Germany has finally launched their new work visa program, naming it Chancenkarte, also known as the “Opportunity Card.” In recent times, Germany has been facing an economic imbalance due to a lower workforce compared to retired people. To fill up the job vacancy, the German government has issued this new job seeker visa to attract a larger worldwide talent pool.
In this blog, we will discuss what an opportunity card is. We will talk about the eligible criteria, point system, how to make an appointment, and the possibilities of getting this Opportunity Card without a university degree. Besides, we will discuss the key advantages.
What is Chancenkarte aka German Opportunity Card?
In Germany, on a job search visa, you have a six-month time limit to find a job here. If you manage a job within 6 months, you can convert your job search visa to a work visa or to the Blue Card. This six-month period might not be enough to find a job, which also becomes stressful. Besides, in Germany, the job process takes time. You aren’t allowed to work part-time with this visa either.
But things have changed with the recently launched Chancenkarte, which is also known as the Opportunity Card. It is nothing but an updated job-seeker visa. With this card, you’ll be given 1 year to search for a job in the relative field you’ve studied. Even if you fail to get a job, you can extend it for two more years. So, 3 years is more than enough to land a job here in Germany. Besides, during this period, you can also work part-time or 20 hours a week, which will help cover your expenses. After one year, depending on your profession and skills, your job visa will be converted to a work visa or to the Blue Card.
Requirements for the Opportunity Card Germany
There are some basic requirements that need to be fulfilled category-wise or with a minimum score of 6 points in order to receive the Opportunity Card. So, there are basically two application requirements. You can choose to apply for the opportunity card in either of these two ways.
1. Direct Application Requirements:
If you meet some major requirements, you can apply directly without having to use the point-based system for the opportunity card. These are-
a) A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, or a minimum of 2 years diploma/vocational training recognized in Germany.
b) English language proficiency at B2 level or German language proficiency at A1 level
c) Proof of living, which is either a block amount or a fixed part-time job.
2. Indirect Application Requirements/ Point Based System Requirements:
If you don’t meet the requirements, you still have the chance to apply for the opportunity card and come to Germany. This application method is actually based on the point system. You need to have a minimum score of 6 points in order to receive the Opportunity Card. Here are the key factors discussed below, along with points:
Education
If you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree that is fully recognized or partially-recognized by the German authority, you will acquire 4 points. Again, if you have vocational or technical training with a minimum duration of 2 years, you will get the same points. If the degree is from a non-German institution, it will need to be converted to the German equivalent. You can check here whether your university and course are recognized by them.
Work experience
You can also gain points if you have professional experience in the relative field. If you have a minimum of 5 years of work experience, you will earn 3 points. Again, you will earn 2 points, if you have a minimum 2 years of experience. Work sectors like healthcare, IT, construction, metal engineering, and mechanical engineering are in great demand. You can secure your job in these sectors pretty quickly if you meet the requirements, as there are lots of job openings going on.
Age
Age also plays an important factor in applying for Chancenkarte. If your age is below 35 years, you’ll earn 2 points, whereas you’ll earn 1 point if not.
Language
Language is a must requirement to apply for Chancenkarte. You should learn either A1 level German or B2 level English. B2 level English lies somewhere between 5.5-6 bands. Both English and German language proficiency can help you earn more points. If you’ve completed English language proficiency level C1, you’ll earn 1 point. On the other hand, you’ll earn 1 point if you’ve completed German level A2. The more you upgrade your language level, the more your points will increase.
Relation to Germany
If you’ve stayed in Germany for at least 6 months for any purpose, you’ll earn 1 point for that as well. Any present non-resident in Germany (ex: foreign students) can apply for the Germany Opportunity Card too.
Joint Application with your partner
If you wish to apply for Chancenkarte along with your spouse or registered partner, one of them will also earn 1 point for the joint application.
Block account
A block account is nothing but a bank account where you have to keep the money for the one-year equivalent of living costs. The bank has to be a German bank. Considering €1,027 a month, you have to keep a total of €12,324 before arriving in Germany. Note that, the price of the return ticket has to be added to this cost too.
Point System at a glance
The whole system is based on a point system. You have to earn a minimum of 6 points to apply for the German Opportunity Card. Let’s breakdown the point system for a better overview:
- • 1 Point:
- If your age is above 35 years, but less than 40
- German A2 or English C1 level
- Prior 6 months stay in Germany
- Either you or your spouse will get the point for the joint application
- • 2 Points:
- Minimum 2 years of work experience in related field of study
- If your age is below 35
- German language skills at level B1
- • 3 Points:
- Minimum 5 years of work experience in related field of study
- German language skills at level B2.
- • 4 Points:
- A bachelor's degree, or master's degree or minimum 2 years of diploma/vocational training from a German-recognized university
Applying Procedure for the Opportunity Card
Chancenkarte application process follows some steps. These steps are all the same; it doesn’t matter where you apply from. These are steps need to be followed in the process:
Step 1: See whether your portfolio meets the Opportunity Card's requirement
The requirements were broadly discussed above. You need to match these requirements and earn a minimum score of 6 points.
