The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : English language skills necessary for German visa

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 10, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

English language skills necessary for German visa

Staff Reporter

CREATING AWARENESS: Britta Petersohn-Barnhusen, Vice-Consul at the German Consulate, addressing a meeting on German student visa procedure in Chennai on Friday. — Photo: S.S.Kumar

CHENNAI: The most common reasons for rejecting applications for student visas to Germany are lack of English language skills and invalid documents, according to Britta Petersohn-Barnhusen, vice-consul, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chennai.

She was interacting with student seeking visa to Germany, on Friday here. As TOEFL scores were valid only for six months in this case, many students faced problems. Ms. Barnhusen said TOEFL scores one or two weeks after the expiry date were fine, though one would need documentary approval from the German Consulate to show at the VFS office.

All students to Germany from the four southern states would have to attend an interview at the Consulate in Chennai. Ms. Barnhusen explained this was mostly to assure them of the applicants' English language skills. Students have to apply for category D visa, a residence permit. The Schengen visa is applicable only for a maximum stay of three months.

The Chennai Consulate was the biggest issuer of visas in the country, 85 per cent of which were Schengen visas, said Ms. Barnhusen.

To qualify for studies in Germany, one must have at least a bachelor degree. Basic studies were not possible there yet. After completing studies, students would be allowed to stay back for a year to look for a job, which should be related to their area of study.

The visa issued by the Consulate was only temporary; once the student reached the destination of study in Germany, she would have to register with the local immigration office, where the temporary residence permit would be extended. While applying, it was essential for students to provide a local address in Germany to ascertain the correct immigration office there, Ms. Barnhusen said.

Applications are often rejected because no address is given. For more information, contact the Consulate located at 9, Boat Club Road. Phone: 24301600.

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