Germany Announces ‘Opportunity Card’ to Attract International Students

By Aahana June 30, 2024
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This programme enables applicants to gain entry into Germany and look for any form of employment without having to secure an offer of employment or be an immigrant sponsored by a family member. On June 1, 2024, the German government launched the Opportunity Card, locally referred to as ‘Chancenkarte,’ for skilled immigrants from non-EU countries.
It means they can apply for a visa and get a job in Germany in this category without any permanent job offer or family-based invitation, which is a significant departure from Germany’s immigration policy and helps improve international student employment.

Advantages of the Opportunity Card

  • Easy Entry Process: A more efficient way toward legal immigration to Germany.
  • One-Year Residence Permit: This is the first permit with a provision made for renewal.
  • Earning Potential: Opportunity to receive from 100 to 1000 euros monthly.
  • Flexible Work Hours: Permits up to 20 hours of work per week and is advantageous for international student employment.
  • Job Search Benefit: Allows time to find an excellent part-time or often full-time position.

Eligibility Criteria to qualify for the Opportunity Card

  • Educational Qualifications: Proper university degree or at least two years of vocational recognized in their home country.
  • Professional Work Experience: The points system also allows a candidate to amass five years of professional experience as extra points.
  • Age: Candidates below 35 get two points, while those between 36 and 40 get one point.
  • Language Proficiency: Speaking either German A2 or English C1 also yields extra points. Depending on the level of proficiency in German, the B1-B2 /C2 level offers differing bonus points of 1-3.
  • Financial Stability: This is an opportunity to show financial readiness, which may include two stable sources of funds or a part-time employment contract not exceeding 20 hours per week that helps in the entry of international students into employment.

Source: HT

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