Job seekers in India who are planning to go abroad for employment opportunities have a major common concern which almost all the other potential employees have faced one or the other time. It is about whether the country they are planning to go to recognizes their previous academic qualifications or not. There have been cases where some countries may require additional documentation or they want additional years of study than what we do in India. So in the case of Germany opportunity card, the question arises, is my degree recognized in Germany? Well even if I wanted to reply yes as quickly as possible, that would be somewhat true and somewhat false. Now let’s explore this major doubt regarding the recognition of Indian degrees in Germany.
Germany Opportunity Card
Chancenkarte or job search visa is an excellent initiative by Germany. The main purpose of chancenkarte is to give skilled workers from non-European countries, like India a chance to come to Germany and look for employment opportunities. This means that you do not need to have an employment offer to come into Germany but you can come and then look for a job. The only criteria is to meet the minimum points requirement for the Germany opportunity card and you would be eligible to enter this country. You would be allowed to have job opportunities in the form of part-time or full-time opportunities. The validity of this card is for a year and that means you would’ve plenty of time to look for a job and settle in.
Levels of Qualification Recognition
When a person comes to a foreign country for job opportunities, they need to be on par with the other potential employees in the foreign country. This means only when the job seeker is on the same level as the others in the foreign country, can they be judged equally. So the reason why Indian degrees need to be at least recognized to be equal to German degrees is so that immigrants can be given the same chances as say someone from their own country, which is Germany. There are levels to which a degree can be recognized.
Fully Recognized: This means that your previous academic degrees are on the same level as the German equivalent degree. This would give you the same access to resources like studies and job opportunities as anybody else who got their qualifications from Germany itself. There would also be no need for any extra documents to prove the authenticity of your degree.
Partially Recognized: This means that the educational qualifications that you attained previously, are not fully recognized by Germany. This does not mean any major cause of worry, except the fact that you may need to submit some extra documents to prove to the German authorities that your degrees are legitimate. With the submission of those additional documents, you would be able to enjoy the same opportunities as anybody else with a fully recognized degree.
Non-recognized: Then there may be rare cases where the academic qualification of one country is not at all recognized by German authorities. In this case, it would be very difficult to meet the minimum points criteria for a Germany opportunity card.
Indian Degrees for Germany Opportunity Card
When it comes to academic qualifications from Indian degrees, in most cases they are partially recognized. This means that since the German authorities recognize your degrees partially, you would get 4 points for the Germany opportunity card points system. Hence it is important for the candidates to check whether each of their degrees individually are recognized by Germany or not. It will depend on the candidate to candidate about which degrees they need to get verified, keeping in mind what degrees they have with them. The degrees that the Indian students to need check are:
- Masters or post-graduation degree from a recognized university
- Bachelors or undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- High-school certificate from a recognized board of school certification
Germany Opportunity Card Requirements
In Germany, securing a job opportunity through the Job Opportunity Card involves navigating distinct pathways based on the recognition status of your academic qualifications. For those whose degrees or professional certifications are fully recognized in Germany, direct eligibility is granted under Pathway 1. This pathway requires submission of proof of your academic qualifications or professional certifications along with a recognition letter from relevant German authorities or educational institutions confirming their equivalence to German standards. Additionally, applicants must complete the job opportunity visa application form and demonstrate financial stability to support themselves during their stay.
On the other hand, Pathway 2 caters to individuals with partially recognized qualifications, a category into which many Indian degrees often fall. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria beyond simple recognition. Firstly, they need to accumulate at least six points based on the Chancenkarte’s scoring system. Points are awarded based on factors such as the level of qualification equivalency (up to 4 points), certification in a shortage profession (1 point), and work experience post-graduation. For instance, having at least two years of relevant work experience within the last five years earns applicants 2 points, while five years of experience within the last seven years garners 3 points.
Language proficiency is also among the crucial Germany opportunity card requirements under Pathway 2, with proficiency in German at A1 level or higher required, alongside English proficiency at B2 level or higher for scoring points. Points are allocated based on language proficiency levels, with higher levels garnering more points to meet the minimum threshold for eligibility. Applicants must prepare comprehensive documentation for their application, including educational certificates from Indian institutions, detailed work experience letters, and language proficiency certificates. A recognition letter confirming the partial recognition of their degree in Germany is also essential.
The application process involves meticulous preparation and submission of these documents, ensuring all requirements are met to enhance the chances of securing the Job Opportunity Card. This process not only assesses academic and professional credentials but also evaluates language skills and other qualifying criteria outlined in the job search visa framework. Overall, understanding these pathways and their respective requirements is crucial for Indian professionals aspiring to pursue career opportunities in Germany. By fulfilling the necessary criteria and preparing thorough documentation, applicants can navigate the complexities of the Job Opportunity Card application process effectively, positioning themselves for success in Germany’s competitive job market.
West Highlander Immigration – Best Consultants for Germany Job Search Visa
For many Indian applicants, especially those pursuing Pathway 2 with partially recognized degrees, navigating the job search visa application can be complex. This is where professional immigration consultancy services, such as West Highlander Immigration in Chandigarh, become invaluable. They offer expert assistance in document verification, points calculation and application support. If you’re considering applying for the Chancenkarte, seeking expert advice from a reputed consultancy like West Highlander Immigration can be a significant advantage, ensuring that you meet all requirements and optimize your application. With the right preparation and support, you can take the next step towards a rewarding career in Germany.