Granting a residence permit to look for a job after graduation

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you apply online, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents to the appointment, in the original if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce a new electronic residence permit (eAT card). The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can collect the residence permit from the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of rejection.

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (e.g. 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 your residence permit will expire in the near future.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover without claiming public benefits.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.

Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Visa, if this was required for entry
• 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 means of subsistence (e.g. employment contract, equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance cover
• Current registration certificate

In individual cases, the immigration authority may require less or further proof

Fee 98,00 EUR

Remark:

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

• (Section 45 No. 3 Residence Ordinance - Fees for the residence permit, the EU Blue Card, the ICT Card and the Mobile ICT Card)

The application should be submitted to the Aliens' Registration Office at least 8 days before your valid residence permit expires.

Period of validity (for a fixed period): maximum 18

The residence permit is issued for a maximum of 18 months. It is not possible to extend the residence permit beyond this maximum period.

The production of the electronic residence permit by Bundesdruckerei takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

• § Section 20 (3) no. 1 Residence Act (AufenthG) - job search for skilled workers

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority
• Legal action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance necessary: Yes

28.01.2022