Dear friends,

I have finished my PhD two months back only. I am living in Germany since Sept 2008.
 I was issued a working visa i.e.18, since I am here for my PhD. As, I was not aware about the rules and regulations before, it is making troubles for me to get the visa extension for 1 year or 18 months as per as new rule to look for a job.
I was told that I will get only 6 months of extension to look for my Job and issued a Fiktionsbescheinigung (Temporary visa) for that. But, in my opinion, I should get an extension for 18 months according to the new law. I have an impression that the persons sitting in the visa office has a different opinions regarding this.

I have no clue about what to do and whom to ask about the real honest information. I am feeling very helpless and confused these days.
Please help me.

Hi Gautam,

since you had No.18 Visa and not the student visa No.16, I presume your case worker is right.
In your case I will concentrate my energy on looking for a job. What was the topic of your PhD? may be i can recommend you something!

Good luck!