Blue Card

From Deutsche Welle:
"Germany's 'Blue Card' lures foreign students"

Academics and students from abroad are being lured to Germany with a new 'Blue Card.' Just months after it was introduced, the new visa has received huge interest from non-European migrants. Germany is a popular destination for students and job seekers, especially among younger people from non-European countries. Currently, of the roughly 245,000 foreign students enrolled in universities across Germany, about 100,000 of them are from outside the European Union. However, after they complete their studies, many of them have to leave the Germany deterred by the complicated bureaucratic requirements of work and residents permits. With the Blue Card everything will be easier. Those with a university degree and a job with an average annual salary of 44,800 euros will be allowed stay in Germany for up to four years. And, for engineers and scientists, the salary requirements for a permit are even lower, as Germany is in great need of their skills and expertise.

The new law also allows newcomers in Germany to work while they study. It is often difficult for international students to support themselves financially while in a foreign country. Students from non-EU countries are now permitted to work up to and including 120 days rather than just 90 days with a normal student visa. In addition, students can work a side job at the German university they're attending, which previously wasn't allowed.

^ It's about time the countries of the EU had the equivalent of the US Green Card. ^

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16221080,00.html