Welcome
Visa for Skilled Workers in the IT Sector
General Information
If you have specialized knowledge in the field of Information Technology (IT) in combination with a concrete job offer in this field but a salary under 3.285 € per month / 39.420 € per year, then you would need to apply for this type of visa.
If you have specialized knowledge in the field of Information Technology (IT), two visa categories are available to you.
You can demonstrate your specialized knowledge either through professional experience (no formal qualification/recognition required) OR through a formal qualification (see Anerkennung-in-Deutschland.de).
Required Documents
To apply, you will need the following documents:
In your application form (VIDEX), you provide all information regarding your entry and stay in Germany. You must complete this form and print it out once.
If you are a minor, your legal guardians must sign the application and give their consent.
A current biometric photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm front facial view with a light background), stamped, not older than 3 months. Digitally altered pictures will not be accepted.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of visa issuance. Please note that the document must have at least two blank pages (your visa will be affixed here upon a positive decision).
If you do not possess Canadian citizenship, please provide us with your Canadian residence permit.
Please also provide the original residence permit in Canada on the day of your appointment.
Proof of your residence in Canada can be, for example, your Canadian driver's license, electricity bill, water bill, or gas bill.
Please sign the following declaration and bring the original with you to the appointment:
Please have this form filled out by your future employer. The information about the job description must clearly indicate the intended activity!
Form: download here
If you want to work in the IT sector, instead of formal qualifications, you must provide evidence of at least three years of employment in this field within the last seven years.
This can be submitted in the form of a resume, copy of certifications (e.g. CompTIA, CCNP…) and/or employer confirmations (listing duties performed during the employment).
Please also submit a certificate from your employer stating the company language (e.g. English) and confirming that you speak it.
If you have preliminary approval (“Vorabzustimmung”) from the Federal Employment Agency (“Bundesagentur für Arbeit”), you may also submit this.
Individuals with statutory health insurance coverage are adequately insured from the first day of employment. Please provide proof of your statutory health insurance coverage.
If you enter the country before your statutory health insurance coverage begins, you must obtain appropriate supplemental insurance.
If you are planning a long or permanent stay, some travel health insurances may exclude coverage in their terms. This limitation may also apply to “incoming” insurance, so please ensure you have sufficient coverage with your supplemental insurance.
In certain cases, additional documents may be required.
Processing Time
Due to the regular need for approval from authorities in Germany, you should generally allow 4 weeks for the processing of your visa application (calculated from the submission of the complete application documents at the foreign representation).
Fees
See Fees for Visa applications at the Consulate General Toronto
Online Application and Appointment Booking via the Consular Services Portal
You can apply for the visa online through the Consular Services Portal of the Federal Foreign Office. After uploading your application and documents, your information will be checked for completeness. Any ambiguities will be clarified directly through the Portal. Once all documents have been verified online, you will receive an invitation link for appointment booking via the Portal.
During the subsequent appointment at the foreign representation, only your identity will be verified, your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be collected, and the fee will be paid. Please also make sure to provide the original documents (listed in the checklist which is provided to you along with the appointment booking invitation link).
Click here for online application via the Consular Services Portal