who can apply?

For these jobs, anyone having either higher educational qualifications or vocational-level education can apply. The main thing is that you must check before applying if your occupation is available on this list or not. Even if it does not exist in this list, do not worry, check with the passage of time as the list is updated from time to time with the demand in the market. You can also apply for a work visa, even if your occupation is not listed on the shortage occupation list.

Get qualification recognized from Germany

It is always advised to get a statement of comparability for your acquired qualification outside Germany. This makes it easier for the employer to consider your educational level and the work experience you gained. The same applies to those who have acquired vocational qualifications instead of a proper degree to get it recognized in Germany. This will make sure that how you will be able to qualify for a certain job. Some occupations are properly regulated and for this recognition, documentation is a must. However such are not so, for example, IT, Marketing or management jobs.

Following are the respected authorities that provide you such certifications:

How to find jobs in Germany?

You may well be able to find jobs in Germany while lying in your bed! How? Well, this is not that complicated. There are a lot of job portals in Germany that provide online job listings every day. These job postings are up to date and of good companies. Find below a way to find jobs either through government job portals or private job portals:

The government recognized job portals

Private job portals

Check here to check our complete guide for how to find English Jobs in Germany.

Permanent settlement permit for those who have completed a vocational training course in Germany: The new act enables foreigners who have successfully completed a vocational training course in Germany to receive a permanent settlement permit after two years, the same period as applies to graduates.

How to apply for jobs?

It is really important to apply for jobs online properly. Since you are not personally available in Germany for the employer, so your job application must be really good in order to have a good impact on the employer. You must apply for the job as advised in the online job posting. Some companies ask for a paper-based written job application that you can send them through the post. Some ask for applying through email and some through online portals (mostly used way nowadays). In all cases, you must make sure to add the following documents:

  • Cover letter
  • CV
  • Educational Certificates
  • Any professional references
  • Work experience proof

How to write a Cover letter?

Writing a convincing cover letter is not as difficult as it is often considered to be. In your cover letter, you must give the company a first impression of yourself. You should also explain why you are interested in the post and do describe your own strengths (true facts only). Do not forget to express yourself convincingly to set yourself apart from the other candidates.

Click here to online make a cover letter in a few minutes

How to write a CV?

Who denies the role of a curriculum vitae in acquiring a job? You must write a good CV to expect a good reply from your intended employer. Before writing a CV, do remember the following things:

  • mention your personal and professional career
  • your CV does not have to be written out in full(include just main details)
  • you can list the most salient information in the form of a table (latest information such as work experience must be written first)
  • in Germany, applicants must include a photo of themselves in their CV

Click here to make a good CV online in a few minutes according to German CV patterns