Apply for an extension of your residence permit to attend a general education school

Prerequisites

In principle, the same requirements must be met to extend the residence permit as when the residence permit was first issued. This means:

• They still want to attend a public or state-recognized school with an international focus or a private school that prepares its students for international qualifications, qualifications from other countries or state-recognized qualifications (such as the International Baccalaureate [IB]).
• Your chosen school will continue to ensure that classes are made up of students from different nationalities.
• You can secure your living expenses and health insurance for the duration of your stay from your own resources without having to rely on public benefits. The current BAföG rate (Federal Training Assistance Act) is used as a guideline.
• There is no interest in deporting you.

Documents required

In principle, the extension of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as for the initial issue:

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example: passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric passport photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of securing your livelihood (for example: from your own assets, payment of security into a blocked account, bank guarantee, declaration of commitment, scholarship, proof of parents' income or similar)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (for example: confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy).
• Certificate from the school stating the duration and conditions of school attendance
• For minors: consent of all persons with custody of the child to the planned school attendance (declaration of consent); if the parents with custody cannot submit the application together for their child, a written authorization from the absent parent is required; if custody is only granted to one parent, the signature of this parent is sufficient

The documents and information must generally be presented in German. In individual cases, the immigration authorities may require less or more evidence.

Deadlines

Duration (in range): 6 to 8 weeks




Note (for further information on the deadline):


The application should be received by the immigration authorities at least six to eight weeks before the current residence permit expires.

Procedure

• Find out whether your immigration authority allows you to submit your application online or whether it has a special application form.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you may not submit the application yourself, but need a representative (usually the application is submitted by the parents with custody).
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to make an appointment.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by at least one representative when you appear in person. If the parent with custody cannot appear in person, a written power of attorney must be submitted for the application.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably in the original, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The immigration authorities commission the Federal Printing Office to produce the eAT card. Once the process is complete, you will receive information and can collect the eAT card from the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

Processing time

Duration (in range): approx. 6 to 8 weeks




Note for further information on processing time:


The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration authorities.


It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

Fees

Cost (fixed):




96,00 € for a further stay of up to three months


48.00 € for minor applicants for a further stay of up to three months


93,00 € for a further stay of more than three months


46.50 € for minor applicants for a further stay of more than three months




Remark:




Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a new residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.




The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.




In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be possible (for example: for those entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish nationals.

Legal remedies

An appeal against the negative decision can be lodged with the authority within one month after notification.

Legal basis

§ 16f (2) Residence Act (AufenthG)

§ 8 Residence Act (AufenthG)

§ 5 Residence Act (AufenthG)