Hello all,

I would appreciate if someone of you could throw light on my dilemma. I had been following the threads here though I am new here.. and now am interested in knowing how does it work for me ?

In fact I would like to get some opinions of you people as my consultation with my lawyer (with whom I have a flat rate contract for foreigner issues) was so much informative.

I worked in Germany in R&D in a university from 07.2003 to 06.2005 with "Aufenthaltsbewilligung" and 'paid no taxes' as I was on a research fellowship. Later, since 06.2005 till now (10.2007) have been working in a research firm on "Aufenthaltserlaubnis 18 AufenthG" which I will continue till 07.2008 as it is a contract for 3 years.

It means by now I have already finished 2 years under "Aufenthaltserlaubnis 18 AufenthG". So is there anything that I could do now to improve my workpermit/visa status in Germany ?
(I heard, I could get BE..
1. can anyone throw light on how to proceed with the ABH and
2. how does it help in applying for NE, NE-EG and citizenship later ?)

By 07.2008 I would have five years in Germany with last 3 years in "Aufenthaltserlaubnis 18 AufenthG". I plan to goto higher studies for one year in UK soon after that.

3. Is there anything I could do to still keep myself in-line for NE, NE-EG... in Germany though I leave Germany for one year soon after I finish 5 years over here ?

4. Will I be eligible for NE, NE-EG after I finish 5 years with first 2 years with "Aufenthaltsbewilligung" and 'havnig paid no taxes' as I was on a research fellowship ?


Thanks in advance
Bala

PS: this online community is so helpful, I would like to thank whoever who setup this means of dialogue and discussions.

2. how does it help in applying for NE, NE-EG and citizenship later ?)

its more a sort of insurance, in case you have to change your job

3. Is there anything I could do to still keep myself in-line for NE, NE-EG... in Germany though I leave Germany for one year soon after I finish 5 years over here ?

Yes, you can do one or two things:

1) (if you don't get to receive the NE) extend your title for two years before you leave
and
2) ask the ABH for permission to leave Germany for a year, showing that you are going to study (and from its nature not a permanent thing)

also, it doesn't hurt to come back to Germany a couple of times during the year in the uk.

rgds,
-a