Germany Student Visa From Canada
Germany, known for its world-class education and multi-culture, is one of the most popular destinations for prospective international students. Canadians who wish to study in Germany will be granted a student Germany visa provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
For comprehensive guidance on applying for a German student visa and information on visa requirements specific to your situation, please speak to a legal expert at Total Law at +1 844 290 6312 or complete our online form.
Study Visa Germany Overview
Most schools in Germany offer low tuition fees, an excellent research framework, the right teaching strategies, career development opportunities, and high-quality education. Any foreign national admitted to study in a German school requires a student visa or resident permit.
Canadian nationals are eligible for this visa if they have already applied to study at any German university or preparatory school. A German student visa is valid for one or two years, depending on the duration of your study.
Your acceptance letter is evidence that you have been accepted to study at a German school, and it will be required for a successful visa application. Your application letter can also be used for this application if you have not received an acceptance letter.
Page Contents
- Study Visa Germany Overview
- Eligibility Requirements for Germany Student Visa
- German Student Visa Requirements
- Do You Need a Visa to Study in Germany?
- Types of German Student Visas
- How Canadians Can Apply for a German Student Visa
- When Is the Right Time to Apply for a German Student Visa?
- Germany Student Visa Processing Time
- Germany Student Visa Fee
- How to Obtain a German Student Residence Permit
- Working Hours for Students in Germany
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility Requirements for Germany Student Visa
The following are the German student visa eligibility requirements for Canadians:
- You should have enough money in a German-blocked bank account, which must equal CAD 16,230.45
- You should have proof that you have been admitted to study at a German school. Your acceptance or application letter is your proof.
- Health insurance policy for students is a necessity. You must purchase it.
German Student Visa Requirements
As an applicant from Canada, you will need the following documents:
- Two completed and signed forms of a German national visa.
- Your valid national passport (Canada passport). It should contain blank pages.
- Two scanned copies of your passport page that contains your bio. This scanned copy should be in A4 format.
- You will submit your original university admission letter and a photocopy. Your acceptance letter must specify the language of instruction.
- Your passport photograph must be submitted according to the German visa photo requirement.
- Your original academic credentials, along with two photocopies, are required.
- You should have a blocked bank account to show you can sponsor your education in Canada. You should show proof if you have a sponsor or are on a scholarship.
- One copy of your resume, containing information about your educational and professional background, is required.
- You need proof that you registered for health insurance meant for German students.
- An original letter that proves your German language proficiency, or you should have a minimum of level B2 in the language of instruction. A photocopy should be added to the original letter. Our lawyers at Total Law can guide you on the exact German language skills you need.
Note: The German visa application centre in Canada can request additional documents.
Do You Need a Visa to Study in Germany?
As a Canadian, the duration of your study will determine whether you need a German student visa.
Studies Within Three Months
Canada is one of the 62 nations exempt from requiring a visa to enter Germany as a member of the Schengen area. If the duration of your study is within three months, there is no need to apply for a German student visa.
Studies Exceeding Three Months
You should apply for a German national visa if your studies exceed 90 days. The type of student national visa you need depends on the nature of your planned course of study.
Types of German Student Visas
Canadians can choose any German student visa available for study purposes. They are:
- Language Learning Course Visa – This is the proper visa to apply for if you intend to study German language courses. The duration of the course should be between 3 months and one year.
- Student Applicant Visa – This visa, also known as a prospective student visa, will be issued when approved by an alien authority in Germany. If you applied to a higher education institution, language course, or preparatory school but are yet to be accepted, you must apply for a German student applicant visa.
- Germany student visa -This visa is the right option if you have been accepted into a German school.
Note: You may be required to have a German university entrance qualification if you are applying to study at a German university using your high school certificate.
How Canadians Can Apply for a German Student Visa
If you are a Canadian who wants to apply for a German study visa, please follow the step-by-step guide outlined below:
Step 1: Apply to Study at a German University
The first and most crucial step is to apply to study in a German school. Before applying for a study visa, you must wait to be accepted into any university or preparatory school in Germany to study a language course or any other program.
Step 2: Locate a German Embassy in Canada.
Locate the appropriate German missions in Canada that handle study visa applications before you start the process. German diplomatic missions are located in Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver. You can check the exact address on the German embassy website.
