Guidelines For The German Job Seeker Visa
A recent study has indicated that Germany will need close to 260,000 new migrant workers by 2060 for meeting the shortage of skilled laborers. Out of this, the country will need about 1.4 million workers from non-EU (European Union) nations.
The skills shortage in the country can be attributed to these factors:
● An ageing population will lead to a decrease in the labour force by 16 million. This is almost a third of the present numbers
● Fall in the number of migrant workers from the EU because after convergence fewer EU workers would be willing to leave their country for work.
● A major percentage of existing refugees are unable to speak German or lack basic skills
● Only 14% of these refugees have specialized skills required for jobs
These are the reasons why Germany is keen to adopt a worker-friendly policy through its popular Germany Job Seeker Visa.
What is a Germany Job-seeker Visa?
Germany Job-seeker Visa is an official permit issued by the German Embassy to enable you to stay in Germany & look for employment. Indian Nationals must apply for a visa before travelling to Germany in search of employment. The job seeker visa is valid for a period of 6 months.
If the applicant has been successful in finding a job, then a Germany Work Permit will be granted. This visa is introduced to attract talented overseas workers to engage in employment in Germany companies. This initiative is taken to meet the skill shortage in the German job market that cannot be filled locally.
Germany Job-Seeker Visa Key Features
Applicants with a valid Job seeker visa are allowed to reside in Germany for up to six months and explore job options in their field. Applicants can only look for job opportunities under this visa and cannot work during this period. Once they get a job offer they must get it converted to work permit
Applicants must return to their home country if unable to secure a job within six months.
Few Benefits of Job-seeker Visa
● It allows an individual to stay in Germany and explore job opportunities
● Prompt visa decisions relatively faster than other countries
● Employment offer letter not mandatory to apply for this visa
● Offers six months’ visa validity to explore job scope in diverse sectors
● Chance to apply for permanent residence in the long run provided you bag a job
● Allows working in one of the economically strong countries.
Steps To Get The Job Seeker Visa
Once you have checked your eligibility requirements, this is the process to get your job seeker visa.
Step 1: Gather all the required documents: You will have to submit a list of documents along with your application. These include:
● A valid passport with an expiry date three months after the validity of the applied visa expires.
● Your curriculum vitae with details of your education and work experience.
● Proof of your educational qualifications.
● Certificates of your previous work experience.
● Proof of your language proficiency in the form of your IELTS or TOEFL test scorecard and German language certification at A1 level.
● A cover letter explaining why you need a job seeker visa, your plan to find employment in Germany and your alternative actions if you do not find a job within the six months.
● A health insurance policy with a validity of six months. You will need to get this policy from a company authorized with the country.
● Blocked bank account as proof of your financial resources.
Step 2: Get an appointment from the Embassy- Get an appointment from the embassy to submit the application form. 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.