The volunteer team of the LIFE Initiative helps in social emergencies with problems with the immigration authorities and residence permits. We advise people with low incomes online, individually and free of charge in the following areas:
- Communication with the immigration authorities and filling out forms
- Application for or extension of a residence permit or Duldung (temporary suspension of deportation)
- Questions about the type of residence permit, permission to work or fictitious certificates
We reply within 48 hours.
Voicemessage +49 30 233 213 00
E-Mail info@life-initiative.org
Also check our step-by-step guides: They answer many questions about residence permits and bureaucracy in Germany. Each question is explained in few steps as simply as possible.
What can I do if my residence permit expires and I can’t get an appointment at the immigration office?
If your residence permit expires but you have already made a new appointment, you are usually still legally in Germany. So first, it is important to make an appointment. Sometimes the immigration office sends you a fictitious certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung) stating that your expired residence permit is still valid. Here you can find more information about this in 9 steps. We will be happy to advise you on this.
The immigration office does not answer?
It is often difficult to reach the immigration offices by phone or e-mail. Sometimes it works better to send a request as a letter or fax and to give the authority a deadline for the answer. Here you find our step-by-step guide about this topic. We may be able to help you with the wording of your request.
I have lost my job or my apprenticeship. What will happen to my residence permit now?
If the reason for which you were granted a residence permit stops to exist, for example if you lose your job or end your studies, you must inform the immigration office. In many cases, you will then have a period of six months to find a new job or apprenticeship. Here you find 8 steps you can take when you loose your job. Contact us, if you need support.
What can I do if my application is rejected?
If the immigration office has rejected your application for a residence permit, you can take legal action against it. To do this, you should look for a lawyer. Here you can see how to look for a lawyer yourself. We can also help you to find a lawyer.
Who is our help for?
Our free help is for refugees, migrants or Germans with a low income or no income.
How do we help?
We always help online. Send us your problem via WhatsApp or email. We will reply within 48 hours. We will discuss your situation in a short phone call and check whether we can help.
We will advise you on bureaucratic problems and help you find a solution. If necessary, we will help you to write a letter to the authorities. The volunteers of our association work without pay in their free time. We cannot replace a law firm, but we can help you find a lawyer if necessary.
In which language will the advice be provided?
We can speak to you in German or English at any time. After consultation, we may be able to advise you in Arabic, Turkish, French, Italian, Russian and Spanish. If you do not speak any of these languages, you will need to find someone to translate for you.
With which questions can the LIFE Initiative not help?
We cannot help in the following situations:
- Being outside Germany: We can only support people who are staying in Germany. We do not provide advice on entering Germany.
- Income: Our help is aimed at people who have little or no income and assets.
- Problems: We help with problems with public offices and authorities. We cannot help with finding accommodation and work or with health problems.
What happens to my data?
The LIFE Initiative is 100% independent and does not pass on any data to government agencies. All information is treated confidentially. We process personal data that you send us in accordance with our data privacy policy.