Step 3: Book an Appointment at the German Embassy in Canada
You must book an appointment before visiting a German mission to submit your application. The time of year and the German embassy or consulate workload may determine how long you can get an appointment. Patience is required as it could take several weeks.
Step 4: Get the Necessary Documents
All required documents should be ready before your visa appointment, including your passport, proof of education, evidence that you are financially capable and any other documents requested.
It is essential to note that an incomplete application will likely result in a visa denial. The waiting period before your visa appointment is the right time to get all the required documents.
Step 5: Visa Appointment
Please visit the German embassy on the day of your visa appointment. All required documents must be submitted that day. You will likely be interviewed the same day, and your biometrics will be taken. You will also be asked to pay your visa fee.
Step 6: Wait for Your Visa Decision
After your visa interview, it will take another 6 to 8 weeks before you get a decision on your application. If your application is accepted, you can travel to Germany immediately.
When Is the Right Time to Apply for a German Student Visa?
You should apply for a student visa once you get an acceptance letter from a German school. At this time, you should also have the necessary financial resources or sponsorship.
Consider that it might take time before the German embassy sends you your passport. You can also submit your visa three to six months before your travel date.
Germany Student Visa Processing Time
It generally takes 15 days to process your student visa from Canada. However, certain factors can prolong the processing time beyond 15 days. If the number of applicants is high, that can also extend the processing time.
Please be patient during the waiting time and refrain from contacting the German embassy regarding the status of your application, as you will be contacted once a decision is made on your application.
Germany Student Visa Fee
Whether you are applying for a German language course, applicant visa or student visa, the visa costs CAD 112 for adults and CAD 56 for children (below 18 years).
You can send payment via a credit card or pay in cash on the visa appointment day at the German consular centre in Canada. Once payment has been made, the visa fees will not be returned even if the visa was denied or withdrawn.
The German consulate in Canada does not charge appointment/interview fees. Besides the usual German student visa service fee, additional service fees will be paid on the interview day.
How to Obtain a German Student Residence Permit
Overview
Following your arrival in Germany from Canada, you must obtain a residence permit because the visa validity is three months from your arrival. Your residency permit application must be sent to the local Foreigner’s Office (Ausländerbehörde).
To apply for a residence permit, you must:
- Register your German address
- Activate any blocked accounts
- Sign up for health insurance
- And submit your acceptance letter from a German school.
Register Your German Address
Once you have found accommodation in Germany, the first thing to do is register your address and obtain a registration certificate at the local registration office. It is imperative to get this certificate to apply for a residence permit.
Activating Your German Bank Account
As soon as you register your German address, the next step is to open a German bank account to transfer funds from your blocked account.
Once the account is opened, a Girocard or debit card will be issued to you so that you can access your funds. EUR 934 will be the payout amount sent to you each month.
Register for Health Insurance
Every Canadian under thirty years old going to Germany must register for public health insurance (statutory).
As a Canadian above thirty, you must register for private insurance like DR. Walter’s EDUCARE24 Comprehensive Plan. Each variety has advantages of its own and provides sufficient coverage.
Working Hours for Students in Germany
You are entitled to 120 or 240 days per year to work as a Canadian national with a student visa. If you desire to work more hours/days, you must get approval from the employment agency and immigration office (Agentur für Arbeit).
How Can Total Law Help?
Canadian nationals who want to study in Germany can obtain a student visa. Applying for a study visa can be challenging, especially if you need to determine the type to apply for. You must select the precise kind of study visa required, submit the necessary paperwork, and apply on time.
The application process can be utterly stress-free if you have professionals on your side. Our professional lawyers at Total Law can expedite your application process by eliminating possible obstacles and ensuring the German embassy or consulate-general in Toronto approves your visa.
To provide you peace of mind as you prepare for this exciting new chapter in your life, our experienced lawyers at Total Law can walk you step-by-step through the entire German student visa application process. Call Total Law at +1 844 290 6312 or utilize our online form.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If your studies proceed as planned, you can extend your student residence permit for the whole duration of the programme.
If you believe the denial was unfair, the German Embassy will advise you to appeal within a month. Contact our expert lawyers at Total Law to help you file the appeal letter.
If you have a student visa and satisfy the requirements, your close family members, like your spouse and dependent children, can follow you to Germany from Canada. Your family members will need to obtain a family reunification visa.
