hey guys, sorry if this is repeated as a new post..


i hope you can be of help here..

i got a job offer from a german company..i have been told to apply for an arbeitserlaubnis(work permit ) now..
i am currently residing in USA.

after
going thru forums, what i understand is that i have to apply for a
residence permit or an employment visa(still not sure exactly which one)
and then wait for the approval..then apply for a visa which wud be a
temporary one and travel to germany..after arrival, get the rent
lease,etc and follow the process to get a blue card..

now, question1-> do i apply for residence permit or employment visa?
ques2-> if i try to fill up the form"application of a national visa",point 9 says- I intend to stay no longer than twelve months in the Federal territory and apply for a visa that covers the whole duration of my stay: what does that mean??? i intennd to stay there as long as blue card permits(4 years)

appreciate any kind of help here
thanks
somesh