Opportunity Card (short)
Often not needed. A US citizen can enter visa-free and, with a job offer, be approved for any employment under § 26 BeschV without points or language test. The Opportunity Card helps if you want to search for a job in Germany first and prefer a clear job-search status.
What it is (§ 20a AufenthG)
A permit of up to one year to search for work. Two entries: you are already a recognised skilled worker, or you reach 6 points with a qualification recognised in your country, plus German A1 or English B2 (§ 20a).
- Points: for example age up to 35, language, experience, shortage occupation, partial recognition. Age: "not older than 35" earns the higher score.
- Money: you must show secure living costs, €1,091 a month (§ 20a (4) S. 1), for example in a blocked account.
- Work allowed: up to 20 hours a week (§ 20a (2) Nr. 1) and trial employment (Nr. 2).
- Whether a US citizen needs to prove English at B2 with a certificate: not verified.
Information: Make it in Germany. For the money see Costs.
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