Employers can apply for an accelerated skilled worker procedure at the local immigration office or at the Central Skilled Worker Immigration Office (ZSEF) with a power of attorney from the skilled worker. A significant advantage that the accelerated skilled worker procedure brings to employers and skilled workers is shortened deadlines, both in the procedures for the recognition of professional qualifications and in the approval of the Federal Employment Agency, as well as with the foreign mission.
Beneficiaries
The accelerated procedure for skilled workers is applicable for stays for employment as a skilled worker as well as for all residence purposes according to Section 81a (1) and (5) of the Residence Act (AufenthG). This also applies to stays for the purpose of vocational training as well as for the purpose of carrying out measures for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. Family members (spouses, minor children) who enter the country at the same time are also covered. The details can be clarified with the responsible foreigners authority (ZSEF or district administrative authority). In addition, the ZSEF website contains detailed information on the beneficiary group (see "Further links").
The basis of the accelerated skilled worker procedure is an agreement between the employer and the foreigners authority (ZSEF or local foreigners authority). The agreement includes, among other things, authorizations, contact persons, description of procedures and deadlines, obligations of the employer and the skilled worker to cooperate and provide information, and evidence to be submitted.
New regulations for foreign nursing professionals ("fast lane") since July 1, 2023.
As part of the "fast lane", the recognition procedures for nursing professionals have been centralized at the State Office for Nursing (LfP) and the accelerated professional procedures for nursing professionals at the ZSEF since July 1, 2023. Within the framework of the accelerated specialist procedure, the fast lane concerns the applications of nursing specialists who already possess a corresponding foreign professional qualification and therefore require recognition by the LfP.