Japa: Germany Announces Opportunity Cards for Migrant Workers

The Procedure for Applying is Carried out Using Germany Immigration Portal

Germany has revealed the eligibility requirements for the “Chancenkarte,” also known as the Opportunity Card, which is a revolutionary visa program that enables talented individuals to look for work within Germany even if they do not have a pre-existing job offer.

This move is part of an effort to solve crucial labor shortages. Individuals who meet the requirements can take advantage of this points-based system, which provides a shortened path to participation in the German labor force.

Individuals have a significant opportunity to investigate potential employment opportunities through the use of the Opportunity Card, which originally has a validity period of up to one year.

Should they be successful in securing a job contract, they will be able to proceed with the process of obtaining a subsequent Opportunity Card or a more permanent residence visa afterwards.

The Federal Government stated, “The Opportunity Card is issued for a period of up to one year.

“If you receive an employment contract or a binding job offer for qualified employment during your stay, you can obtain a follow-up Opportunity Card or another residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment from the local foreigners’ authority in Germany, provided you fulfill the relevant requirements.”

• The procedure for applying is carried out using the immigration portal of Germany. Applicants are required to provide:
• “Proof of qualifications/Validation of the qualifications
• “Proof of work experience/Evidence that you have previous work experience
• “Language certificates/Validation of language skills
• “Proof of financial stability/Evidence of the stability of the financial situation
• “Health insurance/Plan for medical care

Instructions on How to Navigate the Points System for the Germany Opportunity Card

• It is necessary for applicants to accrue a minimum of six points based on a variety of factors in order to be considered for the program, which is based on a transparent scoring system.
• “Education: Four points are awarded for partial recognition of foreign educational qualifications or regulated professions, contingent on compensatory measures.
• “Language Skills: German language proficiency is valued, with one point for A2 level, two for B1, and three for B2 or higher. An additional point is available for C1 level or higher English, or native speaker proficiency.
• “Age: Applicants who are younger are given preference, with two points awarded to those who are up to 35 years old and one point awarded to those who are between the ages of 35 and 40.
• “Shortage Occupations: One point is granted for qualifications in designated shortage occupations.
• :Professional Experience: Two points are awarded for two years of relevant experience within the past five years, and three points for three years within the past seven.
• “German Ties: One point is awarded for a minimum of six months of continuous, legal residency in Germany within the past five years (excluding tourism).J
• “oint Applications: One point can be awarded to one partner in a joint application, provided all other criteria are met.