The Germany Opportunity Card, or “Chancenkarte,“ is a groundbreaking initiative in Germany’s immigration system. Now, skilled individuals seeking employment opportunities have a dynamic pathway to enter Germany.
The innovative work visa eliminates the traditional requirement of securing a job offer before arriving in Germany. Therefore, the Opportunity Card offers greater flexibility and accessibility for aspiring professionals.
With the Germany Opportunity Card, job applicants can start their job searching in Germany with the confidence that they have the right to seek employment opportunities. This forward-thinking approach opens doors for talented individuals from around the world, addresses skill shortages, and fosters a more diverse and competitive workforce in Germany.
As a result, the nation’s commitment to attracting global talent exemplifies and reinforces its position as a hub for innovation and economic growth.
When Does The Application Process Start?
The opportunity card was announced in September 2022, which aimed to attract skilled labor from across the globe and counter the issue of the shortage of a skilled workforce in Germany.
The opportunity card is expected to be open for public applications around November 2023, while the newly introduced immigration laws are expected to be implemented in March 2024.
What are the Benefits of the Germany Opportunity Card?
With the announcement of the Germany opportunity card comes exciting new benefits for skilled professionals outside the EU.
1. No Job Offer
Unlike the traditional employment visa of Germany, the Germany opportunity card does not require the individual to present a job offer form or contract to apply.
Moreover, a sponsorship letter is also not required. This enables the application to be flexible and explore the diverse career opportunities offered within Germany.
2. No Minimum Salary
Even though the point system includes at least three years of work experience and awards 2 points, it does not mention the need for a minimum salary.
Unlike the Blue Card, which requires a minimum wage, the absence of the minimum salary requirement makes applying for the opportunity card easier.
3. No Positive Response
The Jobseeker Visa of Germany requires the application to present positive responses from their previous employers. The Germany Opportunity card abolishes the need to provide positive responses from previous employers.
4. Time For Job Search
The Germany Opportunity Card allows the applicant to search for a job in Germany for up to a year. This provides the applicant ample time; if they cannot find a job within the validity of the opportunity card, the truth can be extended for up to 2 years under certain conditions.
In contrast with the jobseeker visa, the time allowed was only six months.
5. Part-Time Work
The Germany opportunity card allows the applicant to work part-time in Germany as long as they don’t find a full-time job.
This flexibility eases the funding aspect of the applicant while they search for a full-time job. The working of park time was not previously allowed in the jobseeker visa.
6. Only 6 Points
The Germany opportunity card is a point-based system that offers points to the applicant for multiple conditions. The eligibility criteria of only 6 points make it easy for the applicant to be eligible for application.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Chancenkarte Application?
To be eligible for the Germany opportunity card visa of Germany, the applicant must fall under the following conditions:
● Only Non-Europeans are eligible to apply
● A minimum of 6 points are accumulated
● No previous criminal record
● Apply through the German Embassy of Consulate
● The applicant must be able to self-finance their stay in Germany
Understanding The Point System
Compared to the point-based system of Canada or New Zealand, the point system of Germany is far more manageable. You will earn more points as you fulfill the requirements, and the more moments you hold increases, the chances that your application will be accepted.
1. Professional Qualification
Suppose you hold a professional qualification, and the Government of Germany recognizes the capability or determines that additional training is required to make the qualification equivalent to a German Professional qualification. In that case, 4 points will be awarded to you.
2. 3 Points Category
The following categories will grant the applicant 3 points if they satisfy the requirements.
- Fluency in German Language
If the applicant possesses good German language skills and speaks the Language fluently, they will be awarded 3 points. These points need to add up with the sufficient German Language skills category.
- 5 years of Professional Work Experience
If the applicant has professional work experience of 5 years, they will be awarded 3 points. These points do not add up with the “two years of professional work” category.
3. 2 Points Category
The following categories will award the applicant 2 points of the eligibility criteria if they satisfy the requirements.
- Sufficient German Language Skills
Suppose the applicant needs to qualify for the fluent German Language Category. In that case, they will still be awarded 2 points if they possess sufficient and basic understanding and speaking of the German Language.
- 2 years of Professional Work Experience
If the applicant does not hold the experience of 5 years, they will still be awarded 2 points if their professional work experience is at least two years.
- Age below 35
Since the opportunity card aims to attract young, skilled workers to Germany, 2 points will be awarded if the applicant is below the age of 35 years.
4. 1 Point Category
The following categories will grant the applicant 1 point if they satisfy the requirements.
- English Skills at Level C1
The applicant receives a single point if their English language proficiency meets the C1 level criteria outlined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
- Age above 35 and under 40
If the applicant is between 35 and 40, they will be awarded a single point. No points will be granted if the applicant is over 40.
- 6 months in Germany
If the applicant has previously lived in Germany for at least six months, they are awarded a single point. Short breaks are also considered as long as Germany is the applicant’s primary residence.
- Spouse Eligibility
If the applicant’s spouse also fulfills the requirements of the opportunity card, they are awarded a point.
Limitations of The Germany Opportunity Card
The introduction of Germany opportunity cards comes with implementing an annual upper limit on the number of visas available, resulting in a scenario where there will be more applicants than available visas each year.
However, the eligibility for this category is contingent on meeting specific criteria, potentially leading to additional verifications and bureaucratic processes that could extend visa approval waiting times.
Interestingly, even for IT professionals who typically secure English-speaking jobs in Germany, the opportunity card’s eligibility criteria may necessitate the acquisition of German language proficiency, even when it may not be a requirement for their job roles.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, The Germany Opportunity Card Visa is an exciting new step by the Government of Germany, and it aims to attract skilled professionals to meet the demand for the skilled workers required within the country—the general ease of understanding and the point-based system triumphed over the previous job seeker visa.
Considering the limitations of the Opportunity Card, applying as soon as it is launched is suggested to get accepted promptly. The opportunity card offers much, so take advantage of the benefits!
