Blue Card Application for Chancenkarte Holders in Berlin

Resolving Blue Card application issues when Berlin’s online system restricts submissions for Chancenkarte holders.
Last updated
October 30, 2025
Answered by:

An HR manager assisting a talent with a Chancenkarte in Berlin encountered an application restriction due to the 8‑week rule on the online portal. The issue was resolved by applying through the BIS portal, confirming that this rule does not apply to Chancenkarte holders.

Chancenkarte to EU Blue Card Transition – Berlin Case Overview

Aspect Details
Origin Country India (applicant example)
Destination Country Germany
City/Region Berlin
Service Type EU Blue Card application for Chancenkarte holder
Visa Type Transition Chancenkarte to Blue Card
Timeline 6–10 weeks (depending on BIS response time)
Complexity Medium
Key Challenges Online portal blocked by 8-week rule; manual BIS submission required
Applicable Regulation German Residence Act (Section 18g – Blue Card for skilled workers)
Resolution Path Manual submission via BIS Berlin; exemption from 8-week limitation
Platform Modules Used Application tracking, document management, employer case dashboard
Stakeholders Involved HR manager, talent, BIS Berlin immigration officer
Outcome Successful Blue Card processing despite system restriction
Key Learning Chancenkarte holders are exempt from the 8-week rule; manual BIS submission ensures continuity

The Question

An HR manager was unable to apply for a Blue Card (BC) for a talent holding a valid Chancenkarte in Berlin because the online portal blocked submissions beyond the 8-week window before visa expiry. How should this be handled?

The Answer

In this scenario, the HR manager should proceed with submitting the Blue Card application manually through the BIS (Berlin Immigration Service) portal. The 8-week restriction does not apply to Chancenkarte holders. If BIS staff insist on this limitation, it should be clarified that the rule is not intended for Chancenkarte and, if necessary, annotated as “No-Chancenkarte” in the application notes.

Chancekarte to Blue Card Application

Context & Background: The Challenge

Berlin’s immigration portal restricts Blue Card applications to within eight weeks before the current visa expires. However, this technical limitation incorrectly affects Chancenkarte holders, whose cases fall outside this standard rule and therefore cannot progress through the online form.

Jobbatical’s Approach / Applicable Regulation

According to Berlin Immigration (Landesamt für Einwanderung) procedures, Chancenkarte holders are eligible to apply for a Blue Card without being restricted by the 8‑week rule. Applications for such cases should be submitted through the BIS (Berlin Immigration Service) webpage, with a note referencing that the limitation does not apply to Chancenkarte transitions.

The Outcome / Detailed Explanation

By submitting through the BIS portal manually, HR teams can ensure successful processing of the Blue Card. If immigration officials insist on applying the 8‑week rule, it is recommended to clarify the exemption and include a “No‑Chancenkarte restriction” note. This approach prevents unnecessary delays while staying compliant with immigration policy.

Employer or Talent Steps

  • Prepare Blue Card documentation as usual.
  • Submit via the BIS webpage, bypassing the online portal.
  • Include a note clarifying that the 8‑week restriction does not apply to Chancenkarte holders.
  • Follow up with the BIS office if further clarification is needed.

Key Learnings / Takeaways

  • Online appointment systems in Berlin may show technical limits not intended for Chancenkarte holders.
  • Always verify immigration category‑specific rules instead of assuming uniform portal restrictions.
  • Manual submission through BIS can resolve most migration system mismatches.

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FAQs: Chancekarte holder applying Blue Card

Can Chancenkarte holders apply for a Blue Card before their visa expires?

Yes. The 8-week restriction does not apply to Chancenkarte holders.

Should Blue Card applications always go through the BIS portal?

Only if the online system blocks submissions due to technical restrictions like the 8-week rule.

What should HR do if the immigration officer insists on applying the 8-week rule?

Clarify that Chancenkarte cases are exempt and note this clearly in the manual application.

Need help with Immigration services in Germany ?

Talk to our experts for industry best employee experience.

This covers the following use cases:

  1. How can an employer in Berlin apply for a Blue Card when a talent’s Chancenkarte is still valid?
  2. What should HR do if Berlin’s online immigration portal blocks Blue Card applications due to the 8‑week rule?
  3. Can Chancenkarte holders transition to a Blue Card without waiting for their visa to expire?
  4. Is the 8‑week visa renewal restriction applicable to Chancenkarte to Blue Card transitions?
  5. How do HR teams submit Blue Card applications for Chancenkarte holders if the online system rejects it?
  6. What’s the correct process to convert a Chancenkarte to a Blue Card in Berlin through the BIS portal?
  7. How can HR avoid Blue Card delays caused by Berlin’s automated 8‑week restriction?
  8. What documentation is needed for Chancenkarte holders when applying for a Blue Card manually via BIS?
  9. Who should employers contact if the Blue Card portal in Berlin rejects Chancenkarte applications?
  10. Are Chancenkarte holders eligible to apply for the Blue Card earlier than other visa categories?

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