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Residence permit for job search after studies Apply for extension

Service Description

As a graduate of a German university, you have a legal right to be granted a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment. The residence permit will be issued for a maximum of 18 months directly following your studies. If this maximum period was not utilized when the permit was first issued, the residence permit can be extended accordingly. However, if you do not find a job during these 18 months, an extension is excluded and you are obliged to leave the Federal territory.
This residence permit allows unrestricted gainful employment.

Process flow

The extension of your residence permit must be applied for at the aliens' registration office responsible for your place of residence.

  • Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for the residence permit.
  • If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Aliens' Registration Office.
  • During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
  • In the case of an electronic application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to make an appointment for an interview at the Aliens' Registration Office. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (please bring them to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the eAT card.
  • If your application is granted, the Aliens' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
  • After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up your eAT card at the Aliens' Registration Office.

There are fees for the extension of the residence permit. The timing as well as the form of payment varies depending on the authority

Who should I contact?

The immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

Competent authority

The immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

Requirements

You are in possession of a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment after successfully completing your studies in Germany. The maximum period of 18 months has not yet been exhausted. In addition, you meet the general requirements for the issuance of a residence permit. These are in particular:

  • a secure livelihood
  • a clarified identity
  • possession of a valid national passport or passport substitute.

Which documents are required?

  • Valid passport or passport replacement
  • Proof of secure livelihood (for example, employment contract and pay slips, bank statements, submission of a declaration of commitment by a third party),
  • Proof of health insurance,
  • Degree certificate, transcript or certificate from your university confirming successful completion of your studies,
  • 1 current biometric photo,
  • Please inquire at the immigration office responsible for you whether you need to submit further documents.

What are the fees?

Fee: 96,00 EUR
Payment in advance: no
for a further stay of up to three months

Fee: 93,00 EUR
Payment in advance: no
for a further stay of more than three months

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

  • Extension of residence permit: at the latest eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid residence permit.
  • Period of action: 1 month

Processing duration

about six to eight weeks

Legal basis

Applications / forms

An appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office may be filed with the court specified in the decision.

Appeal

Forms: Application for a residence permit
Online procedure occasionally possible
Written form required: yes
Personal appearance required: yes

Author

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

Thuringian Ministry for Migration, Justice and Consumer Protection

Professionally released on

30.03.2023

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6Plus)

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