How an Asylum Court Process Unfolds

The first step in an asylum process is filing an application with the court within the legal timeframe. The application is then substantiated, i.e., the arguments for why the person should be granted protection in Germany are presented. In cases of simple refusal, where the applicant is given two weeks to appeal, there is no risk of deportation, at least until the court's ruling. An asylum process can take between six and 18 months (sometimes more or less). The process ends with a hearing and the court's decision.

Until the end of the trial, new evidence or arguments may be presented. Therefore, if the person receives new and relevant information or evidence, they should immediately forward it to their attorney. This applies to medical certificates and related documents.

While the asylum process is pending in court, it is very important that the individual not remain inactive and must make efforts to learn the language and integrate. They must make an effort to learn the language and begin working. If the asylum process ends with a negative court decision, your integration efforts (learning the language at a minimum level of A2, vocational training, employment, job search, social engagement, volunteering, and building social ties with Germans) can be decisive in enabling you and your family to remain in Germany despite the negative decision.

Your integration efforts could support an application to the Special Cases Commission (Härtefallkommission) and you could thus obtain a residence permit based on your (high) degree of integration.