If you are from the US, you only need an ETISAS visa to visit Europe or Schengen countries. You do not need a Schengen visa. If you have a green card holder and live in the US, you won’t have all the travel benefits that a naturalized US citizen does. Applying for Germany Schengen visa for US Green Card Holders is mandatory.
This article explains how to get an Germany visa for green card holders who lives in the US. It includes information on the requirements, process, appointment, fees, flight schedule, and more.
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Do US citizens need a Germany Schengen visa?
No. If you are US citizen, then you need not to apply for Germany Schengen visa, and it’s only applicable for those who has planned to stay only for 90 days. US citizen can visit Germany only for short stays and should exceed 90 days in any 180-day period. They can visit Germany generally for tourism, business, sports or cultural events, medical emergencies and for short term studies.
However, you need to apply for a National (D) Visa if you plan to stay for a longer duration like for study, or work purpose in Germany .
From 2024 onwards, U.S citizens need an ETIAS to visit Germany as well as other Schengen countries.
Do green card holders need a Germany Schengen visa?
Yes. If you are a citizen of a third country and who has green card from the US, you should need an German Schengen visa to enter the country. The Schengen Area Free Movement Agreement says that the country that gives your passport is more significant than the place where you reside.
So, you will have to get a German Schengen visa before you go to Germany if your country does not have a free movement agreement.
If you are from India but live in the US, so you need a Schengen visa to visit Germany because your country does not have a deal with any of the Schengen states.
This applies to (e.g., Green Card holders; F1 (I-20), H1B, G1, J1, etc.) holders.
Can green card holder able to get Germany Schengen visa from USA?
Yes. Yo have to visit the BLS Visa Application Center which is official German visa processing center that the German Embassy in United States has authorized to get your German Schengen visa. It’s not necessary go to your home country to apply for an German visa.
About ETIAS Germany for U.S. Citizens
ETIAS is an electronic travel Authorization for Germany as well as other Schengen area. It is not a visa. It works a lot like the ESTA scheme in the United States.
U.S. citizens will need an ETIAS in order to enter the Germany and other Schengen nations from 2024 onwards. To get your ETIAS, you must register online.
Key information about ETIAS to visit Germany from the U.S. are:
- It has 3 years of Validity or until your U.S. passport expires (whichever comes first)
- With ETIAS, you can travel to Germany and other Schengen countries
- With ETIAS, you can visit Germany and other Schengen countries multiple times up to 90 days per 180-day period
- U.S Citizens need ETIAS for only short stays things like Tourism, business and short term studies purpose.
- You can not work in Germany by having your ETIAS, to work in Germany you need to apply for an German visa.
How to Apply for Germany Schengen visa for US for green card holders ?
If you are U.S green card holder and you planned to travel Germany then follow these steps:
- You need to select the Correct German Visa Type: If you are planning visit Germany for a various purpose, such as tourism, business, sports or cultural visits, you have to decide which visa type is appropriate for your needs.
- You need to gather all German visa required documents: Here you have to check out the German visa document requirements, and you will have to start gathering all the necessary documents for your German visa.
- Need to find out where to Apply: For visa applications in your region, you need to find out the correct BLS Visa Application Center. You need to find the visa application center that is closest to you.
- Fill out the German visa Application Form: Once after gathering all the your required documents for visa, the next step is to download the German Schengen visa application form at and fill it carefully with accurate details which will takes hardly 45 to 60 min to fill.
- Schedule your appointment for German Visa: After completing above steps, next you have to book your visa appointment slots at BLS visa application center which deals with your German visa applications.
- Pay the Visa Fee: You need to pay the visa fee required by German consulate or Embassy to process your visa application.
- Submit Your Visa Application: After scheduling your German visa appointment, you will have to go to the BLS Visa Application Center office on your scheduled date / time to attend the visa appointment interview.
German Schengen Visa Requirements for U.S green card holders
1. German Schengen Visa Application Form
- You will have to submit completely filled out and signed German visa application form. Where you can down load the visa application
- You need to download Germany Schengen visa application form form online at German embassy website. Just you need to take a print and fill it out with the accurate details
- To know how to fill German Schengen visa application form, visit here.
2. A Valid Passport
- Photocopy of the relevant biometric and Schengen visa pages from your original passport.
- the passport must be valid at least three months after leaving Germany and Schengen area.
- At least two blank pages are required.
- Passports older than 10 years are results in visa rejection.
3. German Schengen Visa Photo Specification:
Your Schengen application won’t be complete without photographs which should meet German visa standards. A passport-sized photo that is no more than six months old is best. The background should be white.
Know more about Germany visa photo specification here.
4. Proof of Residence
- Original and copy of Permanent Resident Card or Green card valid in US
- Valid US long-term Visa
- Visa should be good for entering the US again if you are going back.
- F1 student visas must also submit original and copy of valid I-20 form
- Holders of B-1/B-2 visas must apply in their country of permanent residence, they cannot apply in the United States.
