Anyone entering Germany with the Chancenkarte and wishing to complete Ausbildung (vocational training) here must apply for a suitable residence permit from the relevant immigration office in good time. The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) is considered a “search visa” and grants the holder a residence permit for up to one year. During this time, the focus should be on finding a job. Nevertheless, it is possible to complete vocational training in Germany with the opportunity card. The following points must be noted:
- Entry into Germany is with Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card).
- The Chancenkarte-holder can look for a suitable training place during their one-year stay.
- Once a training contract has been signed, the Chancenkarte-holder can apply to the local immigration office for a change to a different (longer-term) residence permit (the duration of training in Germany is usually at least two years).
- The trainee must submit all necessary documents (ID, certificates, residence permit, proof of means of subsistence and training) to the immigration office together with an application for an extended residence permit.
- If the residence permit cannot be issued by the immigration office in time, a provisional residence permit may help. This is issued by the immigration office responsible as soon as the Chancenkarte-holder has submitted their application for an extension of their residence permit or a change to a different residence permit. Once the Foreigners’ Registration Office issues an extended residence permit, the provisional residence permit automatically loses its validity.
- Only after the Chancenkarte has been converted into a residence permit for the purpose of training in Germany can the Ausbildung (vocational training) in the company begin.
Important: A valid residence permit (or written confirmation from the immigration office, e.g. in the form of a certificate of fictitious status) must be available before training can officially begin. - After passing the final examination, the residence permit must be changed again via the responsible Foreigners’ Registration Office. As soon as the training has been completed and recognised according to German standards, the training company can employ the graduate as a trained specialist.
Important: Submit the training contract early and contact the immigration office to meet legal deadlines.
“Ausbildung” (vocational training) with Chancenkarte – what you need to know legally
The opportunity card is often referred to as a “search visa”. It grants the holder a one-year residence permit for Germany. During this time, applicants can look for a job or a training position. If this period is not sufficient, a follow-up opportunity card (link to article?) can be applied for at the local immigration office. In order to start training in Germany as quickly as possible, the opportunity card holder must apply for another residence permit from the immigration office in good time, e.g. in accordance with Section 16g of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
| Residence permit | Meaning | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Section 16g of the Residence Act – Residence for vocational training in Germany | When switching from a Chancenkarte (§ 20a AufenthG) to vocational training |
|
| Section 16d of the Residence Act – qualification measure | If the foreign training is not fully recognised |
|
Requirements for the granting of a residence permit in accordance with Section 16g of the Residence Act
- Opportunity card holders have a firm place in a training programme
- Recognition procedure is ongoing
- Proof of identity, financial situation and place of residence
- Proof of language skills
- Valid health insurance
- No temporary residence permit (§ 60a AufenthG) required or permitted
Ausbildung with Chancenkarte – what is not permitted
- The Chancenkarte-holder may not begin training until a residence permit has been issued by the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
- The Chancenkarte may not be used as a residence permit for training. It serves only as a “search visa”.
- Do not discontinue your training or change companies without the consent of the Foreigners’ Registration Office – this could jeopardise your entire stay in Germany.
Example 1:
Fatima enters Germany with Chancenkarte to explore career options. In the fourth month, she finds a training position as a nursing assistant. Here’s what happens next for Fatima:
- She signs a training contract and registers directly with the relevant immigration office.
- Fatima then applies for a change to § 16g-AufenthG for training in Germany.
- As soon as the residence permit has been issued by the local immigration office, Fatima can start her training.
- After successfully completing her training, she can reapply to the immigration office to change her residence permit. The company can then hire Fatima as a skilled worker.
Example 2:
Leila comes from Morocco with Chancenkarte ( via points-based eligibility) and has A2-level German language skills. In her country of origin, she completed a two-year vocational qualification, but this is not fully recognised in Germany. She therefore needs to obtain additional qualifications. After six months in Germany, she receives a training contract as a retail salesperson (duration: at least two years).
This is what happens next for Leila:
- Leila informs the immigration office about her training contract.
- She applies to switch from the opportunity card to a training permit (§ 60a AufenthG), as the training lasts at least two years.
- The immigration office reviews the application and grants approval.
- As soon as Leila receives her new residence permit, she officially begins her training.
- After completing her training, Leila can apply for a qualified position and change her residence permit again – e.g. to a work permit.
Conclusion – Ausbildung with Chancenkarte in Germany
The Chancenkarte offers skilled workers and career starters from third countries a unique opportunity to gain a foothold in Germany – whether through job hunting or vocational training. Anyone who finds a training place with Chancenkarte must, under certain conditions, change to a suitable residence permit for training (Section 16g of the Residence Act) in good time.
Once the training has been successfully completed (minimum duration two years), the applicant can reapply to the relevant immigration office to change their residence permit, e.g. to a residence permit for employment (Section 18a or Section 18b of the Residence Act). The company may then hire the former Chancenkarte-holder as a skilled worker. Chancenkarte thus paves the way for long-term prospects and integration into the German labour market.
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