Extending your residence permit for education and training purposes

You must extend your residence permit, which was issued to you for training and further education purposes, in good time if you want to continue your education or training in Germany.

If you have a residence permit for the purpose of education and training, the validity of which will soon expire, you must apply for the extension of the residence permit in good time.

For the extension of the residence permit, the same conditions must be fulfilled as for the first issue. In principle, your residence permit can be extended until the end of the training or further education relationship if the training or further education relationship continues and an expected successful completion is expected.

For the entire duration of the in-company education or training, the livelihood must be proven

The residence permit can only be extended if the approval of the Federal Employment Agency continues. The Foreigners' Registration Office checks this in an internal procedure and, if necessary, obtains consent again.

An extension is excluded if this has already been excluded by the Foreigners' Registration Office at the time of issue or the last extension.

The residence permit is limited in time. As a rule, their validity depends on the remaining duration of the training or further education.

If you were obliged to attend an integration course when you were issued a residence permit, you must prove that you have complied with this obligation. If you have not yet completed the integration course, the Foreigners' Registration Office may refuse the extension or extend the residence permit only for one year until you have successfully completed the course or proof has been provided that your integration into social life has taken place elsewhere.

If you have not yet reached the age of 18, a person entitled to your personal care must agree to the extended stay for the purpose of continuing in-company training or further education.

During the qualified vocational training, you are allowed to pursue employment. However, the extension of your residence permit is only possible if the successful completion of your vocational training is not jeopardized by the exercise of gainful employment.

After successful completion of qualified vocational training, your residence permit can be extended for up to twelve months to look for a job.

If your qualified vocational training or further education ends prematurely for reasons beyond your control, you may be given the opportunity to look for another training place for a period of up to six months.

During the validity of a residence permit for in-company training and further education, it is in principle possible to switch to another qualified vocational training. Likewise, if you meet the necessary requirements, you can apply to the Foreigners' Registration Office to obtain a residence permit for employment as a specialist, for employment with strong professional knowledge, for studying or for other purposes to which you are legally entitled (change of purpose).

• For the issuance of a national visa before entering Germany: The German mission abroad (embassy, consulate)
• For the issuance of a residence permit after entry: The immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

- Valid passport
- Current residence permit
- Current biometric photo
- Training and further education contract
- Proof that your livelihood is still secure (e.g. rental agreement)
- Proof of your health insurance
- Approval of the Federal Employment Agency (if this has already expired)
- Consent of the person with custody to the extended stay if you have not yet reached the age of 18
- If applicable, proof that the integration course has been completed or that the integration into social life has taken place elsewhere
 

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

- You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute.
- There is no interest in expulsion against you.
- Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- Your livelihood is secured.
- The approval of the Federal Employment Agency has been obtained.
 

You must apply for an extension of your residence permit at the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence before your current residence permit expires.

The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the immigration authority and concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your immigration authority offers electronic applications.
  In the event of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your application in order to make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your certificates will be checked (bring the original with you to the appointment).
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (bring the original with you to the appointment).
• If the approval of the Federal Employment Agency has to be renewed, the immigration authority usually obtains it in an internal administrative procedure.
• Your residence permit will then either be extended or you will receive a rejection notice.
• For the extension of the residence permit, your current electronic residence title (eAT card) will be renewed. For the renewal, your fingerprints will be taken at the Foreigners' Registration Office. You must also provide a signature.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT card at the Foreigners' Registration Office. The collection must always be done personally.
• Fees apply for the extension of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.
• The extension of the residence permit is limited in time and is valid only for this purpose of stay.
• If the purpose of your stay changes, you must inform the responsible immigration authority immediately.

In good time before the expiry of the period of validity, you must apply for the extension of the residence permit.

- The extension should be requested no later than eight weeks before the expiry of your valid residence permit.
- In the event of an extension, your residence permit will be renewed in time. The duration of the time limit usually depends on the duration of your training or further education.
- Deadline for lodging an objection to the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office: one month
 

It takes about six to eight weeks to process your application for a residence permit

Extension of residence permit:
- for a further stay of up to three months:
EUR 96
- for a further stay of more than three months:
EUR 93
Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be considered.

Note: The fee for the reissue of the electronic residence title (eAT card) is EUR 67.00.