Applying for a residence permit to look for a job after completing your studies

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute).
• 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 impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute)
• 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 securing one's livelihood (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 further proof.

Fee 98,00 EUR

Remark:

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

• (§ 45 No. 3 Residence Ordinance - Fees for the Residence Permit, the EU Blue Card, the ICT Card and the Mobile ICT Card

• Find out whether your immigration authority allows you to submit your application online or has a special application form.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. In the case of an online application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your application to make an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably original, to the appointment).
• If your request is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of a new electronic residence title (eAT card). 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 picked up in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

The application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office no later than 8 weeks before your valid residence permit expires.

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

The duration of the application processing depends on the local conditions as well as on the factual accuracy of the information in the application and the completeness of the application documents.

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

• § 20 paragraph 3 number 1 Residence Act (AufenthG) - Job search for skilled workers

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