Spilling the Tea: What You Need to Know About the Chancenkarte

Ever since it was announced in November 2023 we have been getting SO MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT the Chancenkarte – or Opportunity Card translated word for word. While not all details have been released, we aim to shed light on what we know so far in this blog. Stay tuned for updates as we piece together the puzzle.

What is the Chancenkarte/Opportunity Card?

The Chancenkarte is a novel visa type introduced by the German government. It launched on 01.06.2024, and it targets skilled professionals from outside the European Union. This visa permits individuals to reside in Germany for up to one year while seeking employment, without requiring a prior job offer. Like the Job Seeker Visa, it enables candidates to conduct in-person interviews with prospective German employers. Read more on https://prorecognition.in/job-seeker-visa/

Important Note:

It’s crucial to note that the Chancenkarte applies solely to non-regulated professions. Therefore, individuals working in regulated sectors such as healthcare, education, or law will still need professional recognition to practice in Germany.

What requirements have to be met to get the Chancenkarte/Opportunity Card?

Not everyone is eligible to receive the Chancenkarte, there are quite a few conditions that have to be met and are subject to evaluation by the visa office. First you have to fulfil a few basic requirements, and only if you meet those requirements you need check if your are eligible now or can become eligible to apply for it. The basic requirements are to have either a university degree or completed a vocational training program of at least two years which are recognized by the Government in your home country India. And lasty, you must show you have enough financial resources to support yourself during your job search in Germany.

Now if you fulfill these basic requirements, there are two options for becoming eligible for the Chancenkarte: Either through recognition or through a point based system. If you have a recognized qualification, such as a print-out from Anabin that your Degree and university are both listed as H+, or a statement of comparability or full recognition from IHK FOSA, then you don’t need to collect points for the Chancenkarte as you are eligible based on your recognition. If you don’t have a recognition, (but you have a government accepted qualification that had at least 2 years duration), you will have to get a statement of foreign vocational qualification and you need to score at least 6 points on a system that awards points based on various factors. If this is the case, you need to demonstrate sufficient language proficiency in either German (at least level A1) or English (at least level B2). These must be proven by an accepted exam conductor, simply showing English as a subject in your school records will not suffice. The points are based on various factors such as, and we would recommend this calculator to find out your score.

• Education: Points are given for recognized vocational education, if you have a vocational degree such as Diploma or ITI qualification, then book a consultation now and mention in the comments that you want to get your TVET qualification recognized for the Chancenkarte!
• Work Experience: Points are awarded for relevant work experience related to your field.
• German Language Skills: Higher levels of German proficiency (above A1) receive additional points.
• Age: Younger applicants generally receive more points.
• German Ties: Prior stays in the country can earn you points.
• Spouses: Spouses applying for a Chancenkarte at the same time can also earn points

Advantages of the Chancenkarte/Opportunity Card

The primary advantage of the Chancenkarte is the ability to travel to Germany for job hunting without the need for a pre-existing job offer. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for professions where companies prefer to observe candidates in trial days, providing assurance to both the employer and the applicant about the fit before confirmation. However, it’s essential that German employers have shown interest in your profile before applying for the Chancenkarte.

Compared to the Job Seeker Visa, the Chancenkarte offers a significantly longer period of one year for job search (compared to six months with the Job Seeker Visa). Additionally, unlike the Job Seeker Visa, the Chancenkarte permits part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) to support oneself while seeking full-time employment. These part-time positions typically involve assistant roles and require you to be fluent in German. The Chancenkarte is basically the upgraded version of a Job Seeker Visa and the Job Seeker Visa will not be issued any further.

If you secure full time employment while holding the Chancenkarte, your residence permit can be adjusted within Germany itself, eliminating the need to leave the country upon confirming a job offer.

Disadvantages of the Chancenkarte/Opportunity Card

• The Chancenkarte does not guarantee securing a job within the permitted timeframe, leaving the possibility that a full-time position may not be obtained within a year or until sufficient financial stability is achieved.
• Demonstrating adequate financial resources to cover living expenses during the job search is crucial, considering the higher cost of living in Germany compared to India, with accommodation expenses being particularly significant.
• As the Chancenkarte has just come into effect, and has already generated considerable interest worldwide, the application process may become highly competitive, potentially leading to a waiting period for visa appointments.
• The ease of obtaining the Chancenkarte remains uncertain, and its effectiveness for both skilled professionals and German companies is yet to be determined.
• Additionally, meeting language proficiency requirements, such as at least A1 level German, with higher levels earning additional points, is necessary, unlike many other employment visa types that do not mandate German skills.

Point to be noted: Having a valid visa does not necessarily translate into getting a job offer. You need to ready to be hired. That means, you have the required German language skills, as well as technical skills for the suitable position. Read more about job search on site on https://prorecognition.in/battleplan-jsv/”

Furthermore, the government may set quotas for the Chancenkarte, although it remains unclear if this will be implemented in the first year. If a significant number of applicants worldwide apply for the Chancenkarte, access may be restricted, making it more challenging to obtain.

In conclusion, the Chancenkarte – just as its name indicates – presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals seeking employment in Germany. However, success with the Chancenkarte requires thorough preparation and meeting eligibility criteria. While it offers flexibility and an extended timeframe for job search, applicants must be aware of the potential challenges and uncertainties associated with the application process. With careful planning and preparation, the Chancenkarte can be a valuable tool for accessing opportunities in the German job market. For up-to-date information on the Updates to the German skilled migration law, refer to the Make-it-in-Germany Portal.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is based on our best knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the completeness, correctness, or timeliness of the content. Therefore, readers are advised to verify any information independently and consult relevant authorities in Germany. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.