Hey guys,
I come to Germany in Sep. 2001 as a student. This is my short history:

Bachelors and Masters in Baden-Württemberg:
5. Oct. 2001 - 1. Sep. 2005 (Aufenthalsbewilligung, as student)
1. Sep. 2005 - 4. Dec. 2007 (Aufenthalserlaubnis §16, student)

PhD in Bayern:
4. Dec. 2007 - current (July 2009) (Aufenthalserlaubnis §16, PhD student with salary TVL-13/2 paying tax, social insurance,...)

I have the following questions:

1- Since my current visa is student type (§16), I cannot apply neither for Niederlassungserlaubnis nor Einbürgerung, right?

2- lets say in a year I am done with my PhD and have job. Will my more than 8 years in Germany as student will be counted for Einbürgerung? How about the 5 years for Niederlassungserlaubnis? Do I have to have a Niederlassungserlaubnis before I apply for Einbürgerung?

3- Do regulations vary from one German state to another? I am in Bayern now. I think its rather strict here. I have heard about only half of student time in will be counted here. Which lands are easy with the regulations?

4- Is there a way to convince the Ausländerbehörde to issue a working residence permit for me during my PhD project (given that I am employee of University), I know some people having working residence permit during their PhD work.

I would be glad if anyone of you could shed light on any of these points!
Thanks!

No worries..
You can apply for Einbuergerung after 8 yrs in Bayern.
cheers
Raj

1- Yes
2- Yes (8 years sufficient for einbürgerung, provided you have job in hand, after your PhD)
3- No
4- No

Thank you guys! In other words,
I don't requite NE for german passport and student residence is going to be fully accepted for that 8 years (given that I will have a working visa after my PhD)?