You may authorize your German employer to apply for a fast-track skilled worker procedure on your behalf. This procedure is available for applications based on Section 16a of the German Residence Act (vocational training/further training), Section 16d of the German Residence Act (implementation of qualification measures), as well as Sections 18a, 18b, and 18g of the German Residence Act (employment).

The competent local Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) will advise your employer and provide support throughout the procedure. Once all requirements have been met, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will issue a so-called pre-approval (Vorabzustimmung) under the fast-track skilled worker procedure pursuant to Section 81a of the German Residence Act.

Further information on the procedure can be found on the information page of the German Federal Government.

You may only book an appointment to apply for a skilled worker visa with pre-approval from the Foreigners’ Registration Office if you have received such pre-approval and have all required application documents available. Pre-approval from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) alone is not sufficient.