What is the process for requesting an extension and how soon should I make an application for extension?

Question

I am not aware of the processes or whether I should hire a lawyer to request for an extension. My asylum period expires in December 2023. I have to be away from Germany to complete a fellowship of five months, after which I will return to Germany in August 2023. Will that be too late for me to apply for an extension? Any information about organisations that assist with extension requests will be much appreciated, thank you.

Answer 1

Dear @S3,

You refer to your ‘asylum period’ expiring in December 2023. For this answer, I am assuming you are no longer in the asylum process and have been granted a refugee status by Germany.

For a permit that is expiring in December, it is certainly not too late to apply to renew it in August. Generally about at least a month before expiration is a good time to re-apply. If you apply too far in advance, the authorities would most likely wait anyway to process it.

I do not see any reason why you would need a lawyer to renew a residence permit as a refugee. It is generally a straightforward process involving an application form which you can get from the Ausländerbehörde (either in person or your local one may have it online). They will already have your other documents.

Best,

Éanna

Comments

Hello Éanna,
Thank you very much. Yes you are correct - I have already been granted refugee status in Germany. In this case I will locate the necessary forms closer to the expiration of my asylum and proceed with a request for extension.

Best wishes.