Artificial intelligence in visa procedures: Federal government plans modernization

The German Federal Government is further advancing the digitalization of migration administration. At the Cabinet meeting on November 5, 2025, a policy paper outlining key points for the initiative "Introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Visa Procedures and Migration Administration" was presented. Although the full document has not yet been published by either the Federal Ministry of the Interior or the Federal Foreign Office, it is already becoming clear that the integration of AI is intended to significantly accelerate the processing of visa applications while simultaneously improving the quality of the assessments.

The background to this is the increasing strain on visa offices worldwide and the high demand for faster procedures, particularly in the area of skilled worker immigration . German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt aim to significantly reduce waiting times for both employers and international skilled workers with this initiative . AI is intended to help expedite administrative processes, better identify risks, and deploy the resources of German diplomatic missions more effectively.

Digitized application processing as a foundation – AI as the next step

Part of the visa application process is already digitized: More than 70,000 visa applications have now been submitted and processed entirely online via the Federal Foreign Office's international portal . This development demonstrates that the technical infrastructure is in place and user acceptance is increasing. Now, AI is to be applied where the processes are currently slowest: in the substantive review of applications.

The German government plans to deploy AI-powered systems to support case workers by pre-structuring documents, identifying inconsistencies, and preparing risk assessments . This should enable employees to reach informed decisions more quickly. At the same time, AI is intended to help manage the increasing volume of applications worldwide more efficiently – a crucial factor in maintaining Germany's competitiveness in the race for international talent .

The law on further digitizing migration administration is to be brought before the cabinet again.

In parallel, the German government plans to re-approve the draft law for the further digitalization of migration administration in the cabinet at the beginning of December. The draft was initially initiated by the then-governing coalition of the Social Democrats, the Greens, and the FDP at the end of 2024, but was never put to a vote due to political instability. Now the project is to be revived . It remains unclear whether and what changes have been made. This law provides the legal basis for automated review processes, improved data flows between authorities, and greater procedural security. It thus complements the AI initiative and creates the framework for a modern, efficient, and digitally networked migration administration.

What does this mean for employers, skilled workers, and visa applicants?

The planned reforms could make a significant difference for companies and international skilled workers. Shorter processing times , less paperwork, and clearer digital processes would not only accelerate the immigration of skilled workers but also make it more predictable. At the same time, the use of AI promises higher-quality decisions and thus greater legal certainty.

It remains to be seen what the finalized outline paper and the revised draft legislation will look like. However, one thing is already clear: the German government is increasingly relying on digitalization and AI to raise the German visa process to a new level. This is an important step forward for everyone involved in the migration and skilled worker immigration process.