If you’ve ever longed to live in Germany, now might be the perfect time to try. Germany recently announced a new work visa, the Chancenkarte, or “Opportunity Card”, which offers non-EU skilled workers a new opportunity to immigrate to Germany. This article will give detailed information on Germany’s opportunity card for non-eu skilled workers.
The Chancenkarte, which opened for applications on 1 June, offers a new points-based system that rates applicants by specific criteria, including academic qualifications, language skills, and past professional experience.
Those granted the Opportunity Card can live in Germany for up to one year while looking for work.
So rather than requiring an employer to sponsor them beforehand, they can live in Germany for up to one year.
The card also allows people to work part-time while searching for something more permanent legally.
Successful applicants will either have a professional qualification or academic degree that is fully recognized in Germany or a combination of criteria such as years of professional experience, a certain age, and language skills, each of which is worth a certain number of points.
Applicants must have a rating of six or more points to qualify for the visa. They must also show proof of ability to cover living expenses during their job search, at least €1,027 per month.
What is the Opportunity Card?
The opportunity card (Section 20a of the Residence Act [AufenthG]) improves your chances of making contact with German employers and finding qualified employment in Germany. Click here to apply online for the opportunity card.
What Are the Requirements for an Opportunity Card?
Are you from a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and would like to apply for an opportunity card under Section 20a of the Residence Act [AufenthG]? The following options are open to you:
Option 1:
You have a foreign professional or academic qualification that is fully recognized in Germany
If you obtained your university degree or professional qualification in Germany, you can immediately apply for a residence permit for jobseekers under Section 20 of the Residence Act [AufenthG].
This gives you more time to look for a job (18 months instead of one year).
Also, you can work part-time without restrictions during this time.
Option 2:
You score a minimum of six points in the points system in addition to meeting the following requirements:
1. You have completed vocational or academic training
The qualification must be recognized by the country in which you obtained it. In addition, your vocational qualification must have required at least two years of vocational training.
2. Proof of language proficiency
You either have German language skills of at least level A1
Also, English language skills of at least level B2 (CEFR).
3. Ability to cover living costs
For both Option 1 and Option 2, you must have sufficient financial resources to fund your job search in Germany.
How Does the Points System for Opportunity Cards Work?
The points system is only relevant if Option 2 applies to you, i.e. if you are unable to demonstrate that you have a German qualification or that your foreign qualification has been fully recognized. To apply for an opportunity card visa, you must also provide evidence of formal qualifications and the necessary language skills.
You can score points for the following criteria
- Equivalence of qualification: If you have already applied for recognition of your foreign qualification and it is partially equivalent, you will receive four points.
- Qualification in a shortage occupation: If your formal qualification is in a shortage occupation, you will get one point.
- Professional experience: You will also be awarded points for your previous professional experience and the formal qualification that you gained after graduating. Two points will be awarded if you can demonstrate that you have at least two years of professional experience within the last five years. You will get three points if you have at least five years of professional experience within the last seven years.
- Language skills: You will also earn points if your German language skills are above level A1 (CEFR). One point is awarded at level A2, two points at level B1, and three points at level B2 or above. An additional point will be awarded if you have English at level C1 or above, or if you are a native speaker.
- Age: You also receive points if you are a certain age. People who are no older than 35 get two points until the day they turn 35. All those aged between 35 and 40 are awarded one point.
Other Ways to Score Points
- Previous stays in Germany: Have you already lived in Germany? If you can prove that you have resided legally in Germany for a continuous period of at least six months in the last five years, you will receive one point. Examples of such stays include study, language, and work stays. Stays for tourism or visiting people do not count. Copies of old passports and the visas and entry stamps they contain can be submitted as evidence.
- Skilled worker potential of spouses or life partners: Are you married or in a partnership and would like to come to Germany with your partner on an opportunity card? If your partner already meets the requirements for an opportunity card, you will be awarded one point in the points system.
What Opportunities Does the Opportunity Card Offer?
One year is the maximum time for the issuance of an opportunity card. The card allows you to look for gainful employment in Germany, i.e. you can seek employment or become self-employed.
You are allowed to have one or more part-time jobs (secondary employment) totaling 20 hours a week while you are looking for gainful employment, . You can also do job trials for a maximum of two weeks per employer as part of your job search. The aim of the job trial must be either to obtain qualified employment, an apprenticeship, or a qualification program.
Conclusion
Germany recently announced a new work visa, the Chancenkarte, or “Opportunity Card”, which offers non-EU nationals a new opportunity to immigrate to Germany. “
[The Opportunity Card] will make it easier and quicker for people with experience and potential to find a suitable job and get started,” Nancy Faeser, Germany’s Federal Minister of the Interior and Community, said in a statement to the BBC.
Those granted the Opportunity Card can live in Germany for up to one year while looking for work, rather than requiring an employer to sponsor them beforehand. The card also allows people to legally work part-time while searching for something more permanent.