Accelerated skilled worker process - how does it work?
For the first time, the Skilled Immigration Act provides for the possibility of an accelerated skilled worker process for qualified skilled workers. To do this, you as the employer - with the authority of the specialist - conclude a contract with the responsible immigration authority . This can significantly shorten the duration of the procedure. In Saxony-Anhalt you only have the option of carrying out the procedure with your local immigration authority .
If there is a specific job offer, the German employer can submit an application for an “accelerated skilled worker process” to the immigration authorities on the foreigner ’s authority and against payment of a fee . At the Federal Ministry of the Interior you will find a sample agreement with an overview of all the necessary documents attached and a sample power of attorney . The procedure is possible for skilled workers who want to enter the country for employment, training and recognition purposes .
. The immigration authority is responsible for advising the employer about the entry requirements for the skilled worker (including family reunification), - if necessary - carrying out the recognition procedure and obtaining the approval of the BA as well as checking the requirements under immigration law and obtaining advance approval for the visa. She is the employer's central contact person .
. All authorities involved are bound to tight deadlines (recognition process: two months, approval process by the Federal Employment Agency: one week, visa process: six weeks), so that the time span from submitting the complete documents for the recognition of the foreign professional qualification to the decision on the visa application As a rule, it should not exceed four months.
→ The documents must be complete, otherwise the process can be significantly extended. .The procedure costs 411 euros per skilled worker, which the employer pays. In addition, the foreign skilled worker has to pay a visa fee of 75 euros, fees for the recognition of qualifications of between 100 and 1,200 euros and costs for the initial issuance of a residence permit of 100 euros.
For more information
Step 1: Authorization of the employer
In order to apply for the accelerated skilled worker process, you need a power of attorney from your future skilled worker. Additional documents will also be required in the process: . Copy of the passport
. Evidence of professional qualifications
You can find a sample power of attorney in the “ Downloads ” section.
International Recruiting provides you with the necessary documents for skilled workers or trainees.
Explanatory film about the accelerated procedure
Step 2: Contact the immigration authorities
You apply for the accelerated skilled worker procedure at the immigration authority. As a rule, this is the central contact point or the central immigration authority in your federal state. If there is no central contact person, contact the local immigration authority and ask for a consultation.
The immigration authorities will advise you on the individual procedural steps and inform you about the necessary involvement of other authorities.
Step 3: Conclusion of an agreement between the employer and the immigration authorities
If you have decided to apply for the accelerated skilled worker procedure for your foreign skilled worker, conclude an agreement with the immigration authority. This agreement sets out your obligations as an employer as well as those of the specialist and the authorities involved (immigration authorities, Federal Employment Agency, recognition bodies, German diplomatic missions abroad). You will also receive a detailed description of the steps in the process, including the parties involved, the evidence required and the deadlines to be met.
When concluding the agreement with the immigration authority, a processing fee of EUR 411.00 will be charged for carrying out the accelerated skilled worker procedure.
Step 4: Recognition of the foreign qualification
In order to obtain a visa for skilled workers from third countries, it is usually necessary to recognize the foreign qualification as comparable to a German educational qualification. The immigration authority initiates the procedure for the recognition or equivalence check of the foreign qualification. The responsible authorities should decide on recognition within two months of submitting the complete application documents. If documents are missing, the immigration authorities will immediately forward a corresponding additional request to the employer.
Step 5: Approval process of the Federal Employment Agency (BA)
In addition to the recognition of the qualification, the approval of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) is required for the planned employment. Depending on the results of the equivalence test, you can either complete or continue the accelerated skilled worker process. If you want to continue, the immigration office will apply for BA approval. The BA checks whether the working conditions correspond to the collectively agreed conditions or the usual regional conditions. If the BA does not provide feedback within a week, consent is deemed to have been given.
Step 6: Granting pre-approval for the visa application
As soon as all the necessary requirements have been met, such as the approval of the Federal Employment Agency, the recognition of the foreign qualification and, if necessary, the confirmation of a professional permit, the immigration authorities will issue a “pre-approval for the visa”. This pre-approval will be given to you so that you can forward it to the specialist.
Step 7: Apply for a visa abroad
The foreign specialist must submit the advance approval to the diplomatic mission abroad and thus receive an accelerated deadline for applying for the visa. This must take place within three weeks. Once the visa application has been completed on the scheduled date, a decision will be made on the application within three weeks.