Hello everyone,
I’m looking for some advice regarding my German citizenship application and how the LEA is handling it.
About 10 months after I submitted my application, the LEA finally reviewed it and asked me to provide updated proof of income. Unfortunately, right around that time I had just lost my job and started receiving ALG I.
Because of that, they decided to suspend my application. Now, 6 months later, they’ve contacted me again asking for proof of income. I told them that I am still receiving ALG I, and they responded by saying I should withdraw my application — otherwise it will be rejected because an application cannot remain suspended for more than 6 months.
This is the relevant part of their email:
>“Das bedeutet, dass der Bezug von Arbeitslosengeld I oder von Leistungen nach dem SGB II bzw. SGB XII bzw. ein anschließend (kürzlich) angetretener Arbeitsvertrag mit Probezeit nicht zum Nachweis eines nachhaltig gesicherten Lebensunterhaltes gereicht.
Ihnen ist bereits am 12.11.2025 eine Antragsaussetzung eingeräumt worden, sodass Sie die Gelegenheit hatten Ihre wirtschaftliche Situation zu verbessern. Diese Verbesserung ist bedauerlicherweise nicht eingetreten und kann somit nicht festgestellt werden.
Eine Antragsaussetzung für die Dauer von mehr als sechs Monaten ist allerdings nicht hinnehmbar, daher möchte ich Ihnen vorsorglich zur Antragsrücknahme raten. Wenn Sie Ihren Antrag selbstständig zurückziehen, kann Ihnen die Hälfte der Antragsgebühr erstattet werden. Andernfalls wird Ihr Antrag auf Einbürgerung abgelehnt werden und die Gebühr aufgrund der erfolgten abschließenden Bearbeitung vollständig einbehalten.”
I understand that right now my application cannot be approved because they only approve people who are employees and who passed the probation period. However, I would prefer to avoid rejection in order to not have to re-apply and incur again in a long waiting time before they start processing the new application.
Some more details about the situation, in case they matter:
- If they had processed my application within the due timeframe (3 months), I would have been naturalized before losing my job. Instead, the delay put me in this situation.
- During my unemployment, I’ve been actively improving my German and I’m currently attending a Weiterbildung to improve my long-term job prospects. However, LEA never asked what I am doing.
- I have more than sufficient savings/financial assets, so I’m not at risk of needing welfare even if my ALG ran out before I secure new employment. LEA never asked to see proof of my financial assets in order to asses my risk of needing Grundsicherung or other forms of financial support.
- I applied in Berlin.
My questions:
- Is it actually true that an application cannot stay on hold for more than 6 months and has to be rejected after that?
- Is there anything I can do at this stage to avoid a rejection?
I’d really appreciate any advice on my specific situation or shared experiences from other who may have been in my spot. Thanks a lot!