Germany Seeks Non-EU Skilled Workers | Chancenkarte

Germany’s New Points-Based Immigration System 

Status 

To be presented by Labour Minister Hubertus Heil before the Cabinet this autumn. 

How will Chancenkarte work?

• An annual quota to be set on the total number of people who can come to Germany to look for a job or undergo training. 
• They can work in Germany during this period (unlike the Germany Job Seeker Visa).
• At least 3 out 4 conditions to be fulfilled. A skilled worker must - 

1. Be younger than 35 years of age, 
2. Have a recognised degree or professional qualification, 
3. Possess a minimum of 3 years’ professional experience, and 
4. Be able to demonstrate either a proficiency in the German language or have lived in Germany in the past.

The 4 factors above-mentioned will be weighted equally. 

Limits and specific conditions will be set each year as per the industries in Germany that are most in need of workers. 

Benefits of the new points-based system 

It will be easier and quicker for non-EU nationals to come to Germany looking for work and to get a Germany Residence Permit from within the country. 

What’s the difference between Germany Job Seeker Visa (JSV) and Chancenkarte?

1. You can’t work in Germany on a Job Seeker Visa as the JSV is only for looking for a job. You can work in Germany on a Chancenkarte. 
2. Specific eligibility must be met for a Job Seeker Visa. The new points-based immigration system is expected to be easier to navigate. 
3. No annual limits or caps on the number of Job Seeker Visas that can be granted in a year. There will be a limit on the total number of Chancenkarts to be granted based on industries with a high demand for labour.
4. JSV lets you go to Germany and look for a job for 6 months. Further details are awaited on the duration for the Chancenkarte.