If you have a residence permit for the purpose of vocational training and further education that is about to expire, you must apply for an extension of your residence permit in good time.

The same requirements apply to the extension of the residence permit as to its initial issuance. In principle, your residence permit can be extended until the end of your training or further education if the training or further education relationship continues and you are expected to successfully complete it.

The residence permit can only be extended if the Federal Employment Agency continues to approve it. The immigration office checks this in an internal procedure and obtains approval again if necessary.

An extension is excluded if this was already excluded by the Immigration Office when the permit was issued or last extended.

During your qualified vocational training, you are permitted to pursue employment. However, your residence permit can only be extended if the successful completion of your vocational training is not jeopardized by your employment.

• Your living expenses (including health insurance) are covered for the entire duration of your training or further education.
• The Federal Employment Agency must re-examine the employment law requirements, if necessary, and approve the employment (this is usually arranged by the immigration office).
• If you are under 18 years of age, a person authorized to take care of you must agree to the extension of your stay in Germany.
• Your stay in Germany must not conflict with public safety and order. There must be no grounds for your expulsion.

• You must apply for an extension of your residence permit before your current residence permit expires.
• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to apply online or provides a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably the originals, with you to the appointment).
• If the approval of the Federal Employment Agency needs to be renewed, the immigration office will usually obtain this through an internal administrative procedure.
• If your application is approved, your electronic residence permit (eAT card) will be renewed. Your fingerprints will be taken at the Foreigners' Registration Office for the renewal. You will also be required to provide a signature.
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will order the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up the eAT card at the relevant office. You must pick up the card in person.
• If the purpose of your stay changes, you must notify the relevant immigration office immediately.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

- Information from the Federal Employment Agency on vocational training grants (BAB): https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/bildung/ausbildung/berufsausbildungsbeihilfe-bab
  - You can also get free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
Telephone: 030 1815-1111
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 

• During the period of validity of a residence permit for vocational training and further education, it is generally possible to switch to another qualified vocational training program. If the purpose of the stay changes, this must be reported immediately to the competent immigration authority. If the requirements are met, it is possible to switch to a residence permit for employment as a skilled worker, for employment requiring specialized professional knowledge, for study, or for other purposes to which there is a legal entitlement.
• After successful completion of qualified vocational training, the residence permit to search for a job can be extended for up to twelve months.
• If the qualified vocational training or further training ends prematurely for reasons beyond the control of the person concerned, the possibility of searching for another training place for a period of up to six months may be granted.
• The procedure is usually conducted in German. If your German language skills are insufficient, it is advisable to bring someone with you who can act as a translator.
• All information provided to the immigration authorities should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that the matter can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to those affected. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time to the immigration authorities can result in the withdrawal of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification
• Action before the court specified in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Duration (for range): 6 to 8 before visa expiry

Note (for further information on validity):

The extension should be applied for at least eight weeks before your valid residence permit expires.

Duration (range): 6 to 3

Comment (for further information on the deadline):

In the event of an extension, your residence permit will be renewed for a limited period. The duration of the limited period is usually based on the duration of the training or further education.

Duration (range): approx. 6 to 8 weeks

Note for further information on processing time:

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office.

It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for issuing the residence permit.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute)
• Current residence permit
• Current biometric passport-size photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy)
• Training or further education contract
• Approval from the Federal Employment Agency, if this has already expired (usually obtained by the immigration office)
• For qualified vocational training: Proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language (e.g., language certificate, German school, training or university certificates, proof of successful participation in an integration course, confirmation from the training company of sufficient language skills for the intended vocational training, confirmation of registration for a job-related German language course)
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., proof of income, training or employment contract, pension notice, proof of receipt of benefits such as parental or child allowance, maintenance payments)
• For minors: consent of the legal guardian to the extended stay
• If you are required to participate in an integration course: Proof that you have completed an integration course or have otherwise integrated into social life. If no integration course has yet been completed, the immigration office may refuse the extension or only extend the residence permit for one year until the course has been successfully completed or proof has been provided that integration into social life has been achieved in another way.

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration office may require less or more evidence.

Cost (fixed):

• 96.00 euros for an additional stay of up to three months
• 93.00 euros for a further stay of more than three months

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be considered (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish citizens.

- Online procedure possible in some
cases - Written form required: yes
- Personal appearance required: yes