Changing from job-seeking visa to a working visa - when can I begin?
Dear Handbook-Germany Team,
I have (finally) found a job after many months of searching. Now I'd need to change my job seeker visa which I got after graduating from a Master's degree in Germany (AufenthG 20 Abs. 1 Nr. 1), to a visa for skilled workers (Aufenthaltserlaubnis für Fachkräfte mit akademischer Ausbildung - 18b).
My employer would like me to start the job asap, however I am unsure whether I can take on the employment before receiving the visa for skilled workers. My current job seeker visa does say "Erwerbstätigkeit erlaubt" on it. In this case, is it possible to start working at this job while waiting for an appointment at the LEA to get the visa (18b)?
As always, many, many thanks for your help and valuable advice!!!
Warm regards
Dear @TC
Congratulations on your job! Those are wonderful news!
With your residence permit as a job seeker after graduating from a German university, you are allowed to start working immediately. Additionally, your permit states that employment is permitted ("Erwerbstätigkeit erlaubt"), which confirms this.
Nevertheless, it is very important that you apply at LEA to switch your residence permit to a skilled worker permit. Make sure to submit all required documents for the change. You can find the checklist and the online application for Berlin here https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/329328/en/
Wish you a great start in your job & all the best! Please let me know if you have further questions.