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Start your Opportunity Card research by identifying the official qualification pathway you will use, then organise its evidence separately from the job search. Use the planning file below to record the source of each instruction, the record you hold and the question still open. It is an editorial preparation tool, not an official document list or a decision on your eligibility.
Choose the official pathway before collecting evidence
Make it in Germany separates two application options: a qualification obtained in Germany or fully recognised there, and a points-based option. The recognised-qualification option does not use the points system. Financial support is a separate requirement. Read the current official section for your chosen option rather than mixing evidence from both.
| Research path | What the official guidance distinguishes | Your planning question |
|---|---|---|
| Recognised qualification | German qualification or full recognition of a foreign qualification | Which record establishes the qualification for this option? |
| Points-based option | Qualification evidence, language evidence and the points assessment | Which official instruction supports each item I intend to rely on? |
| Financial support | A separate funding question | What current proof is accepted for my application circumstances? |
For foreign university degrees, the official points-option guidance refers to anabin or a Statement of Comparability. Start with our Anabin and ZAB research guide to organise that question. If your intended occupation is regulated, keep a separate line for the relevant professional-recognition authority.
Build an evidence-to-instruction tracker
Make one row for each instruction you have actually located. Save the exact heading and link beside the record, rather than copying a checklist from another applicant. Leave an unanswered question marked “unconfirmed”. This optional table is designed to expose gaps in your research.
| Task | Record in your file | Useful next action |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification pathway | Chosen option and supporting official section | Resolve which assessment or recognition record applies |
| Identity and application channel | Your current travel document and the responsible official application instructions | Check spelling and the submission channel |
| Funding research | Current instruction, accepted evidence and source date | Compare the instruction with funds you can document |
| Questions for the authority | One precise unresolved question per line | Ask through the responsible official channel before treating it as answered |
Prepare the job search as a separate project
Choose a small list of occupations, locations and employers to investigate. Create a weekly research plan with a task, contact and follow-up date. Use an evidence-based international CV to keep descriptions of qualifications and duties consistent with your records. Keep recruitment preparation and immigration evidence in separate folders.
The official page directs jobseekers who find work to the foreigners authority to research the appropriate residence title.
A worked planning example
Fictional example: Lina has a foreign degree and wants to research laboratory roles. She first records whether she is investigating the recognised-qualification or points-based option. Her file contains a degree certificate, but the row asking how its comparability is evidenced remains unconfirmed. She makes that question her next task rather than booking travel on the strength of an encouraging online discussion.
For her job search, Lina creates a separate list of employers and questions about actual duties. The example does not establish that her qualification, finances or intended work meet the route requirements. Its useful output is a clear file showing what has been verified and what still needs an answer.
Before a paid assessment or major travel commitment, review the unresolved rows against the current official guidance. Record the next action in your moving plan. Official source checked on 18 October 2026.