�ֲ���ý

As of March 1, 2024, international students in Germany will enjoy more freedom of employment, as the second stage of the Skilled Worker Immigration Law became effective on the same day.

The law, which makes it easier not only for students but also for foreign workers to move to Germany and settle there for employment purposes, aims to tackle the job shortages the country is facing, in particular in key sectors of the economy, like IT and medical care, Studying-in-Germany reports.

Number of Days Students Are Permitted to Work Has Increased

The second stage of this law, will amongst others enable international students to undertake a second job, by also increasing the number of days they are permitted to work within a year.

“The previous annual working time account of 120 full days or 240 half days will be increased to 140 full days or 280 half days. Alternatively, the new rule will allow student employees to work up to 20 hours per week,” explains the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

The German authorities are also planning to permit students in preparatory measures for university study to engage in secondary employment too.

Third-country nationals entering Germany for the purpose of applying for a place at a German university will also be able to work part-time, for up to 20 hours per week.

Apprenticeship Seekers: Increasing Age Limits & Expanding Employment Opportunities

The new law continues to allow third-country nationals to enter Germany for seeking an apprenticeship, by increasing the legal period of remaining in Germany from six to nine months.

What’s also new for this category, is that the age limit for entering the country under such purposes will be increased from 25 to 35. Language requirements have also been facilitated, lowering them to level B1.

“In addition, people with this residence permit will be able to take up secondary employment of up to 20 hours per week and to do job trials for up to two weeks,” BAMF points out.

Moreover, in the future all apprenticeships will be eligible for employment of up to 20 hours per week too.

Over 450,000 Students Eligible to Benefit From New Changes

At least 458,210 international students in Germany, registered at a German higher education institution as of 2022/2023 will be able to benefit from the new changes, many of whom are financed by their parents.

In addition, the largest student groups in Germany based on nationality are Indians (42,578), Chinese (39,137), and Syrians (15,563).

Other parts of the new immigration law for skilled workers in Germany, will also benefit international students upon graduation, since 69.2 per cent of them plan to stay in Germany and get employed after their studies.