Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der Ausbildung Verlängerung zur Studienvorbereitung und zum Studium

§ 8 (1) Residence Act (AufenthG)
§ 16b (1) Residence Act (AufenthG)

You can extend your residence permit for the purpose of studying before its expiry if you meet certain requirements.

The residence permit for the purpose of studying is a temporary residence permit. You can apply for an extension of the residence permit if you have not yet completed your degree but can still do so within a reasonable period of time. A stay of ten years is generally considered the upper limit for the length of stay.
When deciding on the extension of a residence permit for the purpose of studying, the immigration authorities can obtain and take into account opinions from the university or other institutions approved for training or further education on questions relating to study requirements, the course of study, the degree and other academic matters.
The same conditions apply to the extension of the residence permit for the purpose of studying as for the granting of the permit. In particular, your livelihood must be secured for the duration of your studies.
In the event of an extension, your residence permit will be limited again. The residence permit for the purpose of studying will be extended for at least one year and usually for two years or for the remaining duration of the study.
If the foreigner takes part in a Union or multilateral programme with mobility measures (e.g. the European Union's ERASMUS+ programme) or if an agreement between two or more higher education institutions applies to the foreigner, the residence permit will be extended for at least two years. If the course lasts less than two years, it will be extended for the duration of the course.
As a rule, the residence permit cannot be extended if this was already excluded when the residence permit was issued or last extended.

• Passport or passport replacement
• Current biometric photo
• Existing residence permit
• Proof of livelihood (for example: blocked account at a German bank, scholarship certificate or declaration of commitment)
• Proof of your health insurance
• If applicable, proof of academic achievements
• rental contract

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute as well as a valid residence permit for the purpose of studying in accordance with Section 16b (1) of the Residence Act.
• The validity of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• You have not yet completed your degree and can prove that you can achieve this within a reasonable period of time.
• Your livelihood is secured for the entire duration of your studies.

Extension of residence permit for the purpose of studying
for a further stay of up to three months: EUR 96
for a further stay of more than three months: EUR 93

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.

You must apply for an extension of your residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

• Depending on the immigration authority and the matter, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, arrange an appointment with the immigration authorities.
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to issue the electronic residence permit (eAT).
• If you submit your application electronically, the immigration authorities will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the immigration authorities. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the eAT card.
• If your application is approved, the immigration authorities will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks you can collect the eAT card from the immigration office.

Fees are charged for extending the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority

The processing time usually takes 6 to 8 weeks and also depends on the completeness of the customer's documents. If documents are missing, the processing time will be extended.
It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

Extension of residence permit: at least eight weeks before the expiry of your current residence permit for the purpose of studying

You can also get free advice on entry, residence and employment from the “Hotline Working and Living in Germany” on the Federal Government’s portal for skilled workers from abroad.
Telephone: 030 1815-1111
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Federal government portal for skilled workers from abroad
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/ueber-das-portal/kontakt/hotline/

An appeal against the negative decision can be lodged with the authority within one month of notification.

• Residence permit for the purpose of training. Extension for study preparation and study.
• Residence permits for the purpose of studying will be extended if their period of validity expires in the near future and the studies in Germany are to be continued beyond their period of validity.
• The extension must be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of the fixed term.
• An extension of the residence permit for the purpose of studying is only possible if the conditions that existed when it was first issued are still met.
• When the residence permit is extended, it is again limited in time.
• An extension is not possible if the degree cannot be completed within a reasonable period of time or if the extension was already excluded by the immigration authorities at the time of the granting or the most recent extension.

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