Applying for an extension of the residence permit to prepare for and study at university

Source: BUS Rheinland-Pfalz

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 studies, but will be able to do so within a reasonable period of time. As a rule, the maximum length of stay is ten years.

When deciding on the extension of a residence permit for the purpose of studying, the Foreigners' Registration Office may obtain and take into account opinions from the university or other institutions approved for training or further education on matters relating to the study requirements, the course of study, the degree and other academic matters.

The same conditions apply for the extension of a residence permit for the purpose of studying as for the granting of a residence permit. In particular, your livelihood should be secured for the duration of your studies.

If your residence permit is extended, it will be limited in time again. The residence permit for the purpose of studying will be extended by at least one year and usually by two years or by the remaining duration of your studies.

If the foreigner is participating in an EU or multilateral program with mobility measures (e.g. ERASMUS+ program of the European Union) or if an agreement between two or more higher education institutions applies to the foreigner, the residence permit will be extended by at least two years. If the studies last less than two years, it will be extended by the duration of the studies.

As a rule, the residence permit cannot be extended if this was already ruled out when the residence permit was issued or last extended.

The extension of your residence permit must be applied for at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence.

Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
If the application can only be made in person, arrange an appointment with the immigration office.
During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to issue the electronic residence permit (eAT).
In the case of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the eAT card to be issued.
If your application is approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the Foreigners' Registration Office.

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

You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and a valid residence permit for the purpose of studying in accordance with Section 16b (1) of the Residence Act.
Your residence permit will expire in the near future.
There are no grounds for deportation against you.
Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
You have not yet completed your degree and can prove that you will be able to complete it within a reasonable period of time.
Your livelihood is secured for the entire duration of your studies.

Applying for an extension of the residence permit to prepare for and study at university

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Requirements

Which documents are required?

What are the fees?

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

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