Accelerated skilled worker process

This procedure was newly created with the Skilled Workers Immigration Act. However, the foreigner can continue to go through the regular vica procedure.

 

§ 81a AufenthG stipulates that employers can apply for an accelerated procedure for skilled workers for their future employees (provided they travel according to §§ 16a, 16d, 18a, 18b, 18c III or 19c) at the Foreigners' Registration Office for a fee of € 411.

 

For the accelerated skilled worker procedure, the employer needs a corresponding power of attorney from the specialist concerned. The employer must send all necessary documents (see application notes to the FKEG of the BMI, p. 145ff) to the competent immigration authority, which at the same time advises the employer in this procedure. The Foreigners' Registration Office then initiates the procedure for determining the equivalence of the qualification acquired abroad with the competent authority. Furthermore, if necessary, it obtains the consent of the Federal Employment Agency. In addition, it informs the relevant diplomatic mission abroad about the process and, as soon as all documents are available, gives a preliminary vote without delay. § 31a AufenthV then stipulates that the diplomatic mission abroad must assign an appointment for the visa application within three weeks of the submission of the preliminary consent of the specialist. Furthermore, if the complete application is available, it must usually decide on it within three weeks. Further deadlines are two months for the recognition procedure and one week for approval by the BA upon submission of the complete documents.