After the 18-month period (Graduate Visa): Is it possible to switch to an Opportunity Card?

Many international graduates who have studied in Germany consistently use the so-called graduate visa under Section 20 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) to its fullest extent . The 18 months after graduation are valuable for gaining professional experience, writing applications, and establishing themselves in the German job market. However, precisely after this period expires, a serious residency issue often arises if no job has been found.

The typical situation after 18 months

After their graduate visa expires, many graduates face the question of their legal options. A direct transition to a residence permit for employment is often not possible. While Section 18b of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) no longer requires a strict qualification link between the degree and the job, unlike the Blue Card , the hurdle remains high in practice. A residence permit under Section 18b AufenthG requires qualified employment that is also adequately compensated. Those just starting their careers often do not yet meet these requirements . Those who initially work in a restaurant, retail store, or delivery service after graduation typically do not earn a salary that aligns with the reference values of the German Salary Atlas .

Opportunity map after 18 months

In this situation, the opportunity map can offer a real perspective. From our point of view, it is particularly interesting for graduates who have their degree but have not yet found a qualified full-time position. However, a prerequisite is that the degree program... actually completed . Those who were expelled or did not achieve their degree can usually only apply for the so-called points opportunity card, which is significantly more complex and less secure.

A key aspect of the prospects assessment is securing one's livelihood . According to Section 5 Paragraph 1 Number 1 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), it must be demonstrated that rent, health insurance, and ongoing living expenses can be covered. In practice, immigration authorities often calculate a monthly amount of approximately 500 to 600 euros for general living expenses, in addition to rent. The decisive factor is often not so much the flat rate as the actual rent amount.

Working with the opportunity map

A major advantage of the "Opportunity Card" is that it allows for employment of up to 20 hours per week . This work does not require qualifications. Jobs in restaurant kitchens, in the service industry, or as delivery drivers can also be sufficient to secure one's livelihood. The decisive factor is solely whether the income earned with a 20-hour work week covers living expenses. Experience in advising clients shows that night, weekend, or holiday bonuses, in particular, can play a significant role. These bonuses can be included in the calculation and, in many cases, make the difference between whether or not one's livelihood is considered secure.

Change of course 18 months opportunity map

If the requirements are met, the Opportunity Card can generally be applied for after 18 months. For initial guidance, the multilingual self-check on the platform make-it-in-germany.com is recommended ; it is available in German, English, French, and Spanish. While this does not replace legal advice, it provides a first impression of whether the formal criteria might be met. The legal transition from a graduate visa to the Opportunity Card is not entirely uncontroversial. It is certainly debatable whether the legislator intended for foreign professionals to be able to effectively search for employment in Germany for up to 30 months after completing their studies. In practice, however, many immigration offices facilitate this transition.

The Berlin State Office for Immigration, in particular , regularly allows this change, even if the 18-month validity period of the graduate visa has already been fully exhausted. For many graduates, this is the crucial stepping stone to securing legal residency and finally gaining access to qualified employment in Germany. Especially during this sensitive transition phase, it is advisable to seek legal counsel early on. Small errors in the application process or in calculating living expenses can otherwise determine whether a promising career path in Germany ends or can continue.