If you have completed vocational training (usually 3 years diploma) or a bachelor/master degree in your home country and would like to come to Germany to on job search / seeker visa, it is possible to stay in Germany for a period of 6 months and search for the dream job. There are certain requirements for the applicants of job seeker visa. These requirements are mentioned below.

Before Visa Application (Vocational Training)

If you have completed a vocational training in your home country, it is important to get your vocational training recognized in Germany. Every state of Germany has its own authority responsible for the recognition of vocational training. Therefore, the applicant must first decide in which state he/she would like to work and then apply for the recognition of his/her vocational training to the responsible authority of that state. There could be three possible outcomes of recognition process.
1. Foreign vocational training /Diploma is recognized
2. Foreign vocational training /Diploma is only partially recognized
3. Foreign vocational training /Diploma is not recognized In case the vocational training is recognized, one can apply for the job seeker visa, provided that the other requirements are also fulfilled. These requirements are mentioned below. If the vocational training is only partially recognized, the responsible authorities will also mention those modules/subjects which are not recognized and options to complete these modules in Germany. Another important requirement that one has to fulfill in case applicant has completed vocational training is to learn German language till at least B1 level. Applicant with vocational training must also provide proof that applicant has enough financial means to cover the cost of living during their 6 months stay in Germany. This requirement can be fulfilled with the help of blocked bank account or through formal obligation letter.

Before Visa Application (Bachelor / Master Degree holders)

If you have studied a bachelor or a master degree in home country and would like to apply for job seeker visa in Germany, then you have to apply for the equivalency of your degree. There is a central authority responsible for the recognition of foreign degrees. The whole recognition process may take 2 – 3 months. Applicants of job seeker visa must also provide evidence of having sufficient financial means to cover the cost of living during their 6 months stay in Germany. This requirement can be fulfilled with the help of blocked bank account or through formal obligation letter.

After Getting Job Seeker Visa

If you have received your job seeker visa, you can stay in Germany for a period of 6 months to find a job related to your studies/profession. If one does not get a job during these 6 months, job seeker visa can’t be extended. However, one may apply for job seeker visa again after spending at least 6 months abroad. During 6 months stay in Germany, one may also work for up to 10 hours / week. If you have found a job related to your studies/profession, you can apply for EU blue card or residence permit for qualified professionals.

TIPS & TRICKS to Find Job on Job Seeker Visa

The success of finding a suitable job during the 6 months period largely depends on the following factors.
• Do your research on the companies working in your field and their location in Germany
• Get familiar with the skills, tools, technologies being used in those companies in Germany and upgrade your profile accordingly
• Learn German language till B1/B2 level before you arrive in Germany
• Start searching for accommodation even before arriving in Germany. Finding accommodation can take lots of time, if you are not prepared for this important step
• Get yourself familiar with the TODOs you as an international professional are required to do after arriving in Germany on job seeker visa
• Prepare your application documents including CV and motivation letter professionally according to the format used in Germany
• Take time to create your profile on famous platforms in Germany especially Xing, LinkedIn and highlight your skills and competences