Wide ranging queries about the Chancenkarte

4th.magi Member

Member since 10 June 2024

4th.magiMember10 June 2024 11:24:56

Hi All,

To start with, please note that I am asking the questions on behalf of my brother, who is applying for the Chancenkarte from India. Therefore any follow-up questions by you to clarify details may take some time for me to route via him.The questions are quite wide ranging, and any advice on any specific point would appreciated, even if you can't answer all the queries.

(a) Firstly, the UK and India pages for the Chancenkarte pages on the diplo.de website are slightly at variance regarding the funds to be proven.The former (UK) page statesEvidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, such as German or UK bank statements for an account in your name for a minimum of three months showing that you hold a continuous and sustainable balance equalling EUR 12,324 (2023 requirement, subject to change)The latter (India) page states Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of living for the duration of your stay by one of the following documents:...Statements of a current bank account etc

Note that the Indian site does not state the duration for which funds need to be held in the account.My brother has adequate funds, but they are in mutual funds, not in a current bank account. If he were to liquidate the funds and place them in the account, would that be acceptable if he then submits the application immediately? He can of course show proof that they were from a mutual fund investment in his sole name.

(b) How soon after he gets his visa does he need to physically arrive in Germany?

(c) The page for Chanenkarte for India is slightly confusing on at least one more detail.Kindly note that the Opportunity Card does allow working in Germany with certain limits:You are permitted to work for an average of a total maximum of 20 hours per week. If you already have a work contract at the time of your visa application, this can count towards your proof of sufficient financial means. If that is the case for you, please hand in work contract,...You are also permitted to participate in a try-out-period of no more than two weeks. This trial work would have to be in line with your qualification or be aimed towards starting a vocational training or must be connected to a training measure according to your partial recognition of your training.You are not allowed other types of employment. Your visa will however be changed to a residence permit for employment and work permit once you have found adequate employment in Germany.

Apart from his degree and work experience which are the basis of his application, my brother also has knowledge of other fields in which he was a tutor/trainer in India. Can he practice teaching/training in those fields within the limit of 20 hours? Or is he restricted specifically to working within the field that he is applying on the basis of for those 20 hours?

(d) I presume that the Chancenkarte is merely the visa for him to enter into Germany and that he would need to apply for further documentation/permits after arrival. What would that documentation be and how quickly/soon after arrival does he need to apply for it?

(e) Does the Chancenkarte lead to an EU Blue Card after arrival in Germany and getting a job?

(f) How soon after arriving and getting a job can he sponsor his wife and two year old child to join him in Germany?Thank you for your time and patience in reading through the above and look forward to the replies.

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore Expert10 June 2024 12:36:47

15475

I am not an expert (and it is always better to reply on official sources of information), but I will try:

a. As far as I know, the money must be in a blocked account - from which he will be allowed to withdraw only a limited monthly amount, so it lasts for period applied for. Where the money came from (mutual funds) does not matter for immigration purposes.

b. I guess he needs to arive within the validity.

c. I interpret it as only trial work towards an employment contract is allowed.

d. He certainly needs to register his residential address at the local registry (within a week of arrival). I don't know if there are any other requirements, so he should check with his local Ausl盲nderbeh枚rde!

e. This was answered in one of the quotes you used:

"Your visa will however be changed to a residence permit for employment and work permit once you have found adequate employment in Germany."

f. I believe he can apply for a family reunion visa right after finding a job - but the processing time is 3 - 6 months, depending on the location.

Please also note that, first and foremost, he needs good German language skills (at least B2, better C1 level) to find a job here and feel comfortable. How good is his (and his family's) German?

4th.magi Member

Member since 10 June 2024

4th.magiMember10 June 2024 13:36:06

@beppi Thank you for your response.

Regarding the knowledge of German, currently it is nil. He has no knowledge of the language whatsoever.

However, he is a C2 (8.5 out of 9 IELTS) in English and will be getting points for that. He intends to study German after immigrating.

Also, apologies for the terrible formatting on my initial post. Not sure what happened, but the carriage returns appear to have disappeared.

4th.magi Member

Member since 10 June 2024

4th.magiMember10 June 2024 13:43:24

@beppi to add to my response below, can the funds be held in a normal bank account? That is what the guidance in both the UK and India seem to suggest.

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beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore Expert10 June 2024 15:35:59

15475

I recommend he postpones his move until he is reasonably good in German.

While there are some jobs where English is sufficient (but few, as all roles that require interaction with customers, suppliers, partners and colleagues are largely closed to him), not being able to participate in the "coffee break gossip", where important connections are made, would hinder his career progession.

Furthermore, having a meaninful social life, without always being an outsider, also requires the language.

Of course the card's point system does not take this into consideration, but you may read discussions on this forum about the Job Seeker Visa, holders of which are in the same situation (and many returned empty-handed).

Here, English is expected in addition to, not in replacement of German.

Of course he could come and spend the first year learning German full-time - that would probably look like good dedication to a potential employer. But then a language school visa is more suitable in the beginning.

As far as I know, a blocked account is required (as for most visa types) - otherwise it would be too easy to cheat on the requirement to use it for daily expenses. But you should ask the embassy!