First time poster here and good information here. 

It has been 8 weeks since I applied for my German work permit and I was wondering what happens with my application after I submit it in the embassy? It would be good to know this information. Does the local German athaurities contact my employer for verification or something? Are there any other steps that happen ?

It would be nice if other recent applicants could share there experiences in terms of how long did they have to wait before they heard from the embassy. 

Thanks for your help. 

Hi,

you have to tell us where in the world you applied, before we can tell you if 8 weeks waiting period is normal or not.

Bye

Detlef

Thanks for responding Detlef. I am an Indian passport holder and I have applied for a German work permit.  

Hi again,

for India it is not normal! You should get a response or your visa within 2 or 4 weeks, depending on the amount of salary, if you would have a prior approval letter it is possible to get the visa in a couple of days.

Contact the involved visa office and/or your future employer in Germany.

Good luck

Detlef

Thanks Detlef,

If you are talking about 'Approval by Federal Employment Agency' then my employer did not provide me with that document. I had applied for the work permit without it. My occupation comes under the 'shortage list' and my salary was above minimum requirement.

I will write to the Embassy.
After I submit my application, is the employer also contacted by the local authorities in Germany for verification or anything else ?

Thanks again for your prompt responses. 

Normally your employer will not be contacted!

I emailed the Embassy and they quickly resonded back saying 'Feedback of the German domestic authorities is still pending'. They have also mentioned that 'Please note that processing might take upto 12 weeks, and in some cases, even longer'. They further advised me to refrain from further queries as they have no means of speedning up the process. 

They seem to have a track of my application. I suppose things are still under process. Do you think the refugee situation has something to do with the delays ? Although I hope not. 

The Embassy/Consulate has to ask the ZAV in case you do not present a prior approval. 

It is possible that the refugee situation causes delays, because many officers from other departments are send to the refugee registration places to help.

I do not know!

Good luck

Detlef

Thank you for all your responses Detlef. It has been most helpful. Thanks.