Germany Opportunity Card vs Jobseeker Visa

Germany, one of the best places to work in the world, is planning to introduce a new point-based system named "Opportunity Card" as a part of their efforts to enhance the number of skilled immigrants to Germany to contribute to their workforce and economy.
As the German Opportunity Card is a new implementation, it is necessary for us to understand its fundamental details, such as the benefits, requirements, and eligibility, how it is different from other immigration pathways that already exist, etc.
What is the Germany Opportunity Card?
Germany Opportunity Card or "Chancenkarte" is a new initiative taken by the Government of Germany to attract a more skilled global force into Germany, as a part of satisfying the ever-increasing demand for skilled workers in Germany. As a new point-based immigration program, it allows skilled professionals from various parts of the world to come to Germany even without a job offer and explore the various professional opportunities available.

At the beginning of 2023, the draft of the new Immigration law was accepted by the Federal cabinet of Germany. Later, the Government of Germany announced the implementation of a new immigration law in Germany in the latter part of 2023. As a part of this law reform, the Opportunity Card will be implemented to attract more skilled workers to Germany, especially from non-European countries.
The New Immigration Law Reform in Germany
The new immigration law reforms are meant to be implemented in Germany in three stages: in November 2023, March 2024, and June 2024. Implementation of the German Opportunity Card is also a part of this reform that aims to increase the number of non-European workers in Germany to 60,000 per year.
Even though Germany is one of the biggest economies in the world, it faces extreme shortages of skilled workers or always finds a skill gap in many sectors, especially in the health and construction sectors. So, they had to enforce some changes in their immigration system to accommodate and attract as many potential workers as possible to Germany. It introduces a point-based system that makes German entry easier for skilled and qualified workers outside Europe.
Benefits of Having an Opportunity Card
You can come to Germany (without an employment offer letter) and search for jobs in person.
You can stay up to 1 year in Germany.
You can easily apply for a Permanent Residence in Germany.
You can work part-time and manage your expenses.
There is no minimum salary requirement.
Eligibility Criteria for Germany Opportunity Card
There are certain pre-defined eligibility criteria to be fulfilled by the applicants to get a Germany Opportunity Card. They are as follows.

The applicants must be non-Europeans.
Applicants must be of or less than 35 years of age.
As it is a point-based program, candidates must score a minimum of 6 points.
They must meet the required language skills- German or English.
They should at least have 3 years of professional work experience.
They must not be involved in any criminal activities.
They should be able to take care of their expenses while living in Germany.
Documents Required
An updated CV or resume
Official Academic Certificates
Professional Certificates
Experience Letter
Details of Projects already worked on.
Germany Opportunity Card Points
As a new point-based system for immigration, it demands a minimum of 6 points for an applicant to be eligible to obtain a Germany Opportunity Card, if the applicant is not recognized as a skilled worker in Germany.
Here is the list of criteria and their respective scores for the Germany Opportunity Card.

Criteria
Score
A professional qualification equivalent to that in Germany
4
Good German proficiency
3
Sufficient German Proficiency
2
C-level English Proficiency
1
5 years of professional experience
3
2 years of professional experience
2
Age is less than 35
2
Previously lived in Germany for at least 6 months
1
The living partner also meets the eligibility and they are also moving to Germany.
1

Germany Opportunity Card Fee
As per the available data, there is no information about the fees associated with the Germany Opportunity Card till now. However, applying for a German visa or work permit has specific application and processing fees that are based on the type of visa and permit the candidate applied for.
How to Apply for a German Opportunity Card?
As the Germany Opportunity Card hasn't been implemented yet, proper details about its application process are not available. However, based on the data available from various German immigration updates, a candidate can apply for the opportunity card in two ways:
Applying via online.
or, by visiting the German Embassy in your home country.

Though the updates are not available yet about the process of application, aspirants must keep all their details and the above-mentioned documents updated.
Job Sectors Available For Opportunity Card Holders in Germany
Healthcare
Food and Manufacturing
Hospitality
Engineering
Data Processing
Construction
Retail
Science and invention
Green Jobs
Information and Technology
Craftsmen and Carpenters
Warehousing and Storage
Difference Between Germany Opportunity Card and Other Visas
The Germany Opportunity Card is a new implementation, whereas there are already various other visa types available in Germany. Let's compare the Germany Opportunity card with other types of visas for foreign workers in Germany.

The table below compares the German Opportunity Card with the Jobseeker visa in Germany.

Germany Opportunity Card
Jobseeker Visa
It has not been implemented yet.
It already exists.
Degree holders or skilled workers with a minimum of 3 years of experience are eligible.
Only skilled professionals with a minimum of 5 years of experience are eligible.
The maximum age limit is 35 years.
There is no age limit.
There is no minimum salary or bank balance requirement.
Applicants must have a minimum of USD 7500 as bank balance.
German Language proficiency is required.
No need for German Language Proficiency.
Allows the cardholders to work part-time.
Visa holders cannot work part-time.

Look at the table below for clarity about the differences between the German Opportunity Card and Employment Visa.

German Opportunity Card
Employment Visa
It allows candidates to enter Germany and then search for a job.
A candidate needs a proper job offer or contract from a German company.
Candidate has to fulfill various eligibility criteria.
Candidates only need a proper degree certificate and a job offer.
German Language proficiency is needed
No need for German Proficiency.
The number of Opportunity cards to be issued per year is limited.
There is no limit to the number of employment visas to be issued per year.
It has not been implemented yet.
It exists already.

Now, it's time to compare the German Opportunity Card with the Blue Card.

German Opportunity Card
Blue Card
It allows the holder to come to Germany and then search for employment.
You must have a job offer either from Germany or from any other part of Europe to get this card.
Even if you are in your home country, you can apply for it.
You have to come to Germany on an employment visa and then apply for it.
It is valid only in the territories of Germany.
It is valid in the entire Europe.
There is no minimum salary requirement.
There is a minimum salary requirement.

For More info: https://texasreview.in/blog/germany-opportunity-card-requirements-and-eligibility/

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Texas Review, a leading immigration consultancy in India, always takes immense care in providing the best service to our clients in acquiring their dreams of Immigration. Our expert team of diligent and experienced professionals spare no effort to get your immigration pathways to Germany opened. Our services include research, destination and visa counselling, application processing, application scrutinizing, interview preparation, regular follow-ups, and post-landing services as well.
You can reach out to us for more updates regarding the German Opportunity Card and its processing.

This release was published on openPR.