Step by Step Guide to Obtain Job Seeker Visa
I receive a lot messages in inbox for guidance but I cannot reply to everyone. This is why, I have
decide to write a step-by-step guide to secure JSV for Germany.
Notes:
I applied my JSV from Dubai. Unlike Pakistan, it is very easy process and you can get visa
within 1 day. I believe process is similar in Pakistan but time duration is little bit higher.
There may be other ways but according to my guide, chances to secure your visa will
quadruple. I am writing this guide while keeping in mind how to successfully obtain job
seeker visa and put your application standout from crowd.
Pre-requisites:
Degree and Experience: You must have at least 4 years BS degree. ZAB does not recognize 2 years
B.A./BSc. Degree. If you have two years Master’s degree but 16 years of education, you can apply
for ZAB equivalency. You must have at least 3 years of experience (and at least 5 years of
experience if you are coming from different background e.g. other than Engineering or Computer
Science). Your degrees and transcripts have been verified from HEC. You also have experience
letter.
German Language: If your background is in Finance or from Management or Medicine (Doctors),
forget about securing a job here in Germany without at least B1 level German Language. Even
now a days, mini-jobs like cleaning, also require German language. I’ll suggest you don’t take risk
and waste your time.
Same goes for Engineering and related fields. If you think your involves dealing with customers
or other stakeholders e.g. Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, project management etc. you
might find difficult to find a job here. But you might be able to get visa. Getting visa doesn’t mean
you can find a job here.
Computer Science and related fields, such as Software Engineering, there are 50-50 chances. But
in my experience, you can secure a job (as I have myself secured job without any German
language proficiency but I can also see other Most of the jobs require German language but you
might find some jobs which do not require German language proficiency. But it’s better to learn
up to at least A2 level so that you will not face any problem.
Step 1: Get your equivalency from ZAB
Step # 1 is to get equivalency from ZAB. This is very important step. Even, VO can reject your
application if you fail to provide this document. Actually, in Dubai, VO will not take your
documents if you fail to provide ZAB equivalency. Moreover, even if you secure your JSV Visa,
your work-permit or blue card WILL NOT BE PROCESSED without ZAB equivalency. So it’s better
to get ZAB equivalency before applying for job seeker visa.
Full requirements can be found here:
https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education/statement-of-comparability-for-
foreign-higher-education-qualifications/application-and-fees/application-form.html
Application form:
https://anabin.kmk.org/antragsformular.html?L=1
Fee: Fee for 1st time degree is EUR 200 and subsequently fee is EUR 100
Step 2:Start applying for jobs
Before even applying for Job Seeker Visa, start applying for jobs in your relevant field on
LinkedIn.com, Indeed.de and Xing.com. Make one or maximum two page professional resume
and write one page cover letter. If you get any positive response such as request for Skype
interview calls, interview dates or emails or anything, keep this information safe. You will print
out this information and attach with application form.
Step 3:Apply for Appointment
Once, you have secured some positive replies and got your ZAB equivalency, you can apply for
appointment.
Step 4: Block Amount
If you really want to secure job seeker visa and increase your chances, I will HIGHLY suggest to
block amount for 6 months. And you should have money for at least 6 months to survive. I believe
EUR853/month is the minimum amount to be blocked. I suggest to use Fintiba. Link is given is
below:
https://fintiba.referralrock.com/l/1HAMMADHASS37/
(If you will use above referral link, you will receive EUR 15 bonus as of writing this guide)
Using Fintiba is hassle-free and you will not find any problem whatsoever when you will arrive in
Germany. Other similar services might be cheap few Euros but you will face a lot of problems.
I also recommend you to choose Fintiba Plus account which will include EUR33/month with
insurance. (I didn’t choose Fintiba Plus and ended up paying EUR 59/month for insurance).
Step 5: Accommodation and other Documents Requirements
Other than degrees and transcripts, ZAB equivalency, passport, you will also need insurance and
accommodation.
Accommodation: You can book accommodation from Booking.com and attach for 6 months (6
bookings, one booking each month). But choose only those properties which you can cancel any
time. Remember you only need this booking to submit for embassy/consulate.
Insurance: Most of the insurance plans from Pakistan will NOT work. I suggest you can choose
from Mawista or choose Fintiba Plus while blocking the amount. If you will choose Fintiba Plus,
you will save at least 30 EUR per month else you will have to buy their Expat plan which costs
here EUR59/month.
Cover Letter: Write 2-3 pages cover letter explain only simple questions:
Why Germany?
Why your profession e.g. Data Scientist?
In which city you are planning to live and why?
Accommodation plan?
If you will not find a job in Germany, what is your backup plan?
Step 6: Day of Interview
Take all the necessary documents listed in Application Form as well as:
Your cover Letter
Degrees/Transcripts
ZAB Equivalency
Experience Letter(s)
Fintiba Blocked Account w/ insurance
Passport
Pictures
Positive replies from the jobs you applied (should be at least 5)
NOTE: Your visa (once approved) will start from the date of your insurance. You don’t have to
buy ticket. There is no need to submit ticket with application form.
VO will ask you simple questions. I have no idea, she only asked me one question - what is my
profession because I forgot to mention on my application form.
If you have any question, first Google before sending me a DM. The power of searching online is
that you will get answer instantly. But depending on my availability, I might reply a bit late.
I wish you all the best and see you in Germany.
Best regards,
Hammad Hassan
