On June 1, 2024, Germany introduced the Opportunity Card, also known as the ‘Chancenkarte’, which aims to simplify the immigration process for skilled professionals from non-EU countries.
This initiative allows individuals to enter Germany and seek employment without the need for a permanent job offer or family sponsorship, representing a significant change in immigration policy and increasing international student employment opportunities.
Benefits of Opportunity Cards
The Opportunity Card offers several benefits to applicants:
● Easy entry process: A simplified process for legal entry into Germany.
● One-year residence permit: initial permit with the possibility of extension.
● Earning potential: Potential to earn up to 1000 Euros monthly.
● Flexible work hours: Allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, which benefits international students in employment.
● Job Search Benefit: Provides time to secure a qualified part-time or full-time job.
Eligibility Criteria for Avsar Card
To qualify for the Opportunity Card, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
● Educational qualification: A recognised university degree in your country or at least two years of vocational training.
● Professional work experience: Accumulating five years of professional experience earns additional points in the point system.
● Age: Applicants below 35 years of age will get two marks; those in the age group of 36-40 years will get one mark.
● Language proficiency: Proficiency in German (A2 level) or English (C1 level) awards additional points, while proficiency in German at B1 to C2 levels awards 1-3 points.
● Financial stability: Ability to demonstrate financial stability, which may include proof of sufficient funds or a part-time job contract (up to 20 hours per week) that facilitates international student employment.
Points system for occasion cards
The Opportunity Card uses a points system to assess eligibility, with points distributed as follows:
● Four points: Awarded to people with professional qualifications recognised in Germany and those allowed to work in regulated professions, such as nurses, engineers and teachers.
● Three points: Awarded to people with five years of professional experience and two years of vocational training, as well as German language skills at the B2 level.
● Two points: will be awarded for recent work experience and professional training, applicants under 35 years of age and B1 level German skills.
● One point: Awarded to applicants under the age of 40, who have had a non-tourist stay in Germany for at least six months, and who have English proficiency at C1 level or German at A2 level.
Indian students in Germany
Indian students now form the largest international community on German campuses, with 42,578 students by 2023. Germany aims to make its labour market more attractive to Indian students to address the growing gap in skilled workers. Over the past five years, the number of Indian students in Germany has grown significantly, with 43,000 students currently enrolled at German universities. This makes Indian students one of the largest international student groups in Germany.
Employer Benefits
The Opportunity Card offers the following features for employers in Germany:
● Access to skilled professionals: The applicant pool has been expanded to include qualified foreign professionals.
● Streamlined Recruitment: Facilitates quick and easy recruitment processes without the need for federal employment agency approval.
● Urgent Work Permit: Allows employers to secure part-time job contracts before the applicant’s arrival, thus promoting international student employment.
Pathways to qualification and training
The revised Skilled Migration Act, effective March 1, 2024, introduces flexible provisions to facilitate individuals combining foreign training with German qualifications:
● Work-study arrangements: For those training to obtain a German equivalent qualification, allowing part-time work, with a limit of 20 hours per week, promotes a more inclusive approach to work-study arrangements.
● Recognition of foreign qualifications: Skilled workers seeking recognition of their foreign qualifications can start working directly upon agreement with their German employers, with stays allowed for up to three years if the individual has at least two years of vocational qualifications and German proficiency at A2 level.
Family reunification and unification
The Skilled Immigration Act will simplify family reunification and improve assistance to integrate skilled workers:
● Family reunification: Easing requirements for spouses, minor children, and parents or in-laws.
● Supportive environment: recognising the importance of family ties and creating favourable conditions for skilled workers to settle in Germany, enhancing employment opportunities for international students.
Application Process for Avsar Card
Candidates can apply for the Opportunity Card at the relevant German mission abroad (e.g., German embassy or consulate), or, if they are already in Germany, at the local foreigner registration office.
Required for application process:
● Proof of qualifications: Documentation of educational and professional qualifications.
● Language skills: Certificates demonstrating proficiency in German or English.
● Financial means: Proof of financial stability, such as an employment contract for a part-time job.
The Opportunity Card is a major step towards attracting skilled professionals to Germany. By simplifying entry requirements and supporting workforce integration, Germany aims to boost its economy and promote sustainable growth through diverse talents. This initiative reflects Germany’s commitment to innovation and inclusiveness in immigration policies, making it a top destination for skilled professionals and promoting international student employment.
(Author Vaibhav Gupta is Co-Founder and CMO, iSchool Connect. Views are personal.)
