Aufenthaltserlaubnis erteilen zur Arbeitsplatzsuche nach dem Studium

If you have successfully completed your studies in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit for up to 18 months in order to find a job that matches your qualifications.

As a foreign graduate of a German university, you can apply for a residence permit to look for a job after completing your studies.

The job you are looking for must be one that you are qualified to do on the basis of your qualifications. The intended gainful activity can also be a self-employed activity.

This residence permit can be issued for up to 18 months. The residence permit only serves the one-time purpose of the job search and cannot be extended beyond this maximum period.

During the job search, any gainful activity is permitted and does not require permission.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport replacement)
• Visa, if required for entry
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Valid residence permit for the purpose of studying (§ 16b or § 16c of the Residence Act)
• Proof of successful completion of studies in Germany
• Proof of livelihood security (e.g. employment contract, equity, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Current registration certificate

In individual cases, the Foreigners' Registration Office may require less or more evidence

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport replacement).
• You have a valid residence permit for the purpose of studying (§ 16b or § 16c of the Residence Act).
• You have successfully completed your studies in Germany and the validity period of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without using public benefits.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.

Your stay does not endanger or adversely affect the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Fee 98,00 EUR

Remark:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of the residence permit in the form of the electronic residence permit, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

• Find out whether your immigration office makes it possible to apply online or provides a special application form.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. In the case of online applications, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your application to make an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and your documents will be checked (please bring your documents, if possible in the original, to the appointment).
• If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of a new electronic residence permit (eATCard). The Foreigners' Registration Office commissions Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the residence permit at the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

The production of the electronic residence permit by Bundesdruckerei takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

At the latest 8 before the expiry of your still valid residence permit, the application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office.

Period of validity (for fixed time): maximum 18

The residence permit is issued for a limited period of a maximum of 18 months. The extension of the residence permit beyond this maximum period is excluded.

Portal of the Federal Government for skilled workers from abroad, here: Perspectives after graduation:

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/studium-ausbildung/studieren-in-deutschland/perspektiven-danach

Information from the Federal Employment Agency on access to the labour market for people from abroad (e.g. Migration Check for Employees, Leaflet on Employment of Foreign Workers in Germany):

https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/fuer-menschen-aus-dem-ausland

Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs:

https://www.bmas.de/DE/Arbeit/Arbeitsfoerderung/arbeitsfoerderung.html

International Placement Service (ZAV):

https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/vor-ort/zav/startseite

• Appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office
• Action before the court referred to in the notice of opposition if the opposition is not complied with

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Issued to look for a job after completing your studies
• Foreign graduates of German universities can obtain a residence permit to look for a job after completing their studies
• Prior possession of a residence permit for the purpose of studying (§ 16b or § 16c Residence Act) is required.
• The job sought must be related to the qualification acquired during your studies. It is also possible to establish self-employment.
• Residence permit is issued for up to 18 months and cannot be extended.
• During the job search, any gainful activity is permitted.
• Responsible: the immigration authority responsible for the place of residence of the applicant

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes