Hello, I work as an Engineer in Germany since Jul/2007, and my Auftenhalterlaubnis will expire in Dec/2007.

I already have a work contract for the next year, and I have to get a new Visa, so can anybody tell me if there is an improvement possibility?
To which status?

Remarks on my Auftenhaltserlaubnis are §18(4)S.1 AufenthG/a Seite 11 - Have no idea on what does it means...

Thanks in advance.

@Marcelo

Unfortunately there is no such provision for you to elivate your status after 18 months.

Only after,
2 years you can apply for BE/EG.
5 years you can apply for NE.
7 years you can apply for citizenship.

@akshay you said
Only after,
3 years you can apply for BE/EG.

Have alook in BeschVerfV

http://www.aufenthaltstitel.de/beschverfv.html#9

Seems one can get it now only after 2 years.