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On this page, you will find all VISAGUARD glossary entries for the letter P. The glossary entries are arranged alphabetically and include the most important terms in immigration law that begin with the letter P. Each definition in the glossary is linked to the relevant law or administrative regulation and also refers to the corresponding VISAGUARD technical article.
passport
A passport is an identification document and represents an official confirmation of a person's nationality and identity. It is issued by a state to its citizens.
Related legal source: Passport Act (PassG)
Related VISAGUARD article: Passport requirement for foreigners
Passport replacement
A passport substitute is an identification document which, alone or in conjunction with a visa or residence permit, replaces some of the functions of a passport.
Related legal source: Section 7 PassV
Related VISAGUARD article: Passport requirement for foreigners
Passport requirement
Passport requirements mean that a foreigner must possess a valid passport or passport substitute to enter or stay in Germany. This requirement also applies to German citizens in certain cases (see Section 1 of the Passport Act ).
Related legal source: Section 3 Residence Act
Related VISAGUARD article: Passport requirement for foreigners
nursing professional
"Pflegefachkraft" is the term for trained nurses in Germany. Anyone wishing to use the professional title "Pflegefachfrau" or "Pflegefachmann" requires a permit ( Section 1 of the PflBG ). Certain nursing tasks may only be performed by qualified nurses ( Section 4 of the PflBG ). Due to the high demand for qualified nurses, many foreign nurses apply for a deficit visa or a recognition partnership.
Related legal source: Nursing Professions Act (PflBG )
Related VISAGUARD article: Foreign nursing professionals
nursing assistant
Nursing assistants support nursing professionals and perform tasks not reserved for nursing professionals. Nursing assistants can be granted a visa if they meet the requirements for working as a nursing assistant established by federal or state law and have recognized training (see Section 22a of the Employment Ordinance ).
Related legal source: Section 22a BeschV
Related VISAGUARD article: Foreign nursing professionals
plausibility
Plausibility in visa applications refers to the comprehensibility and credibility of the information an applicant provides to the visa application office. It is about whether the circumstances, intentions, and documents presented appear realistic, consistent, and logical—that is, whether they are coherent and credible in context.
Related legal source: Section 24 VwVfG
Related VISAGUARD article: Plausibility
Plausibility check
The plausibility check for visa applications is an administrative procedure that examines whether the information and documents submitted by an applicant are consistent, comprehensible, and credible. It is a key element in the decision-making process regarding the granting or refusal of a visa.
Related legal source: Section 24 VwVfG
Related VISAGUARD article: Plausibility
Post-Study/Post-Doc
A post-study visa is a residence permit that allows international students to stay in a particular country after completing their studies – often with the aim of looking for or working in a job.
Related legal source: Section 16b Residence Act
Related VISAGUARD article: Study visa
Potential pillar
In residence law, the term "potential pillar" refers to one of the three pillars of German immigration law, which was modernized as part of the skilled worker immigration process. The potential pillar is aimed primarily at people from third countries who do not yet have a specific job or a recognized qualification according to German standards, but who have recognizable potential to gain qualifications or work in Germany.
Related legal source: §§ 20a, b AufenthG
Related VISAGUARD article: Opportunity Card
Privilege
In immigration law, the term "privilege" refers to the preferential or special treatment of a specific group of people compared to others (e.g., based on nationality or educational level). It involves the granting of special rights, advantages, or exceptions that not everyone is entitled to. These legal privileges constitute discrimination against non-privileged foreigners.
Related legal source: Section 26 BeschV
Related VISAGUARD article: Best-Friends Countries ( country pages )
probationary period
The "probationary period" is a contractually agreed-upon period during which the employment relationship can be terminated with two weeks' notice. The probationary period may last a maximum of six months. The probationary period is not mandatory and can be shortened or waived. The probationary period should not be confused with the waiting period under the German Protection Against Dismissal Act, which is also six months (see Section 1 (1) of the German Protection Against Dismissal Act ).
Related legal source: § 622 para. 3 BGB
Related VISAGUARD article: Protection against dismissal for foreigners
Duty to check (employer)
Employers must check whether foreign nationals whom they employ or commission to perform other paid services or work have a residence permit that allows them to carry out the relevant employment or gainful activity.
Related legal source: Section 4a paragraph 5 sentence 3 no. 1 Residence Act
Related VISAGUARD article: Employer obligations under Section 4a of the Residence Act
Push Back
Pushback is a term used primarily in the context of migration and border protection. It refers to measures by which refugees or migrants are actively (and usually unlawfully) pushed back or rejected at a border. This is intended to prevent the refugees from applying for asylum, even though they have a right to do so.
Related legal source: Art. 33 GFK
Related VISAGUARD article: International Law and Humanitarian Obligations