How can I get job seeker visa in Germany in 2021?

Germany is attracting an increasing number of skilled professionals from across the globe. Getting a job seeker visa in Germany in 2021 can place you on a fast-tracked path for achieving your overseas dream.

As one of the most powerful countries in Europe, with a low employment rate and high growth prospects, Germany is the ideal destination for work overseas.

According to a study by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), by 2060 Germany is estimated to have an annual immigration requirement of a minimum of 260,000. Out of this, an annual average of about 114,000 immigrants from other EU countries are expected to come to Germany.

That still leaves us with 146,000 immigrants a year that will be coming to Germany from third countries outside the EU.

Taking into account the potential of the local population, the study came to the finding that the requirement for skilled labor in Germany could not be covered by domestic means alone.

As per Jörg Dräger, Chairman of the Bertelsmann Foundation, “Migration is a key to a successful future – Germany needs skilled workers – also from regions outside Europe.”

If you have the necessary qualifications and the requisite work experience, you can search for a job in Germany from within Germany itself. Appearing in person for your face-to-face interviews, as against a digitally conducted interview online, can undoubtedly greatly enhance your chances of getting the job.

You can go to Germany and search for a job with the Germany Job Seeker Visa (JSV).

A long-term residency permit, Germany’s Job Seeker Visa lets you enter Germany and look for a job for up to 6 months.

Do keep in mind that you cannot work on a Job Seeker Visa. The visa is intended only for the purpose of looking for a job.

If you do secure a job in Germany by the end of your 6 months’ visa validity, you will be given German work permit or Germany work visa that will enable you to continue living and working in the country.

If, on the other hand, you do not have a valid job offer by the end of your allotted duration of stay, you will be required to exit the country.

What is the eligibility criterion for Germany Job Seeker Visa?

• Have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree from a university in Germany or an equivalent overseas degree. (This clause has been modified after changes to German immigration laws in 2020)
• Possess a minimum of 1 year’ experience in your field of study.
• Be able to supply adequate proof of funds covering your stay during the time period that you would be in Germany.
• Have insurance (travel or medical) that covers your stay in Germany, or at least covers you till the time that you get your Work Permit if you succeed in getting a job.

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Check your eligibility with our Germany Skilled Immigration Points Calculator.

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Changes to German immigration laws that impact the JSV

With the implementation of new immigration laws in March 2020, these were some of the changes made to the Jobseeker Visa:

• Applicants will no longer need to have a Bachelor's degree
• Applicants are required to have a formal vocational qualification in their field of work.
• Applicants must be able to speak intermediate level German

Let us look at the implications of these changes:

Non-requirement of formal education: With this change non- graduates with vocational or professional qualifications will be able to find work in Germany as long as they are able to speak German at the intermediate level.

German language requirement: The government here has come to realize that it is important for foreign workers to have at least an intermediate level knowledge of the German language.

This is because German employers are looking at hiring people who can speak German because local German businesses conduct their businesses in German unlike large multinational corporations who use English.

The skill requirements in Germany are in technical and vocational fields which cater to the local market. If foreign jobseekers want employment in these sectors, they need to know German at the intermediate level to succeed.

Jobseeker visa application rules

Keeping the eligibility requirements and the latest immigration rules, JSV applicants who have no knowledge of the German language are less likely to succeed. Applicants who are not graduates but are looking for vocational jobs still need to have the qualifications and experience to succeed.

Apart from this JSV applicants should have enough funds to sustain their stay in the country for six months and will not be able to immediately bring their family with them.

What are the basic steps for applying for Germany Job Seeker Visa?

Step 1: Gather all the required documents- You will have to submit the list of required documents along with your application.

Step 2: Get an appointment from the embassy-Get an appointment from the embassy one month ahead of the date you intend to apply for the visa.

Step 3: Submit the online application- Fill the online application form and submit it with the required documents.

Step 4: Attend the visa interview- Attend the visa interview at the embassy or consulate at the designated time.

Step 5: Pay the visa fees.

Step 6: Wait for the visa processing- Your visa application will be examined by a visa officer or the home office in Germany.  The waiting time can be between one to two months before you know the outcome of your application.

What are the documents required for Germany Job Seeker Visa?

According to the German Missions in India, you will require the following to apply for the Germany Job Seeker Visa –

• Valid passport, that has been issued in the previous 10 years and also has a minimum validity of 1 year from the date of your scheduled return.
• Passport-sized pictures (3), in keeping with the biometric specifications.
• Copy of the data page of your passport.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) containing your complete educational qualifications and employment history.
• Cover Letter. Written by the applicant and explaining in detail – the exact purpose for coming to Germany; the intended course of action to find employment when in Germany; duration of stay; and further plans for your career should you find a job.
• Proof of Academic Qualification and Work Experience. Do keep in mind that you will have to get your non-German degrees assessed by anabin.
• Proof of Accommodation. If you would be staying with a relative or a friend in Germany, you will have to supply a Verpflichtungserklärung, that is, a formal obligation letter.
• Proof of Health Insurance.
• Proof of Financial Means for covering the costs for your duration of stay in Germany. For this, you will require a document such as your bank account statement or Verpflichtungserklärung (a formal obligation letter provided by your sponsor living in Germany).
• Proof of your personal status in India. This includes documents such as – Aadhar card; ration card; marriage certificate; birth certificate of applicant, wife, children; that is, if applicable. Do keep in mind that wherever needed, you will have to get the relevant document translated into the English language and submit the translated version as well.
• Cash or Demand Draft for covering the costs of the verification of your documents. This will not be required if your documents have been verified previously.

Quick Facts: Bring all original documents along when you appear for the personal interview. The verification process, taking around 8 to 12 weeks, will be done by the Embassy or the locally competent Consulate. You cannot work on your Germany Job Seeker Visa. When you find employment, your visa will be changed into a residence permit for employment in Germany. You can be asked for additional documents as well at the sole prerogative of the German Mission. Submission of documents is not a guarantee that the visa will be granted. Rejection of application in case of incomplete documentation or refusal for appearing for the visa interview.

2021 is the ideal time to be heading to Deutschland on a Job Seeker Visa.

Armed with the necessary skills and experience, there is no place like Germany to kickstart your overseas dream.

Highly skilled migrants are in great demand in Germany. With 2021 just around the corner, there is all the more reason to apply now!