I guess I DONT need a visa since I’ve already ENTERED the country… but I have questions.
How do I go about a residence permit?
#American in Germany — Residence Permit…?
tawny flame
coral geyser
Figure out the type you want and google that to see what you need to start with
steady lynx
wait... let's back up. so you're in the country now for what purpose? and you want a residence permit for studies?
tawny flame
For work & studies
steady lynx
no but you entered the country without an employment or a uni enrolment?
also, a work permit and a study permit are completely different things. so do you want to work a full time job or do you want to do university
tawny flame
Yes, though I could get enrolled in a heartbeat.
I want a full time job, but I’m flexible because I also want the intensive German lessons.
I’m willing to work part time — knowing that’s allowed — while studying. I can afford it.
lost barn
Did you not come with a plan? You can't stay indefinitely as a tourist. This is a great way to get deported.
steady lynx
i don't know the details of getting a work permit, but if you want a student permit you'll absolutely need an enrolment certificate asap and a wohnanmeldung (which you already have). since you're american i don't know if you'll need a sperrkonto, but i recommend just checking official websites and see all the requirements
tawny flame
The plan was to come here and find a job.
The backup plan is to get enrolled in classes and get a student one.
steady lynx
and yes if you're staying only as a tourist, then you have a time limit where you can stay before you have to leave
tawny flame
Came here to figure out if I wanted to stay here permanently and did so with a bachelors degree in IT prepared.
Even with student registration, I’m fine here. I can still work part time or work for the institution that’s giving me classes and find something full-time later.
steady lynx
and also i don't know if the rules are different for you since you're american, but certain countries require you to be in germany with a student visa before you can apply for a residence permit, not tourist visa
that's something you'll have to check
lost barn
The plan was to come here and find a job.
The backup plan is to get enrolled i...
It's not really feasible to find a job and obtain a residence permit within 90 days
tawny flame
I showed up with my passport, nothing more. We’ll see how it plays out. If I have to go back to the USA because I didn’t plan shit well enough, so be it — I’ll come back in a year with a work visa and a residence permit.
lost barn
German bureaucracy is famously slow. You can start the process during your visa free period, but it would've been better to enroll in a program/communicate with a prospective company beforehand
tawny flame
I’m aware. Was fleeing the USA as something of an emergency on my end.
steady lynx
^ a good way to do it is to have your employment/enrolment ready, contact the ausländeramt 90 days or so before your visa or whatever expires that you need a residence permit, and they will give you an appointment close to the date when it's expiring
lost barn
You may have to obtain a Duldung when your 90 days are up, but this is under the condition you meet the requirements/prospects to obtain a residence permit in the first place
tawny flame
Yeah — I’m about to acquire my job seeker visa. That gives me more time. The Ausländerbehorde officially told me to send them a pic of my degree.
lost barn
Yea for even these shorter term visas they offen need proof you have the qualifications which give you good chances of finding a job
tawny flame
I mean, yeah. It’ll double my time here tho. 
Job seeker visa gives me 6 months to find something.
steady lynx
A pic of your degree? Wow that seems informal 
tawny flame
Yeah. Fuck if I know.
steady lynx
But good for you and on them for not being obnoxious with documents
tawny flame
Yeah. They’re being hella chill lmao.
steady lynx
I had a great experience too with mine. I heard it really depends on who you get lol
steady lynx
I thought no one who works for the govt is paid enough
tawny flame
You know what? Fair lmao
I’m not really too worried about not being able to get things done in time on the grounds that I’m coming over as a skilled laborer in a desired field.
And if I fail, whoopteedoo, I’ll come back in a year via an international company.
The biggest advantage I have is my stubbornness. I will use it to its maximum potential.
lost barn
do you already have a blocked bank account?
tawny flame
Nah, but I’ll get one and build it over the course of a year if need be. My flatmates are also helping me search for jobs now too.
lost barn
well you need proof of financing in any case for the visa
tawny flame
Kein Problem.
I have the entire amount required.
4320€ is the amount required for an entire stay. I have that.
Minimum amount per month: 720€ and a job seeker visa is good for up to 6 months.
magic olive
i think you wont get kicked or have problems
because you hold a passport thats american, and because it has ties to nearly every country and considered a strong passport then no need for a visa
thus anything can be done
and also i just remembered regarding your home, you gotta check utilities if they are included because they can get pretty prices and they are payed per meter squared so be careful of that.
tawny flame
Yeah, my boyfriend already taught me a valuable lesson about how less is more anyways. More meters squared means shittier heating anyways.