If you’re planning to study in Germany, understanding the visa application process is essential. Below is a detailed overview of the key steps and important terms every new or future applicant should be familiar with:
1. Visa Appointment Booking
The first and most crucial step in your German visa journey is booking an appointment through the official German embassy website in your country. Once successfully booked, you will receive a confirmation email, indicating that you are now on the embassy’s waiting list.
2. Document Submission Email
After some time on the waiting list, the embassy will contact you via email with a checklist of required documents. This typically includes your offer letter, block account confirmation, academic certificates, transcripts, and more. You must submit these documents by replying to that email within seven days.
3. Interview Date Confirmation
Once your documents are submitted and verified, you will receive another email with your interview date and time. On the day of your interview, you’ll need to bring both the original documents and one photocopy set of everything you submitted.
4. Passport Collection Receipt
After your interview, the visa officer will give you a receipt, which you must keep safe. You’ll need to present this receipt when collecting your passport from the embassy.
5. Passport Collection Email
A few days after the interview, the embassy will email you again with a specific date and time to collect your passport. Be sure to bring the collection receipt on that day to retrieve your passport.
6. Visa Approval
Depending on the city you’re applying to, the German embassy usually issues a visa valid for 3, 6, or 12 months. Typically, the visa is processed within 1–4 weeks from your interview date. However, in special cases, it might take more or less time. Once granted, you can travel to Germany anytime within the validity period of your visa.
Important Terms to Know
Student File
A student file is created at a local bank in your home country to transfer funds to Germany. This account is opened using your offer letter and allows you to send money to providers like Coracle, Fintiba, or Expatrio.
Block Account Confirmation
Once the funds are successfully transferred to your German block account (via Fintiba, Expatrio, or Coracle), you will receive a block account confirmation letter. This letter is mandatory for both your document submission and interview.
Enrollment Certificate
After receiving your offer letter and confirming admission to a university, you’ll get an enrollment certificate. Even if you have multiple offers, you can only enroll in one university at a time.
Appointment Cancellation
If needed, you can cancel your visa appointment using the cancellation link provided in your confirmation email. However, once you receive the document submission email, you can no longer cancel. Make sure not to delete the confirmation email, or you will lose access to the cancellation option.