EU Blue Card from the USA: What to do if only the university, but not the degree, is recognized?

The same problem repeatedly arises with visa applications for the EU Blue Card from the USA : The US university is located in Anabin Listed as H+, but with no specific degree rating . While many German immigration authorities – especially in Berlin – consider the university's H+ rating sufficient in such cases, German embassies and consulates in the US often operate much more strictly. Their websites explicitly state that the degree must also have an Anabin rating. If this rating is missing and an individual assessment of the degree certificate has not yet been requested, the path to a Blue Card often appears blocked.

Stricter requirements from foreign missions in the visa application process

This creates considerable uncertainty for clients. It becomes particularly problematic when the start of employment is imminent and there is no time to obtain an individual assessment from the Federal Foreign Office (ZAB) . Unlike many German immigration authorities, US embassies and consulates often insist that not only the university but also the specific degree be assessed as "equivalent" or "comparable." Without this assessment, the Blue Card application is regularly viewed critically during the visa process .

Apply for a Blue Card anyway – and how to handle aid applications.

In this situation, it seems logical to still apply for a Blue Card and, in a cover letter, alternatively request other residence permits , for example, under Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 26 Paragraph 1 of the Employment Ordinance or under Section 3 of the Employment Ordinance. The question, however, is whether the German missions abroad even consider these alternative applications in the online portal or whether they simply reject them and refer the applicant to a new application. In practice, a fairly clear picture emerges: many missions abroad simply decide based on their own assessment. Even if a Blue Card is applied for, they often grant a residence permit under Section 26 Paragraph 1 of the Employment Ordinance – regardless of the requested combination of permits.

Prior approval from the Federal Employment Agency as a strategic lever

An often underestimated option is to first obtain preliminary approval from the Federal Employment Agency . If the case is described in detail and it is argued that, despite the lack of an Anabin assessment, all substantive requirements for the Blue Card are met, the Federal Employment Agency may reject the preliminary approval, arguing that the Blue Card is applicable (since no approval from the Federal Employment Agency is required for this, see Section 18g of the Residence Act). Experience shows that this increases the willingness of German embassies and consulates to issue a corresponding visa even without a recognized degree (and only with a recognized university degree). This can be a decisive factor, especially with embassies and consulates in the USA.

Pragmatic approach: First a different title, Blue Card later in Germany

Should the German mission abroad refuse to issue a Blue Card, a pragmatic and time-saving alternative remains: The applicant first submits another suitable qualification for employment (e.g., Section 26 of the Employment Ordinance), enters the country with this qualification, and then applies for the Blue Card at the relevant immigration office after arrival . Since many authorities – particularly in Berlin – regularly accept the H+ rating from the university as sufficient, the chances of success are significantly better in this case. This allows for timely entry, avoids jeopardizing the start of employment, and still enables the Blue Card to be obtained promptly.

Conclusion: Several paths lead to the Blue Card – with strategy and experience.

Even if a specific degree is not assessed in Anabin, this does not necessarily mean that a Blue Card is out of the question (although the chances of success are significantly lower). However, the procedures require careful strategic planning and consideration of the differing practices between diplomatic missions and immigration authorities. Those who are familiar with the possibilities of pre-approval, consider alternative qualifications, and realistically assess the processes can provide clients with a suitable and reliable path to a Blue Card, even under time constraints. It should be noted, however, that this approach merely represents administrative practice. Legally, a recognized degree is required for an EU Blue Card .