For qualified candidates who want to start their professional life in Germany, the §81a visa (pre-approved work visa) is one of the most important opportunities that speeds up the process. However, a significant portion of applications may be rejected either during the pre-approval (Vorabzustimmung) or the consulate stage. Below, you can find the rejection reasons and solutions for the §81a visa based on institutional and up-to-date information.

What Is Germany’s §81A Accelerated Skilled Worker Visa?

Article 81a of the German Residence Act (§81a AufenthG) is known as the “Accelerated Skilled Worker Procedure” (Beschleunigtes Fachkräfteverfahren).

This procedure aims to significantly shorten the process for German employers to recruit qualified workers from non-EU countries.

In this method, the employer initiates the process by making an agreement with the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde), where steps such as qualification recognition and Federal Employment Agency approval are coordinated through a single authority.

What Are the Main Reasons for Rejection During the Pre-Approval (Vorabzustimmung) Process?

Low Salary Offer: The gross salary stated in the employment contract is significantly below the “local standards” (ortsübliche Vergütung) for that occupation, region, and age group in Germany.

Mismatch Between Job Description and Qualifications: If there is a mismatch between the applicant’s vocational education, university department, or professional experience and the job position offered, the application may be rejected.

Errors in the “Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis” Form: If the information provided by the employer in the “Declaration of Employment Relationship” form is incomplete, incorrect, or inconsistent with the employment contract.

Suspicion of Document Forgery: If there are serious doubts about the authenticity of diplomas, transcripts, or employment certificates presented during the pre-approval process, or if forgery is detected. All documents must be apostilled, translated, and verifiable.

Missing Documents: If the application form is incorrectly filled out or if the health insurance policy valid in Germany is not submitted (this is usually considered missing documentation and can be corrected). The consulate’s current §81a checklist (Checkliste) must be followed.

What Should Be Done If the §81A Visa Is Rejected?

Objection Letter (Remonstration): The objection letter must be prepared in German and respond to the reasons for rejection with legal justification. Obtaining professional assistance significantly increases the chances of success, especially in technical visa types such as §81a.

Berlin Administrative Court Process: If the objection is rejected, the applicant can file a lawsuit at the Berlin Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgericht Berlin). This stage can only be carried out through lawyers registered in Germany.

New Visa Application: In some cases, reapplying is the most effective solution. However, reapplying with the same mistakes will not change the outcome.

Why Should You Receive Professional Consultancy Services?

The process of immigrating to Germany is not merely a visa application; it is a professional process that requires proper planning, complete document management, and knowledge of legal regulations.

Alternativkraft, with its four branches in Germany and its team of experts, provides end-to-end consultancy for all qualified migration visa categories such as §81a, §18a, §18b, §18g, and §19c2. From recognition (Anerkennung) applications to correspondence with employers, from the Vorabzustimmung (pre-approval) process to consulate appointments — every stage is carried out with legal compliance and a focus on success.

By providing support in the first steps of life in Germany — such as Anmeldung (residence registration), insurance, bank account, and residence card — Alternativkraft ensures not only a visa but also a smooth new beginning. With Alternativkraft’s professional consultancy team, reliability, speed, and legal accuracy go hand in hand throughout your migration process.

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