Apply for extension of the residence permit for a study-related internship EU

The Foreigners' Registration Office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

• You are currently studying in a third country (outside the EU or EEA) or have successfully completed your studies no more than two years before applying.
• You would like to extend the internship agreement.
• The internship provider extends the declaration of assumption of costs (obligation to cover costs that public authorities may incur up to six months after the end of the internship for your livelihood during your unauthorized stay in Germany or for your deportation).
• The internship still corresponds to your university degree or ongoing studies in terms of subject and level.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without using public benefits.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes

• Recognised and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Residence permit (study-related internship EU)
• Recent biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of securing a livelihood without the use of public benefits (e.g. equity, scholarship, declaration of commitment, payment of a security deposit into a blocked account at a bank, bank guarantee, proof of parents' income or similar)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g. confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy).
• In the case of minors: consent of all persons with custody to the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the custodial parents are unable to submit the application jointly on behalf of their child, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if only one parent has custody, the signature of that parent is sufficient
• Proof of university degree or ongoing studies in a third country (e.g. university certificate, certificate of enrolment)
• Internship agreement with the internship provider with the following content:
  • Description of the program for the internship (including educational objective, learning components),
  • information on the duration of the internship,
  • the conditions of activity and supervision,
  • Working hours and
  • the legal relationship between the trainee and the trainee provider.
• Declaration of assumption of costs by the internship provider
• The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Foreigners' Registration Office may require less or more proof.

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be considered (e.g. for persons entitled to asylum or recognised refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish nationals.

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to submit the application online or provides a special application form.
• If you have not yet reached the age of 18, you may not submit the application yourself, but require a representative (as a rule, the application is submitted by the custodial parent).
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office. In the case of online application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• If you have not yet reached the age of 18, you must be accompanied by at least one legal representative (usually one parent) at the personal visit. In the case of joint custody, the parents must always appear together at the authority and jointly file the application on your behalf. If one parent cannot appear in person, the other parent with custody must issue a written power of attorney for the application.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, originals if possible, to the appointment).
• If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence title (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will order the production of the eAT card from the Bundesdruckerei. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the eAT card at the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

Duration (for span): 6 to 8

Remark (for more information about the deadline):

The extension should be applied for at least eight weeks before your valid residence permit expires.

Remark (for more information on the deadline):

The residence permit is issued for a limited period of time for the agreed duration of the internship, but for a maximum total period of six months. The further extension is excluded.

(for span): approx. 6 to 8

Note for further information on processing time:

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the Foreigners' Registration Office.

It takes about 4 weeks to 6 weeks for the Bundesdruckerei to produce the electronic residence permit.

• The residence permit does not entitle the holder to pursue further gainful employment.
• In the case of internships that exceed a period of six months, the issuance of a residence permit for in-company training may be considered. The issuance of a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment may also be considered for a further six months following the internship if the foreigner is to be regarded as a specialist with vocational training or as a specialist with academic training on the basis of his or her qualifications.
• The procedure at the Foreigners Authority is usually conducted in German.
• All information provided to the Aliens' Registration Office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that the request can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be disadvantageous for the person concerned. In a serious case, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time vis-à-vis the Aliens Department may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years, or expulsion from the Federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of the right of residence, this description is for information purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Section 16e of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
• § 5 Residence Act (AufenthG)
• § 8 Residence Act (AufenthG)

• Appeal against the decision of the Foreigners Authority within one month of notification
• Action before the court named in the notice of appeal if the appeal is not granted

• An appeal against a negative decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office can be brought before the competent administrative court.
• A preliminary procedure (opposition) does not take place in Lower Saxony.
• Detailed information can be found in the rejection notice.