5. Flight Itinerary
We help you to create dummy flight itinerary for your visa purposes Instead of taking fully paid flight tickets before your visa is approved. And it is quite risky if you take fully paid flight tickets, because in case if you visa gets reject then you may or may not get refund. once your visa gets approved then you can pay for the actual flight tickets.
- Arrival and departure from the Schengen area
- Departure and arrival to the United States of America
You can know more about flight itinerary for Germany Schengen visa.
6. Travel insurance for Germany Schengen visa
In order to apply for your German Schengen visa, you should have proper travel insurance. Besides, If you are visiting Germany without a German visa, then normally you don’t need to get travel insurance, but we advice to get travel insurance for your benefits.
In case, if you are planning to stay in Germany for a longer duration, like for Work or for Student visa, then you must need health insurance instead of travel insurance.
You should have a certificate from the insurance company that should has your name, the dates of coverage, the amount of coverage, and the minimum coverage of €30.000 or $50.000 written on it. Costs for insurance shouldn’t be restricted in any way. To get your travel insurance, click on the page below.
Your insurance must also cover other Schengen countries that you have planned to visit (if any) . Know more about Travel Insurance for German Schengen visa here.
7. Cover Letter for Germany Schengen Visa
A Cover letter is also known as visa letter which is one of the most required documents that you need to submit when you are applying for your German Schengen visa. As Cover letter is the first document that the German visa officer will check out to understand your German Schengen visa application.
Cover letter is the one where you can personally talk to the embassy / consulate officials and you convince them to accept your Germany visa application.
Know more about cover letter for Germany Schengen visa.
8. Proof of Accommodation
When you apply for German visa, you must submit the proof that you have a place to stay in Germany during your trip. This document could be a hotel reservation, a rental deal, a letter from a host inviting you, or proof that you own a apartment or home for each and every country and city of your trip
In case, If you have planned to stay with someone else like friends or relative or any other, you need to carry an original invitation letter from the local police station signed by an German citizen or legal resident.
To know more about proof of accommodation for German Visa.
9. If applying for German Business Visa
- An invitation Letter from either from German company or the local company, by mentioning the contact person and address in Germany, as well as the main purpose of the visit and who is going to fund the associated expenses.
- A valid certificate from your current employer.
- Your latest 6 month bank Statement
- Your Travel financing proof.
10. Proof of Subsistence
You should have proof that you have enough money to cover your whole trip, like latest bank records from the last three months or latest credit card statement. (the owner’s name and address must be on the transactions). Checks or Travel Money Cards are not acceptable as proof of sufficient funds.
Once after you’ve booked your overall trip’s flight and accommodation. Visitors to the Schengen area must show proof that they have at least US$115 per person per day.
11. Proof of Income
- For employee:
- Letter from your Employer indicating your position in company, length of employed
- salary or the last 3 month bank statement.
- Leave Approval letter for Germany Schengen visa from your current employer.
- ITR (Income Tax Return) Certificate
- For students:
- Proof of your student status.
- Registration letter from school, college or university.
- Valid I-20 form
- Self-employed:
- Last year ITR proof (Income Tax Return)
- Business license.
- Last 6 month Bank Statement.
- Financial dependent:
- Last joint Income Tax Return or joint bank statements
- Sponsorship Letter
- If someone else is sponsoring you:
- You should have proof of your relationship with your sponsor or invitee.
- Your Passport data copy
- Latest 6 months Bank statement
- Employment proof
12. Additional Documentation for Minors
- Written permission from parents or guardians, notarized, to travel abroad.
- Germany Schengen visa application form which is signed by parents or guardians
- If you are single parent then need Proof of custody of the child.
- Both original and a copy of birth Certificate
- At least one parent must be there, and the other parent must give written permission for the application to be made in his or her place.
What are the Types of Germany Schengen visa for US green card holders can apply?
1. Germany Transit Visa :
- If your flight stops at an airport in Germany for a short time, you may need to get a Germany transit visa.
2. Germany Tourist Visa :
- Whether you are planning to go to Germany for a holiday, to see the sights, or to visit family and friends who live there. Then you can get a tourist visa that lets you stay for up to 90 days.
- you may need proof of accommodation,
- Proof of your hotel bookings
- Rental Agreement
- Letter from Invitee (if applicable)
3. Germany Visitor visa :
- You can apply for this German visitor visa for those who have planned to visit their relatives or friends who are living in Germany.
- Proof of relationship with the invitee who is staying in Germany
- Invitation Letter
- Verpflichtungserklärung. In case, your invitee is going to cover all your trip expenses, then they need to sign this kind of document whi is known as a letter of commitment
4. Germany Business visa :
- if you are going to be in Germany for any of your business-related tasks or trade fair, for meeting clients, then you need have a business visa.
- Invitation letter from the company
- A certificate from your employer
- Latest 6 month Business bank Statement
- Trade License (If)
- Your trip financing proof
5. Germany Diplomat visa :
- for official visits by government officials or national groups, then you need diplomat visa.
6. German Medical visa :
- If you need surgery or medical treatment in Germany.
- A local medical report
- A Copy of medical attestation from the hospital in Germany
- Receipt of medical fees
- Official proof of the treatment or appointment by the hospital or clinic in Germany that will be providing it.
