As a graduate of a German university, you have a legal right to be granted a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment.
The residence permit will be granted for a maximum of 18 months immediately following your studies. If this maximum period has not been used up when the permit is first granted, the residence permit can be extended accordingly. However, if you do not find a job during these 18 months, an extension is not possible and you are required to leave Germany.
This residence permit allows you to work without restriction.

You have a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment after successfully completing your studies in Germany. The maximum period of 18 months has not yet been exhausted. 
In addition, you meet the general requirements for a residence permit. These are, in particular
:- a secure livelihood
- a clear identity
- possession of a valid national passport.

You can only apply for an extension of your residence permit in person at the immigration office responsible for your
place of residence.You must submit the original copies of the required documents and pay the application fee.
The immigration office will check whether the requirements for granting the permit are met.
- If all requirements are met, the immigration office will record your biometric data (photo, fingerprints) and order the electronic residence permit (eAT) from the Federal Printing Office
.- As soon as the eAT is ready, it will be handed over to you by the immigration office.

You can find further information on the German government's portal for
skilled workers from abroad at https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/

Section 20 (3) No. 1 and (4) sentence 2 in conjunction with Section 8 of the Act on the Residence, Employment, and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act – AufenthG)

You can find the legal basis on the Internet under Laws on the Internet
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__20.html
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__8.html
 

- Appeal
Detailed information on how to lodge an appeal can be found in the notice rejecting your application.
- Administrative court action

Submit your application before your current residence permit expires. We recommend that you visit the office 4 to 6 weeks before your current residence permit expires.

Approximately 5 to 6 weeks, depending on the workload at the local immigration office.
 

The immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

- Valid national passport,
- Proof of secure livelihood (e.g., employment contract and pay slips, bank statements, declaration of commitment from a third party),
- Proof of health insurance,
- Diploma, transcript, or certificate from your university confirming successful completion of your studies,
- 1 recent biometric photo,
- Please check with your local immigration office to see if you need to submit any additional documents.
 

Cost: Fee: EUR 93.00 - 96.00

- Forms: Application for a residence permit
- Online procedure possible: no
- Written form required: no
- Personal appearance required: yes