Federal Employment Agency Applications Subject to Stricter Review Standards and Delays

The situation

The creation of a new Federal Employment Agency (FEA) unit may increase scrutiny for FEA-involved applications.

Background

The FEA is responsible for  preapproving work and residence permit applications. The new unit was created to review case handling and immigration compliance for employers in Germany.

A closer look

• Stricter standards. The new unit may result in stricter application review standards for applications filed with the FEA.
  • Impact. Due to the stricter standards, the processing times for FEA-reviewed applications have increased.
     
• Higher minimum salary levels. The new unit may result in increased use of FEA officers’ discretionary authority to apply higher minimum salary levels.
  • Impact.
    • Prior to filing initial or renewal visa applications, employers should ensure their foreign workers meet minimum salary requirements.
    • Employers planning to file new or renewal work and residence permit applications should take into account potentially higher salary thresholds, which could increase employer costs.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].