Important: The Remonstration Process Is Being Abolished
Starting July 1, 2025, changes will be introduced to the procedures of German embassies worldwide: the remonstration process – which previously allowed applicants to file an objection to a rejected visa in a relatively straightforward way – will be abolished. From now on, applicants can only take legal action against a rejected visa application.
No need to worry!
International professionals don’t need to panic: a rejected visa application is not the end of the road.
A rejection doesn’t mean you can never enter Germany again. Visa applications can be rejected for many different reasons: missing documents, insufficient financial proof, or applying for the wrong type of visa, to name a few. The most important step after receiving a rejection is to clearly identify why your visa was denied. Once you’ve figured this out, you can simply submit a new application – correcting the issue from the first one.
Important: Don’t just blindly reapply. First, take time to understand the reason behind your rejection.
Faster processing
The reason for abolishing the remonstration process is the rollout of new digital procedures at German embassies. Over the past few years, the system has been successfully tested in several countries and is now being rolled out globally. With the digitalization of embassy processes, applications are expected to be processed more quickly.
Opportunity card (Chancenkarte)
A special visa type is the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), introduced on June 1, 2024. It allows foreign nationals to stay in Germany for one year to search for a job. Many international professionals apply for this visa due to its relatively low requirements. However, in most cases – especially for healthcare professionals – these applications are rejected.
Why?
Healthcare professionals must first go through a lengthy recognition process in Germany before they are even allowed to look for a job. This process typically takes 12 to 18 months, which exceeds the duration of the Opportunity Card, leaving no time for actual job hunting. That’s why embassies often reject these applications for healthcare professionals.
Our recommendation:
Instead, apply for a language acquisition visa (§16f) or a recognition visa (§16d) – depending on your current language level. The requirements are a bit higher, but the chances of approval are also significantly better.
After arriving in Germany, you can switch from a §16f visa to a §16d visa to complete your recognition process. Once you’ve received your German professional license (Approbation), you can apply for the Opportunity Card and have a full year to find a job.
We’re here to help!
Do you have questions about visa processes? Was your application rejected and you're unsure why? We’re happy to support you! Just send us an email at visum@fia-academy.de – and we’ll find a solution together.