As of August 1, 2026, the sixth ordinance amending the Integration Course Ordinance (6. Verordnung zur Änderung der Integrationskursverordnung, IntV) has officially entered into force in the Federal Republic of Germany. This decision put an end to a half-year crisis and lifted the moratorium imposed by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) on accepting applications for voluntary participation in courses, which had been in effect since February.
The moratorium, introduced due to a federal budget deficit, blocked access to language training for nearly 130,000 people, including 16,700 refugees from Ukraine.
The new version of the regulation not only restores the possibility of learning German at public expense but also establishes direct legislative priority for Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection status (§ 24 AufenthG).
Who Gets Priority for Course Enrollment?
According to the updated § 5 Abs. 4 S. 2 IntV, when considering applications for voluntary participation (§ 44 Abs. 4 AufenthG) within available spots, two main categories have priority for admission (Zulassung):
- Individuals with a residence permit under § 24 AufenthG (Ukrainian refugees);
- EU citizens and German citizens with a migration background who do not possess sufficient German language skills for employment or vocational training (Ausbildung).
Additionally, strict filters are in place for EU citizens – only those already registered with the employment agency (recipients of unemployment benefits ALG I or low-income individuals) receive preference.
Comparison of Chances for a Spot under IntV Quotas:
- 50% Quota for Ukrainians with § 24 AufenthG: With a queue of 16,700 people, chances for quick enrollment are maximal.
- 50% Quota for EU and German Citizens: With a queue exceeding 27,400 applicants, strict selection applies (priority only for those registered with the employment agency), significantly increasing waiting times.
Since the allocation of spots between these two groups is to be done in equal shares (50/50), Ukrainians with § 24 status are in a much more advantageous position: the queue among them is 16,700 people, while competition in the group of EU citizens exceeds 27,400 applicants.
New Application Rules: Online Only via Bundesportal
Along with the resumption of applications, the German government has completely reformed the documentation process.
1. Exclusively Digital Format
Paper forms sent by mail are no longer accepted or processed. Applications are submitted exclusively through the state portal Bundesportal with authentication via BundID or an electronic ID.
2. First-Come, First-Served Principle (Windhundprinzip)
Applications are processed strictly in chronological order of their receipt in the electronic system. Whoever submits a correct application first receives an invitation to the course first.
3. Strict Completeness Check
The BAMF has introduced an uncompromising rule: incomplete applications are automatically rejected, without requesting missing documents. High-quality scanned copies must be attached to the electronic application immediately:
- Passport and valid residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel or Fiktionsbescheinigung under § 24);
- Proof of residence registration (Meldebescheinigung);
- Confirmation of fee exemption (Kostenbefreiung), if you receive benefits from Jobcenter or Sozialamt.
Comparison Table: IntV Rules Before and After August 1, 2026
| Parameter | Moratorium Period (February – July 2026) | From August 1, 2026 (New IntV) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Acceptance under § 44 Abs. 4 | Fully frozen | Resumed in full |
| Status of Ukrainians (§ 24) | Waiting without application possibility | Legislative priority |
| Document Submission Format | Paper mail / in-person visit | Exclusively online via Bundesportal |
| Processing Principle | Manual sorting with delays | Chronological (Windhundprinzip) |
| Repeating 300 Course Hours | Limited by budget | Only under special circumstances |
Migration Context: Integration Priority Amidst General Tightening
The resumption of language courses for Ukrainians occurs against the backdrop of a significant tightening of pan-European migration policy. The contrast between the situation of Ukrainian refugees and other categories of migrants is becoming increasingly evident.
- GEAS Reform and Work Bans: Amendments to the Common European Asylum System (GEAS) and § 60a AufenthG in Germany have expanded the list of so-called “safe countries of origin” (including Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey). Asylum seekers from these countries now face direct work bans and accelerated expulsion procedures.
- Increase in Voluntary Departures and Deportations: According to the Federal Office for Migration (BAMF), in the first half of 2026, over 9,276 foreigners voluntarily left Germany under humanitarian programs with “start-up assistance” (Starthilfe) of €1,000 per adult. Another almost 19,000 individuals were deported.
- Political Polarization in Regions: Ahead of state elections in eastern German states (particularly Saxony-Anhalt), right-wing populist forces are actively demanding cuts to integration budgets. However, the federal government is making a deliberate bet on Ukrainians as a key resource for the German labor market.
Analysis: How to Seize the Opportunity within the Job-Turbo Framework
The German economy faces unprecedented population aging and a shortage of skilled labor. Granting priority to Ukrainians in integration courses is not just a humanitarian gesture but a pragmatic state calculation.
The government program Job-Turbo aims to overcome the language barrier as quickly as possible and bring specialists into the labor market.
Optimal Integration Trajectory:
- Submit IntV application via Bundesportal using the legislative priority under § 24.
- Intensive language course from A1 to B1 with guaranteed DTZ exam completion.
- Vocational language course Berufssprachkurs (B2) or direct entry into employment.
- Transition from § 24 to a work residence permit (§ 18a/b, Blaue Karte) for long-term stability.
Practical Recommendations for Readers:
- Do not delay your electronic application: The sooner you register your application on Bundesportal, the faster you will receive an assignment to a language school in your city.
- Approach classes with maximum responsibility: In times of budget constraints, repeating the 300-hour course for free is extremely rare. Your goal is to pass the final DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) exam at B1 level on the first attempt.
- Prepare professional documents in parallel: While language training is ongoing, initiate the recognition process for your Ukrainian diploma (Anerkennung) and create a German resume (Lebenslauf). This will allow you to transition to stable employment and a work residence permit immediately after receiving your certificate.
Sources
- Der Paritätische Gesamtverband: Anpassung der Integrationskursverordnung zum 01. August 2026
- Tagesschau (ARD): Zahlen zum ersten Halbjahr: Mehr freiwillige Ausreisen abgelehnter Asylbewerber
- Pro Asyl: Integrationspolitische Katastrophe: Mehr »sichere Herkunftsstaaten« – mehr Arbeitsverbote
- Pro Asyl: Sachsen-Anhalt: Ein Testlabor für die Entrechtung von Flüchtlingen droht
- BAMF: Integrationskurse für Zugewanderte und Geflüchtete