How can I, as a foreign graduate of a German university, improve my residency status?
May 25, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Eiserfelder
Dear lawyer,
My name is Gertrud Seiler, and I am a foreign graduate of a German university. I have successfully completed my studies and now face the challenge of improving my residency status in Germany. Currently, I only have a student visa which is soon to expire, and I am concerned that without an extension of my residency status, I may not be able to stay in Germany.
I chose to study in Germany because I love the German culture and language, and I also aspire to establish myself professionally here. My goal is to find employment in my field of study after graduation and to live and work in Germany long-term. However, the uncertainty regarding my residency status is causing me great worry, and I do not know what options are available to extend my stay and secure my future in Germany.
Therefore, I am seeking your advice and support. Can you provide me with information on how to improve my residency status in Germany? Are there special residence permits for graduates of German universities that can help me stay and work here? What steps do I need to take to secure my residency status and achieve my professional goals in Germany?
I thank you in advance for your assistance and look forward to your support in clarifying this important matter.
Sincerely,
Gertrud Seiler
Dear Mrs. Seiler,
Thank you for your inquiry and for trusting in my expertise in the field of immigration law. I am pleased to hear that you have decided to stay in Germany after your studies and establish yourself professionally here. It is understandable that the uncertainty regarding your residency status is causing you concern. I would like to show you some options on how you can improve your residency status in Germany.
As a graduate of a German university, you generally have the possibility to extend your stay in Germany and work here. One way to improve your residency status is to apply for a residence permit for job seeking. This residence permit allows you to stay in Germany for a certain period after your studies to find a suitable job in your field.
Furthermore, there are also special residence permits for graduates of German universities, such as the so-called "residence permit for job seeking for qualified professionals with a German university degree". This residence permit allows you to stay in Germany for up to 18 months after your studies to look for employment.
To secure your residency status in Germany and achieve your professional goals, you should contact the relevant immigration authorities early on and prepare all necessary documents for the application of a residence permit. These documents include your degree certificate, a valid passport, health insurance, and, if necessary, proof of sufficient financial means.
I also recommend that you inform yourself in a timely manner about the various options for extending your stay in Germany and, if necessary, seek professional assistance with the application process.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available to support you with your concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need assistance.
Best regards,
Leonie Eiserfelder
Lawyer specializing in immigration law