- Show proof that you have enough money to pay for your treatment and any other costs that come up during it.
7. Germany Student Visa :
- Enrolling in a university in Germany . Then you need t obtain a student visa or study visa.
8. Germany visa for Sports, Film Crew :
- If you are attending a sport, cultural events or filming a movie, Then you must obtain a cultural visa.
9. Germany Spouse Visa :
- If you planned to join your spouse who either is a citizen or has a work permit for
Who can apply for Germany Schengen visa in United States ?
Citizens of other countries who is staying in US minimum 3 months and planning to visit German, those people has to apply for the German Schengen Visa.
- If You have planned to visit only Germany.
- If You have planned to spend their most of the time in Germany during their Schengen trip, which is your primary location.
- Number of days you can stay in Germany and another Schengen country is same, Then you need to apply for Germany Schengen visa for visiting.
Where to Apply for Germany Schengen visa for US green card holders?
The German embassy in the United States has designated BLS Visa Application Center as its official processing company for German visa applications. If you want your visa application to be accepted and to be processed, then you must submit it in person at this BLS visa application center. The application process involves the collection of biometric data, such as ten fingerprints and your photograph, After entering all your data into the Visa Information System (VIS) at the BLS Visa Application Center, the data will be stored there and can be reused for any Schengen visa application for the next five years.
There are 8 BLS visa application centers in the US : You can click below the jurisdiction that you come under to know your visa processing
- Apply for Germany Schengen visa from BLS in New York
- Apply for Germany Schengen visa from BLS in Washington DC
- Apply for Germany Schengen visa From BLS in Miami
- Apply for Germany Schengen visa from BLS in Los Angeles
- Apply for Germany Schengen visa from BLS in San Francisco
- Apply for Germany Schengen visa from BLS in Chicago
- Apply for Germany Schengen visa from BLS in Boston
- Apply for Germany Schengen visa from BLS in Houston
The next Step is getting an appointment for Germany visa with the consulate in the right jurisdiction.
The main link to the BLS Visa application center in United States is : https://usa.blsgermanyvisa.com/book_appointment.php From here, you can get Visa appointments and where you can see the more details on Germany Schengen visa.
How long does it take for my German Schengen visa to be Approved ?
In United States, After you sending your German visa application, it could take up to 15 business days for your visa to be processed. In some cases, like when a lot of people apply for German visas at the same time, the processing could take up to 30 to 45 days longer.
If you miss any document, The Consular Officials might ask you to send any missing documents or any other relevant information or the documents that are needed to decide on your visa application. They might also be asked to come in for an interview about your visa.
What will happen on the day of the Germany visa appointment for US Green card holders ?
Consulate officials will thoroughly check all your documents on the day of your visa appointment. If any of them are missing or incorrect, for example, if you have done any typing mistakes or a photographs which is meeting their visa standards, then you will be asked to pay the money to get a new one from their in-house studio or experts.
So it is very important that you should not make any mistakes and you have the consultation of Schengen experts such as ourselves.
- You have to be arrive 15 min before. You can’t send someone else, you must attend the visa appointment at scheduled time
- Carry original and copy of all your Required documents for your German Visa, should not miss any.
- Once you get into the center, check you have paid for visa fees online or not, if not you need to pay.
- At the center, you will have to provide biometric information collection which is your photographs and your fingerprints. Without submitting your biometrics information, your German visa application will not be processed.
- Full-face digital photos are required. No sunglasses, tinted glasses, or head coverings are not allowed. It’s only allowed unless worn for medical or religious reasons.
- If you’re applying for a visa for your child who is younger than 5 years, that kid must also go to visa appointment, but they need to give their fingerprints.
- You will have to book an new appointment 24 hours after of your original appointment date in case if you miss to attend the visa appointment.
What to Do If my German Schengen Visa Is Denied?
If you believe that the visa rejection is valid (because it might your fault), you have 30 days from the date you were told of the decision to file an re-appeal and hope for the best.
In case If you believe that the visa rejection is not valid, Then you can write a Letter of Appeal for Visa Rejection to try to change the decision.
If you are denied a visa for family reunification or to bring family members with you, you can file an appeal with the appropriate ordinary court at any time.
What is the fees for a applying German visa for US Green Card Holders?
The Germany visa fees for a applying in the United States are:
- Germany Schengen visa application fee for Adults is 80 EUR.
- Germany Schengen visa application fee for kids under 6 years is free.
- Germany Schengen visa application fee for kids aged between 6 to 11 years is 40 EUR.
- Germany Schengen visa application fee for US residents holding a Armenia, Kosovo or Azerbaijan passport is 35 EUR
- Germany Schengen visa application fee for US residents holding a Gambia passport is 120 EUR.
Do Green Card Holders Need an Germany Schengen Visa?
What passport you have currently decides this. You will not need to apply for a Germany Schengen Visa if your passport was issued by one of the 25 Schengen countries. Still, you’ll need one if you’re a citizen of one of the nations listed below.
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