Whether you can participate in an integration course depends on your residence status.
I have a residence permit: In principle, all foreign citizens (living in Germany for at least one year) who have obtained a residence permit because of their employment, or due to family reunification or by virtue of their recognition as asylum seekers, refugees or individual entitled to subsidiary protection can take part in an integration course. The only exceptions are children, adolescents and young adults who attend school and those who already speak German well enough. Holders of a residence permit in accordance with Section 25 (5) of the Residence Act can apply for participation in the integration course. You can find out more in the section "Where and how can I register for an integration course?".
I have a temporary residence permit ("Aufenthaltgestattung"): If your asylum procedure is ongoing, your right to participate depends on your country of origin or date of entry to Germany:
- If you come from a country with a "solid prospect to stay" ("guter Bleibeperspektive"), you can take part in an integration course. Eritrea, Somalia and Syria are considered to have a "solid prospect to stay". To participate, you first need to apply. To learn more, read the section: "Where and how can I register for an integration course?"
- If you come from a "safe country of origin", you are not allowed to take part in an integration course. Currently, the following countries are considered to be safe countries of origin: Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ghana, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Senegal and Serbia.
- For all other countries, the following rule applies: If you came to Germany before 31.07. 2019, and you are registered as a jobseeker at the Federal Employment Agency or in case you work or are going through a vocational training programme or alike; you may take part in an integration course after three months. To do so, you need to apply first. To learn more, read the section: "Where and how can I register for an integration course?"
I have a tolerated stay permit ("Duldung"): With a tolerated stay, in principle, you are not entitled to participate in an integration course. There are, however, exceptions to this general rule: People who have an "Ermessensduldung" (according to §60a paragraph 2, sentence 3 of the Residence Act) may attend an integration course. A tolerated stay for the purpose of vocational training ("Ausbildungsduldung") and a tolerated stay for the purpose of employment ("Beschäftigungsduldung ") are considered as types of "Ermessensduldung". If you have a type of "Ermessensduldung", you must submit an application to the BAMF to attend an integration course. You can read more in the section "Where and how can I register for an integration course?".