Today we will share with you one of the successful stories of obtaining student visas to European countries. Our student, who is already happily studying at the University of the Europe for Applied Sciences in Hamburg, gave his permission for this story – we hope it will help you understand how to apply for a student visa to Germany, what pitfalls there are in the process and how to prepare for these difficulties.
There will be two parts so that you don't get tired of reading – let's get started with the first one!
Advantages of a student visa to Germany
Let's start with what the German student visa is so good about and what benefits it provides:
- During your studies, you can earn some money. It is unlikely that you will be able to earn a lot, but for pocket money, entertainment and small trips - quite!
- In other Schengen countries, you can stay freely for up to 90 days in six months (this is for travel).
- Such a visa allows you to obtain a student residence permit, which can be subsequently extended.
- German banks will be able to open an account for you on the basis of this visa.
What you need to get a student visa to Germany
First, main and obvious – you need confirmation that a German university accepts you for study, you must successfully enroll. But then everything is a little more complicated and unusual. What four points will we definitely note?
-
Allow more time for registration
For example, in this particular case, the documents were submitted on August 6, and we received the passport with a ready visa on October 30. Officially, the processing time is 6-8 weeks, but, as always, it can be more, maybe less. In the summer, some visas were issued even in 1 week! Towards the end of August, the process slowed down significantly, and we, unfortunately, got into this "slowed down" flow. The student was quite nervous, because in fact it was already necessary to start classes, but, fortunately, the university was aware of the situation and met us halfway.
-
Be prepared that you will not be able to choose the date for submitting documents for a visa yourself
Yes, it is inconvenient, but it is a fact. You send a request to the German Embassy in your country, indicate the type of visa and the city in which you would like to submit documents.After reviewing such an initial application (on average 2-3 weeks after the request), the embassy will send you a letter with a response, in which it will inform you where and when it will be ready to receive you. You see how important it is to ask yourself the question of obtaining a visa as early as possible!
Germany also requires you to open a special blocked account - this requirement is mandatory for every student. And this topic even requires a separate article! We will briefly outline the main points - but in the next post.
