Germany: Immigration Processing Delayed

Immigration processing is significantly delayed on most processing stages, causing work start delays of two to four months when compared to normal processing times. The German Federal Employment Agency is processing work permit pre-approvals in four to six weeks, up from two to four weeks. The German Immigration Office is processing work and residence permits in 10 to 16 weeks, up from three to four weeks. Consular posts are processing entry visa applications in 5-15 days, up from two to five days. The delays mostly impact EU Blue Card, Assignment and Local Hire applications, which require both Federal Employment Agency and Immigration Office processing before travel and start of work. Additionally, in-country processing is delayed, with several weeks’ delay to register a residential address and schedule an immigration filing appointment, depending on local offices; and with in-country government processing for a residence permit card at 10-16 weeks, up from one to four weeks. Affected applicants and employers are advised to anticipate work start delays.