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I have been offered the role of “Software developer” but my degree currently is a Bachelor of Arts (Major in Psychology, Journalism and English). As far as the officials told me, I will only need a recognized degree and it does not need to be related to my profession.

As per anabin, my university is currently recognized in Germany (Bangalore University as H+). However, my degree is "conditionally comparable" only.

I am applying for a regular work/employment visa and not a Blue Card. I currently reside in India. The salary being offered is also above 41,000 EUR.

I would like to know what my chances are and what I can do to improve it. Would requesting a ZAV letter from my employer help?

Winston Jude
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  • As an IT professional you should either get a visa on the grounds of §2 or §4 BeschV. The former visa is definitely the better one. I'm not from India and the conditions also depend on intergovernmental agreements - definitely ask the embassy and the employer. Triple check if you are qualified for a Blue Card because having that is a major advantage. – bokibeg Dec 11 '19 at 16:42
  • When I inquired at the embassy they said it should not be an issue but when I emailed to confirm they said that I would not be eligible as I do not qualify as a highly-skilled worker. Moreover, my employer seems to be trying fro a ZAV pre-approval. So I'm guessing there is no definite answer, I'll just have to try. – Winston Jude Dec 12 '19 at 07:23
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    Does this answer your question? Is it true that you don't need a degree to work as an "IT specialist" in Germany? What exactly classifies as "IT specialist" in this context? – Andrey Sapegin Jan 06 '20 at 11:10
  • Hi I am also in similar situation. Although my university show as H+ but my degree is under 3A which is conditionally comparable due to 3 years Degree. But I have 14 years of related experience in IT. I have a job offer from Germany with the high salary which far more than the required salary for Blue Card. will I be having a chance of getting Blue Card ? – Ges01 Apr 05 '21 at 17:58
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    @Ges01 It worked for me. Though I had only a few years of experience, it was still not an issue. I would advice you to stay positive and apply. – Winston Jude Apr 07 '21 at 19:55

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Just to answer this, I was granted a visa eventually.

Initially, when I mailed the embassy to inquire, I was told I had no chance of getting a visa. But when I applied, I surprisingly was approved.

This is what I did:

  • I requested my employer for a ZAV pre-approval letter.
  • I submitted my educational qualifications and the ZAV letter along with the visa application. Although my degree was only conditionally comparable, they considered the application. I also attached my post-graduate diploma certificate (But I'm not sure if this was considered). There was no detailed explanation on what grounds they granted me a visa.

This leaves me with only one conclusion that it depends on the authorities.

Update as of late 2020:

So with the 6-month entry visa granted to me, I later applied for a residence permit and I was given the EU blue card.

I think it's also worth looking at this thread Is it true that you don't need a degree to work as an "IT specialist" in Germany? What exactly classifies as "IT specialist" in this context?

Winston Jude
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