Post-Study Work Visa Checker

The post-study work visa (officially known as Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Jobsuche nach dem Studium, § 20 Abs. 3 AufenthG) allows international graduates of German universities to stay in Germany for up to 18 months to find a job related to their field of study. During this 18-month period, you are permitted to work completely unrestricted in any job to support yourself.

Crucially, the 18-month period begins on the day you receive your final exam results or the day your final grade is officially published in the university portal — NOT on the day of your graduation ceremony or the day you receive your physical diploma. You should apply at the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office) as soon as you have this official confirmation.

You must prove you can support yourself financially during the job search phase. If you do not have a current job (like a Werkstudent or Minijob contract that covers your living expenses), the Ausländerbehörde will usually require a Blocked Account. Often, they require proof of funds for 6 months rather than a full year, but this varies by municipality.

Yes! Unlike the strict 120 full days / 240 half days limit on a student visa, the post-study work visa gives you unrestricted working rights. You can work full-time in a café, do multiple Minijobs, or keep your Werkstudent position while you search for a highly qualified job in your field of study.

Before the 18 months expire, you must have found a job related to your degree that provides sufficient income. Once you find this job, you must transition your visa to a standard Residence Permit for Employment or an EU Blue Card. The 18-month post-study visa cannot be extended. If you haven't found a qualifying job by the end of the period, you will generally have to leave Germany.