My studies are ending. When and with which documents should I apply for a job-seeker residence permit?

A student permit is tied to the studies you came to Germany for. Even if your card shows a later date, its purpose ends when your studies do. To avoid a gap, apply for the job-seeker permit before or right after you graduate. You can start the online application 1-1.5 months before your studies end.

If you graduated in Germany, you can get a permit of up to 18 months to look for work. The period usually counts from your last exam or the date you handed in your thesis.

The application asks for proof of your degree. If the certificate is not out yet, most immigration offices accept a transcript or a provisional certificate from your university's Prüfungsbüro (examinations office). It should show that you have passed all exams and when you expect to graduate. Whether it is accepted depends partly on the officer.

If your course continues after your visa ends, things may be different. In that case the immigration office can give you a 6-month temporary permit and ask you to come back once you have the certificate.

If your university's international office helps with visa questions, you can ask them first. Entering Germany on a valid visa close to graduation is not known to cause problems, but there is no definite information on this.