Hi All,

I am applying from the U.S. for a work permit for a six month internship with a start-up consulting firm in Munich, Germany. I just gratuated from an Ivy League school and studied a year abroad at a top school in the U.K. I hope these factors help my chances at being accepted but there are a few ambiguities (or potential problems).

• The internship pay is well below the Ministry of Labor threshold of €47,600, so I would need a ZAV pre-approval. Is approval less likely at lower pay rates?
• Do I still need some sort of Ministry of Labor approval after obtaining a ZAV?
• For the application, are original documents necessary or are copies sufficient for (transcript/diplomas, signed firm invitation letter, bank statements)
• Are the following documents necessary for a six month internship? (confirmation of accomidation, confirmation of flight, affidavit of support, tax return, employment contract (signed by both parties))
  
• Any suggestions for increasing the chances of success? Maybe a personal cover letter expressing my interest in Germany and the firm, communicating with officials.

I am really interested in living and working in Germany, this firm suits me perfectly, and I just want to maximize my chances for success.

Thanks so much,

C

Hi,

what is your nationality? There are different rules for citizens from different countries.

Detlef

Hi Detlef,

Thanks for your reply. I am American. 

Best,
Chris

Hi Chris,

as an US citizen you have some privileges compared with other nationalities.

As far as I remember you can travel to Germany as a tourist and change the type of visa in Germany, which is not possible for others.

But I am not a lawyer, so this is no legal advice, please check this websitefor reliable information:

http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/05__Legal/00__Start/____Home.html

This means you can travel to Germany and check your chances here. I guess you will not get sufficient money for an internship to get a work permit, but you can get a student visa and as a student you can work for a certain time too.

Good luck

Detlef

Hi Detlef,

Thanks for the response. However I just gratuated and am therefore no longer a student, which places me outside of the internship catagory. I would be happy to travel to Germany, but am wary of the cost constraints. Do think success is more likely from Germany.

Thanks for your thoughts,
Chris