Step 2: Secure health insurance coverage
You must be able to support yourself financially during your stay in Germany and need valid health insurance coverage. However, you can not get this without having a job in Germany. So, you have to look for expat health insurance with a special confirmation letter upon request. For more detailed information, check here.
Step 3: Prove your financial stability
You need to provide evidence of your financial solvency. These are the options you can choose to be showcase your financial stability:
1. Blocked Account: You need a minimum of €12,324 in a blocked account, guaranteeing at least €1,027 per month for living expenses. Remember to add the price of return ticket on top of it.
2. Part-time Employment: You can do a part-time job in Germany, which is up to 20 hours a week. The contract needs to be attached to the application. So, you have to confirm the job before applying for the opportunity card.
Step 4: Gather all necessary application documents
The Chancenkarte application process requires some essential documents. You need to provide both original and photocopied copies of these documents and put them together in plastic sleeves. However, remember not to staple the documents together, as they will decrease the quality and make these documents invalid. Now, let’s see the required documents:
1. Passport
2. Birth Certificate
3. Passport size photo
4. CV
5. Letter of motivation
6. VIDEX application form
7. Declaration form
8. Additional documents according to different countries.
Step 5: Submit your application
The last step of the application. You have to make a schedule for an appointment. Also, you have the option to submit your application online. To see whether online applications are possible in your country, check this website.
The application fee is €75, and you have to pay it in local currencies. Also, include a document if you qualify through the Chancenkarte points system that provides a detailed breakdown of how you have accumulated a total of 6 points. This document should clearly outline the specific criteria you meet and the corresponding points awarded for each. The consulate won’t accept digital copies. So, make sure to bring physical copies of every document along with you.
Future in Germany with the Opportunity Card
With Chancenkarte, you’ll will get a job search visa for 1 year and come to Germany. Then, you’ve got to search for a job. As soon as you have a job, your visa will be converted to Work Visa or Blue Card, depending on your profession and skills. If you receive a Blue Card, then you can get Permanent Residency of Germany after 21 months whereas you’ll get it after 33 months, if you receive a normal Work Visa. During the process, if stay in Germany for 5 years, you’ll be eligible for passport as well. So, you’ll receive a strong German passport within 5 years, which is a great thing!
One more thing that has changed in this Chancenkarte, before coming to Germany, you required a university degree whether it’s a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree. But it has changed now. Anyone with a Diploma or technical training or vocational training can also come on Opportunity Card.
Advantages of the Opportunity Card
Germany has one of the strongest economies in the world. So, this is a great opportunity for people who are willing to come to Germany and work in a good environment. The Opportunity Card is playing a vital role here to help people search for a job by allowing a one-year residence permit.
With the Opportunity Card, you can also work part-time up to 20 hours a week, which wasn’t possible earlier with a normal job seeker visa. By doing so, you can possibly earn more than €1,000 income per month. This will help cover your expenses without breaking the block amount. With the help of a signed employment contract, you can apply for an Opportunity Card and prove your financial stability.
This is also a great opportunity for employers to find more qualified foreign professionals. Also, approval procedures are simplified for fast-track entry into employment. On top of that, as a company, you don’t need any approval procedures from the Federal Employment Agency (FEA).
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The opportunity card has created a new and easier way to enter Germany and find a suitable job there. If you meet all the requirements, it’s just a matter of time to get into Germany and experience a diversified, unique, and healthy lifestyle and work culture. Being one of the largest economies in the world, you can expect a great, secure future ahead of you. Best wishes with the application!
FAQs
Chancenkarte, also known as the Opportunity Card is an updated job seeker visa in Germany. With this card, you’ll be given 1 year to search for a job in the relative field you’ve studied. After one year, depending on your profession and skills, your job visa will be converted to a work visa or to the Blue Card.
There are mainly two ways to be eligible for the Opportunity Card: Direct and Indirect or Point-based Application Requirements.
Direct Application Requirements:
1) A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, or a minimum of 2 years diploma/vocational training recognized in Germany.
2) German A1 or English B2 level language proficiency.
3) Proof of living ( Block amount/ Signed part-time job)
Indirect/Point-based Application Requirements:
With a minimum score of 6 points, you can apply for the Opportunity Card.
The Green Card is a USA-based residence permit that has two types. A job-based Green Card requires a job offer, while family-based Green Cards can be applied for by family members living in the USA.
On the other hand, the Opportunity Card is a Germany-based job-seeker visa that allows people to come to Germany with a one-year residence permit to search for a visa. Here, you don’t have to have a job offer or an employment contract or a family relationship.
The advantages of the Opportunity Card are:
1. New and easier way to secure a job in Germany
2. It allows one-year resident permit to search for a job
3. Unlike normal work visa, you can work part-time up to 20 hours a week, that can cover most of your expenses without breaking the block amount.
4. Opportunity to work in one of the strongest economies in the world and experience a diversified, unique, and healthy lifestyle and work culture
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The post is very clear to understand essily in one click. And clear almost all the issue regarding Chancenkarte.
Glad you liked it <3