What is Job seeker visa?

The Job seeker visa for Germany is a Long-Term Residency permit which allows an individual to stay in the country for six months period and search for a job. If an individual has found a job at the end of the above-mentioned period a German Work Visa or Germany Work Permit will be provided and will be allowed to work and live there. It should be noted that having a job seeker visa only means that one can visit the country and search for a job during the stay. It does not allow one to start working immediately in Germany.

The following is required to obtain a Germany Job Seeker Visa:

• Eligibility to apply.
• Compilation of necessary documents.
• Filling out an application form and booking a visa appointment.

Eligibility of Applicants

The following criteria’s should be fulfilled by an individual for applying for a German Job Seeker Visa:

• Hold a Bachelor/Master Degree from a German University or an equivalent foreign degree.
• Have a minimum 5 years of experience in related field of study.
• Show proof of having sufficient funds to cover one’s stay in Germany.
• Have Travel or Medical Insurance for an entire stay in Germany or till getting a work permit.

Documents for Application

Checklist of documents needed to obtain a German Job Seeker Visa:

• A valid passport (issued in the past 10 years and valid for at least 12 months after the scheduled return)
• A copy of the passport’s data page.
• 3 passport pictures based on biometric specifications.
• A cover letter explaining the objective of the visit, planning how to find employment, and an alternative career plan if not found a job.
• Diploma or Degree (or any other proof of academic qualification from a German or Non-German University)as well as any certificate of previous work experience.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Proof of accommodation in Germany.
• Proof of financial means for covering the cost for a stay in Germany by showing one of the following documents:
• The Bank account statement, or
• Blocked bank account
• Proof of personal status in home country such as Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, etc.(translated in English)
• Proof of Health Insurance

Application Form and Appointment

The final step after gathering the necessary documents is to fill out an application form from a German Embassy for the job seeker visa. After submitting the form an appointment for an interview will be booked. The background and documents, application form, and interview will determine whether an individual will be granted the German Job Seeker Visa. An individual cannot work in Germany with a job seeker visa. Once an individual has found a job it must be changed to a residence permit for employment.