You have already received a residence permit for skilled workers to look for work. This residence permit can be issued for up to six months in total. If this six-month period has not yet expired, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit, provided that you continue to earn a living.

With the residence permit for job seekers, you can engage in trial employment for which you are qualified for up to ten hours per week.

To extend your residence permit, you must meet the same requirements as for the initial issuance of the residence permit, i.e.:

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute).
• You have
  • domestic qualified vocational training or
  • an equivalent foreign professional qualification.
• The purpose of your job search must be to find qualified employment for which you are qualified based on your professional qualifications.
• You have German language skills that correspond to the desired job. As a rule, German language skills at least at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are required here.
• If you are seeking employment in a regulated profession, such as a medical profession, you must already have been granted or promised a license to practice.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance costs from your own resources without claiming public benefits.
• The maximum duration of the residence permit of six months has not yet been exhausted.
• There is no interest in expelling you.

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

• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to apply online or provides a special application form.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration 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, preferably the originals, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card). The immigration office will order the production of the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up your residence permit at the relevant office. The eAT card must always be picked up in person.

If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

An extension of the residence permit beyond the maximum period of six months is excluded if no suitable employment could be found within the period of validity. A residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment for qualified skilled workers with vocational training can only be reissued if the foreigner has stayed abroad for at least as long as he or she previously stayed in Germany after leaving the country.

The residence permit does not entitle the holder to engage in self-employment.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authorities
• Action before the court named in the appeal decision if the appeal is not upheld hsbescheid

The application should be received by the immigration office no later than 8 months before your current residence permit expires.

Validity period: maximum 6 months

The residence permit is issued for a maximum of six months. An extension is only possible if this 6-month period has not yet expired.

Appeal period: 1 month

Duration: approx. 8

Note for further information on processing time:

It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

In principle, the extension of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as for the initial issuance:

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Original training certificate/training certificate confirming successful completion of vocational training
• For a foreign professional qualification:
  • Training certificate/training diploma with German translation
  • Decision on the equivalence of the foreign professional qualification with a domestic qualified vocational training, if available
• For regulated professions: Professional license or confirmation of approval
• Proof of German language skills
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., equity capital, blocked account, letter of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Current registration certificate

In individual cases, the immigration office may request less or more documentation.

Cost:

• 96.00 for an additional stay of up to three months
• 93.00 for a further stay of more than three months

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

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes