Student visa application process

To find the list of necessary documents for a national visa for the family reunion of a minor child (e.g., a 2-year-old reuniting with father) and for the accompanying parent (mother), applicants who are Russian citizens should consult the Visametric website and the German Embassy website in Russia, or the websites of other relevant visa centers and embassies depending on their citizenship.

When entering the Schengen Area with a student visa for Germany, the country of first entry does not have to be Germany itself. For instance, if you have a German student visa and find it more convenient to fly into Zurich (Switzerland), this is permissible. The key is to ensure you have the necessary registration (Anmeldung) in Germany upon arrival. The initial point of entry into the Schengen zone is flexible and does not restrict your movement within it.

For Russian citizens seeking to relocate to Germany, obtaining a visa for volunteer programs or 'Ausbildung' (vocational training) has become challenging in recent years. Volunteer visas, particularly for au pair positions, are reportedly not being approved. Alternative pathways such as the 'Chancenkarte' (opportunity card), Ausbildung programs, or study visas are recommended. Requirements for Ausbildung often include a German language proficiency of B1 or B2. The official 'Make it Germany' website is a reliable resource for detailed information on visa requirements and immigration programs.

Changing visa status in Germany (e.g., from Ausbildung, Au-Pair, or language course visas to a university study visa) is possible but requires explicit approval from the Ausländerbehörde (ABH). Not all transitions between visa types are permitted. Specific legal paragraphs may restrict certain changes. For example, some transitions are explicitly excluded or require leaving Germany and applying for a new visa from abroad. Additionally, the Au-Pair program has not been available to Russian citizens for several years. It is crucial to research the specific legal requirements for visa conversion based on the current visa type and the desired future status.

Applicants for a German Visa D for family reunification may encounter difficulties with blocked account providers like Fintiba and EDUBAO, experiencing verification delays. These issues can stem from high application volumes or the student's country of origin. It is recommended to try contacting the support services of these providers or explore alternative options, and to consult with the responsible German embassy or consulate for guidance on visa application procedures and requirements.

The German Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) is currently not being issued by the German embassy in Russia. Applications were suspended around December 2024 / April 2025. Russian citizens are able to obtain the Chancenkarte at German embassies outside of Russia. A previous 'job seeker visa' existed in 2020-2023, which was different from the Chancenkarte.

Obtaining volunteer visas for Germany for Russian citizens is currently very difficult, with many reports of refusals or long delays. While there are no official bans, consulates appear to be not processing these applications. Options like student visas (for language courses B1+) or work visas (with a job offer) are generally more accessible. 'Ausbildung' (vocational training) is also a more viable option with fewer rejections. A tourist visa for 90 days can be used to explore options within Germany. Volunteer programs typically do not require a blocked account if housing, food, and pocket money are provided by the organization.

The Au-Pair visa for Germany is a viable option. One applicant successfully applied in Moscow in mid-January and received approval within a month in March.

For individuals planning to study in Germany, specifically for a Master's program with expired application deadlines and awaiting conditional admission: Advised to apply for a regular language course visa (Sprachkurs) and clearly state the intention to pursue a Master's in the motivation letter. Alternatively, consider a study preparation visa (studienvorbereitender Sprachkurs). It's recommended to research previous visa application experiences of fellow citizens, especially regarding potential rejections due to language proficiency, and to explore Master's programs offered in English if applicable.

To attend entrance exams for a Studienkolleg in Germany and plan to stay for studies, apply for a National Visa D for applicants (D-Visum für Studienbewerber). This visa allows the applicant to remain in Germany after exams and apply for a residence permit on site. Required documents typically include an invitation to the exam and proof of financial means (blocked account for 9 months, e.g., €11,208 for 2024/2025). For minors, a notarized parental consent for long-term stay and a guardian in Germany may be required. Check the official embassy website for the most up-to-date and complete list of documents.