Berlin's Immigration Office Fights Appointment Fraud with New Online System
The Berlin Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA), often known as the Ausländerbehörde, has launched a new digital system for booking appointments. This development aims to curb the illegal sale of appointments, an issue that has long plagued the previous Online Appointment System (OTV). The OTV was recently taken offline for maintenance to prevent bots from securing appointments and selling them to those in need.
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How the New System Works
Under the new procedure, individuals seeking services from the LEA must apply for an appointment using a contact form available on the LEA's website. They are required to digitally upload all relevant documents, such as visa extension applications or residence permit renewals. Once these documents are reviewed, applicants will receive an appointment invitation from the LEA.
For services without an online application, appointments can still be arranged via the contact form. This new approach is designed to ensure that appointments are fairly distributed and prevent exploitation by third parties.
What This Means for Applicants
If your residence permit, visa, or temporary suspension of deportation is set to expire within the next four weeks—or has already expired—submitting the contact form counts as an official application. According to the LEA, "your previous residence permit will be regarded as valid" until you attend your scheduled appointment. This extension, however, is only valid for activities within Berlin, meaning you cannot travel abroad until your documents are renewed.
The Ausländerbehörde has acknowledged ongoing issues with appointment availability, stating that while this new system should help prevent the sale of appointments, long waiting times are still expected due to the office's limited resources.
Important Notes and Warnings
Travel Restrictions: The temporary extension of your permit's validity applies only within Berlin. Traveling outside Berlin with expired documents, even while awaiting a renewal appointment, is not permitted.
Appointment Scams: Any appointments offered for sale online or through social networks are not legitimate and will not be honored by the LEA.
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