March 24th, 2024 at 04:13 pm

Study and Work in Germany: New Visa Rules for International Students

After revisions to its visa policies, Germany now allows international students to work and study together, potentially paving the way for the start of your desired profession after graduation. For graduates looking to switch careers, the new law provides longer working hours, pre-study work permits, and alternative immigration pathways.

Germany, a country renowned for its strong educational system and booming economy, recently changed its visa policies significantly, with an emphasis on international students. The second section of Germany’s new skilled worker law went into effect on March 1, 2024, bringing new regulations for student work permits while they are studying there.

These changes are intended to improve the working environment for qualified people from a variety of backgrounds, in addition to addressing the urgent shortage of workers.

A Closer Look at Germany’s Skilled Worker Law

After the skilled worker law was first passed in November 2023, Germany is currently moving forward by implementing its second phase. The ultimate purpose of this comprehensive legislation is to reduce the crucial labor shortage in the nation by attracting talent from a variety of areas, including information technology and healthcare.

New Visa Rules for Prospective Students

Prospective students now have more freedom to mix employment with their studies in Germany according to the new rules. Below is a summary of the main clauses:

1. Work Opportunities Before Studies

These days, international students have the chance to work in Germany before formally beginning their academic careers. Non-EU nationals can now stay in Germany for up to nine months while they prepare their university applications thanks to the introduction of the Visum zur Studienbewerbung (study application visa).

Candidates can take language classes and get acquainted with the nation during this time. Interestingly, individuals can also work up to 20 hours a week of part-time employment to help pay for their stay—a big improvement over earlier rules.

2. Enhanced Support for Apprenticeship Applicants

Those who are interested in apprenticeships can also benefit from these. Third-country nationals under 35 years old who speak German at the B1 level are now allowed to stay for nine months to look for an apprenticeship. During this time, they are permitted to work 20 hours a week in addition to their training, part-time.

3. Increased Work Hours for Students

The good news for current students does not stop here! International students are now allowed to work up to 140 full days (or 280 half days) every year instead of just 120. This adds up to an additional 20 working days or 40 half-days each year, giving students more financial stability and professional experience.

Navigating Post-Graduation Transitions

Beyond scholastic pursuits, the new visa regulations also make it easier for graduates looking for work in Germany to move. What grads should know is as follows:

1. Streamlined Career Transitions

German university graduates now have greater freedom to consider changing careers after graduation. The availability of substitute visa routes, such as the German Skilled Worker Visa, Opportunity Card, or EU Blue Card, allows people to look for jobs outside of their academic field.

After gaining two years of relevant job experience, candidates can start new careers that fit their goals and skill set.

2. Diverse Qualification Recognition

The new rules also cover foreign graduates with official qualifications, so they go beyond just German university graduates. Candidates who have two years of relevant experience in any business or subject can use their qualifications to get employment in Germany, which will increase the diversity and level of competence in the workforce.

Does Germany Recognize You?

Think about Germany if you’re an international student or an aspiring professional! Germany can be the ideal location for you to start your academic and professional career because of its well-known universities, booming employment market, and friendly immigration laws.