Can a fresher get a German job-seeker visa?

by Y-Axis Dubai isa and Immigration Consultants | Y-Axis Dubai

Can a fresher get a German job-seeker visa? This is a very pertinent question for someone without work experience who wishes to find a job in Germany and move there. This is not possible because one of the eligibility requirements to apply for a visa is to have work experience.

This jobseeker visa allows skilled workers from other countries to come to Germany and search for a job. This visa was introduced to solve the problem of skills shortage in several areas.

The features of this visa are:

You need not have a job offer from a German company to apply for this visa.
If you find a job in the six months you are in Germany on this visa, you can later change it to a work permit.
When you are looking for work with the visa, you are not allowed to work either on a self-employed basis or otherwise.
If you do not find a job within the six months, you will need to leave Germany immediately.

Let us look at the eligibility requirements for the jobseeker visa in more detail:

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)
Have a minimum of 5 years’ work experience in a job related to your area 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
Have proof that you have completed 15 years of regular education
A B1 or B2 level in German though not mandatory will help you in your job search
Proof that you have arranged your accommodation for six months
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

Work experience required

Germany immigration rules require that you need to have the stipulated years of work experience to apply for a jobseeker visa. This visa is valid for a duration of six months. You will get six months to search for a job in Germany. This gives you ample time to find a job that is a fit for your skills and qualifications

You get the provision to apply for an EU Blue Card once you secure a job.

After 5 years of staying in Germany with a work visa, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Steps to apply for a Jobseeker visa

Step 1: Gather all the required documents- Submit the required list of documents along with your application.

Step 2: Get an appointment from the embassy-. Schedule an appointment from the embassy one month before the date you intend to apply for the visa and submit your application form

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

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

Step 5: Pay the visa fees-Ensure you pay the required fees.

Step 6: Wait for the visa processing– The processing time for the visa can vary between one to two months.

One of the important prerequisites of Germany immigration through the jobseeker visa is to have work experience. So, it is not possible for freshers to apply for a jobseeker visa.