Germany Opportunity Card vs Job Seeker Visa

Have you ever wanted to pack your bags and start a new career in countries like Germany? As globalization expands, the world seems like a big neighborhood with borders through which many skilled professionals explore career opportunities beyond their country's borders. 

If you are a job seeker or skilled professional planning to explore this exciting opportunity, you must have encountered terms like "Job Seeker Visa" and "Germany Opportunity Card."

However, are you aware of their differences and what they are? If not, you should read this article. It offers thorough details on the job seeker visa and opportunity card in Germany.

What is Germany opportunity card? 

Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is one of the newly established immigration schemes where qualified personnel can move to Germany and seek employment. It's a points system similar to the Express Entry for Canada, wherein the candidates are ranked on qualifications, work history, language ability, and age.

This new visa category is part of Germany's strategy to combat labor shortages by facilitating the entry of foreign workers into Germany and jobs.

Point system under the German opportunity card

Job seekers and skilled professionals can get points for the opportunity card Germany through the following factors: 

1. Educational qualification

Points are given depending on your educational history, such as degrees from established institutions or vocational education.

2. Work experience

The more experience you have, especially in high-demand sectors, the better. Relevant experience increases your chances.

3. Language skills

Proficiency in German is a big plus. The higher your level (A1 and above), the more points you receive.

4. Age

 Younger candidates between 18 and 40 get extra points as they have a longer professional lifetime.

5. Additional criteria 

Have you previously studied or lived in Germany? Well, that gets you bonus points!

Application process of Germany opportunity card 

The following information explains the application process for the German opportunity card: 

1. Check Eligibility - Make sure you have a minimum number of points.
2. Collect documents - Such as degree certificates, work experience, evidence of funds, language ability, etc.
3. Apply for the Visa - Send your application to the embassy or consulate in Germany.
4. Show Up for an Interview - Some candidates will have to sit for an interview.
5. Get Your Visa - Once approved, you can enter Germany and begin job searching.

What is Germany job seeker visa? 

Germany's job seeker visa is a traditional way for high-quality professionals to travel to Germany and seek a job for a period not exceeding six months. 

Unlike the opportunity card, the job seeker visa does not have a point-based system—the aspirant must simply meet the qualifying standards.

The job seeker visa is for top-end professionals in high-demand industries such as IT, engineering, health care, and technical positions.

Germany job seeker visa requirements for skilled professionals

To qualify for the German job seeker visa, candidates must fulfil the following requirements: 

• Educational Qualifications: You must have a degree from a recognised university. If your degree is foreign, it must be identified through the Anabin database.
• Work Experience: Some years of work experience related to the job you're applying for is usually required, demonstrating that you possess both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
• Financial Stability: You need to show enough savings to cover your living costs while looking for a job in Germany.
• Health Insurance: You must have valid health insurance for your stay, either travel or German health insurance.
• Age: There is no strictly official upper age limit, but it is advisable to be of working age (ideally up to 45).

German job seeker visa application process 

The following information explains the German job seeker visa application process: 

1. Document List: Put your passport, degree certificates, documents to substantiate work experience, financial accounts, health cover, and latest CV together.
2. Submit Application: Apply at your home country's German embassy or consulate.
3. Go for an Interview: Talk about your career search plan and future in Germany.
4. Processing Time: Allow a few weeks to a few months' wait, so apply early.

Comparison: Germany opportunity card vs job seeker visa 

The following information explains the key difference between German opportunity cards and job seeker visa. 

Which one to pick?

Select the Germany Opportunity Card if:

• You desire flexibility in searching for jobs.
• You possess good qualifications but no job offer yet.
• You desire part-time work opportunities while searching for jobs.
• You are willing to consider several industries instead of occupations that are in shortage.
• You require a longer stay period to search for opportunities in Germany.

Select the Germany Job Seeker Visa if:

• You are a very experienced professional in a highly sought-after profession.
• You feel sure that you can get employed within six months.
• You do not have to take part-time jobs while looking for employment.
• You wish for a more straightforward application procedure without a points system.

Conclusion 

The Germany Opportunity Card and Job Seeker Visa are immigration programs that enable eligible individuals to relocate to Germany and find employment. Like Canada's Express Entry, the Germany Opportunity Card operates a points system that ranks applicants according to qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and age. 

The application process involves verifying eligibility, gathering documents, applying for a visa, and interviewing. The Germany Opportunity Card is ideal for skilled laborers, highly qualified professionals, and permanent residency applicants.

For more details about the German opportunity card and job seeker visa, reach out to Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com.