GERMANY – Closer Scrutiny of Academic Qualifications for Blue Card Applications [UPDATED]
[UPDATE] This new rule has not in fact been implemented yet. We will keep our clients informed if and when the new rule takes effect.
The German immigration authorities (Ausländerbehörde) now require official evaluation of university diplomas submitted in support of EU Blue Card applications, instead of a simple check of the Anabin database.
Under the new rule, the applicant must request a Statement of Comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). Processing of this application currently takes three weeks, but this is likely to increase as the new rule is implemented everywhere.
Action Items
- Applicants for EU Blue Cards in Germany and their employers should allow extra time for obtaining recognition of academic qualifications.