Germany: Processing Delays Worsen

In addition to previously-reported government processing delays, it is now taking between three and seven months to process applications with the immigration offices in Germany. In particular, the processing times of work permit applications filed with German immigration offices are extraordinarily long. This may impact the applicant’s ongoing immigration process as well as their ability to travel internationally. Affected foreign nationals with pending immigration applications seeking to leave Germany may require an interim permit to re-enter the country. Immigration offices restrict the issuance of interim permits to severe and proven travel grounds, especially for purposes of essential business travel or serious personal reasons (such as funerals or critical health reasons). Even if these criteria are met, outcomes are unpredictable and processing times are up to several months.