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The Compass Dispatch #10
Happy November! 🍂
New month, new format: I’m mixing things up a little. From now on, every news item ends with what it means for you, and the Spotlight answers a question I get asked all the time.
In this issue
The German B1 test just got harder: what it means if you need it for your settlement permit
English at the immigration office? A new motion, and what it could change for you
No university degree? When you can still get a Blue Card
What’s happening
The B1 shortcut is gone 📝
Since today (November 1), the German test for immigrants (the DTZ, Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, the exam at the end of integration courses) has gotten stricter (in German). Until now, B1 in speaking plus B1 in one other part was enough. Now you need B1 in speaking, B1 in one written part, and at least A2 in the other.
What this means for you: if you need B1 for your settlement permit or citizenship and planned to use the DTZ, prepare all the parts. Other B1 certificates, like Goethe or telc, aren’t affected by this change.
English at the immigration office (and other things)? Someone finally asked
On November 4, the German parliament will debate a Green party motion (in German) asking for all key immigration websites and forms to be available in English, and for more English-speaking caseworkers at immigration offices. Among other things they also request a few cool things:
A fully digital fast-track work visa, processed in six weeks max
Work visas and family reunification handled together
One online portal for all your immigration procedures
Labor law advice in your own language, so you depend less on your employer
Opposition motions rarely become law, but I’ll keep you posted!
What this means for you: nothing changes for now. If your German isn’t there yet, bring someone who speaks it to your appointment.
The Spotlight
“I don’t have a university degree. Can I still get a Blue Card?”
Short answer: if you work in IT, yes. Otherwise, probably not.
The Blue Card used to be open only to university graduates. That changed in 2023, when Germany opened it to IT specialists without a degree. It was the real game changer of the reform, and opened up the Blue Card to way more people (if you’re wondering whether it’s even worth the effort, I explain why I changed my mind about it in this video).
To qualify, you need:
A job in IT
At least 3 years of IT experience within the last 7 years
Skills comparable to a university degree (your work history, certifications or bootcamps can prove it)
A salary of at least €45,934.20 gross a year (2026, it changes every January)
The mistake I see most: people assume showing their resume is enough to prove their experience. It’s not. You need letters from former employers confirming: exact length of employment, in what capacity (full/part time), your job title and a job description. So request them early!
Your next step: the Blue Card for IT professionals is only 1 in 4 options. Not sure which one is yours? I made a free route finder guide that walks you through all four, so you can check in a couple of minutes: The Blue Card Route Finder
What’s new with me
I’ve been rethinking what the Dispatch is for, and how to make it more interesting for you. It’s my way of connecting with the world 🌎 and sharing what I know and what I think. Whether you’re planning your move to Germany or already living there, I want every news item to end with what it actually means for you, and the Spotlight to answer the questions I get asked again and again. The format may change some more as the months pass until I find exactly what I like!
The route finder guide in the Spotlight is something I’ve wanted to make for a while. I was trying to think about how to deliver content in a clear and understandable way. My aim is to create as much free content 💶 as I can and support people who cannot afford to pay someone like me to help them on their journey. I hope it saves you a few hours of googling (and a few headaches). More resources will follow!
As for me, I passed my first motorcycle exam last week! 🏍️ It was a track exam and I was really anxious about messing it up. You get two attempts, and I passed on the second. On the first one, I went off the track during the passenger U-turn (the part of the test I was the worst at!). The next step is the traffic test, but I’m already obsessed with which motorcycle I want to buy and that is all my FYP is about these days! Any other riders?! I’m taking suggestions on which motorcycle to buy!
Your turn 🫵
What should I answer in the next Spotlight? If there’s something you’ve always wanted to know, hit reply with your question about moving to or living in Germany, and it might be the next one I answer (anonymously, of course).
Until next time,
I am FINALLY moving forward with my bathroom - I think I told you about all the problems! Insurance came, budget is there, quote from my contractor as well. SPOILER: I will have to do a lot myself! I am actually untiling the bathroom this weekend, as the newsletter goes out (and it’s a lot of fun, lol).
See you in the next one.
Charlotte
Know someone moving to Germany? Forward this to them.
Check out my website, visit my YouTube Channel or say hello on LinkedIn 👋