Job terminated, immigration authorities not responding: What does this mean for your residence permit?
- Isabelle Manoli
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Skilled workers are obliged to inform the immigration authorities if they lose their job ( duty to cooperate , Section 82 Paragraph 6 of the Residence Act ). When skilled workers lose their job and inform the immigration authorities, many expect a quick response . After all, employment is often a key requirement for a residence permit - be it the EU Blue Card or another work-related residence permit. But what happens if there is no response to the notification? Many affected people are unsettled when they don't hear back for weeks or even months. This inactivity on the part of the authorities is often no cause for concern - on the contrary: it is usually the result of a conscious decision related to the job search opportunity card.
Why does the immigration authority often remain inactive?
First of all, it is true that foreign skilled workers are obliged to inform the immigration authorities about the end of their employment after being dismissed. In theory, the authorities would then have to check whether the requirements for the residence permit are still met – and revoke the permit if necessary . In practice, however, many authorities remain inactive and do nothing at first. There are good reasons for this apparent passivity: many skilled workers are legally entitled to a so-called opportunity card to help them look for a job after being dismissed , provided they can continue to support themselves . This opportunity card is valid for up to 12 months and allows them to find a new job during this time . The authorities know that formally revoking the previous residence permit and subsequently issuing a new opportunity card would in many cases only create unnecessary administrative work.
Legally secure with an opportunity card for job searches
So instead of immediately revoking the existing residence permit and forcing the person concerned to submit a new application, many immigration authorities simply put the process on hold. If a new job is found within the next 12 months , an application to change employer is usually sufficient . The existing residence permit can then simply be transferred to the new employer. This not only saves time and administrative effort, but is also considerably less complicated for the person concerned. This practice shows that many immigration authorities are taking this pragmatic approach. They wait to see whether a new job is found within the permitted period - and in doing so avoid unnecessary intermediate steps such as issuing an opportunity card and its later replacement with a new work visa.
Conclusion: Inactivity of the immigration authorities after job loss
If you have notified the immigration authorities after being terminated from your employment but have not received a response, this is generally no cause for concern . The authorities know that under certain conditions (particularly if you have a secure livelihood) you are entitled to an Opportunity Card to help you find a job – and they act accordingly. In many cases, they deliberately refrain from formally revoking your residence permit, as a straightforward transition to new employment is possible. Things can only become critical if you have not found a new job within 12 months. Until then, however, the rule is: stay calm and actively search for a job.
