₦airaland Forum

MintyChoccochip:
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your experience. Please did you previously submit your husband's payslip during the interview too? We've got verification complete mail for over a week now and stoll no request from ABH. We don't knowif it's because we submitted those things during the interview

Thank you so much. I took his payslips with me but they were returned to me.

**** Visa approval Update *****

Good day wonderful people of this forum. My FRV update is finally here and I’m sharing to give insight and hope to someone else.


27th August, 2021: Application for FRV


*2022*
5th July - Goethe A1 exam

23rd September - E-Mail confirmation of appointment.

17th October - Visa appointment & interview - all documents confirmed to be okay.

No update, no lawyer, nothing.

*2023*

19th February - My husband sent an email to BVA (Bundesverwaltungsamt) and ABH to find out application status.

22nd February - Called the Embassy and the lady I spoke with confirmed my application was in processing and my husband should get in touch with the ABH in his city.

28th February - Got a response from BVA that my application/documents were in the ABH but the current status of the application could not be confirmed. Only the location of the application was confirmed.

3rd April - My husband sent another email to ABH requesting an update.

11th April - Got a response from ABH that the application was with them, was being reviewed and to be patient.

1st May - Lawyer's verification.

12th June - “Verification completed” email received.

13th June - ABH emailed my husband to send his documents (payslips, employment certificate, employment & housing contracts, proof of payment of rent, health insurance and proof of pension insurance).

28th June - My husband submitted requested documents (via email).

30th June - ABH visa approval received via email.

9th July - Sent an email to German Embassy & ABH forwarding the visa approval email from the ABH; both of us sent separate emails to the Embassy while my husband alone sent to ABH (the email was in German). I also filled the contact form on the Embassy website.
We spammed them as we were already tired of waiting at this point.😅

12th July - Approval email from Embassy requesting for my passport, travel date and travel insurance.

13th July - Submission of passport and travel insurance (got there before 7am but was told submission doesn’t start till 11; had to wait)

19th July - DHL delivered stamped passport


*Key lessons*
* Prayer and patience are very important. This one is self explanatory.

* BE HONEST - both you and your spouse. E get why. Every single document I submitted and claim i made about my identity was verified - from birth, baptism, marriage, education to work. Like someone else has mentioned on this platform, “they will juxtapose your interview with the forms you submit”.

* If you’ll be needing the German A1 language certificate, try to take the exam as close to your estimated appointment date as possible (the wait time is currently about 14 months after your application date. Note that Goethe Institut closes for summer break throughout August) This tip is in case this 1 year plus wait time continues; to avoid taking the exam again as the embassy typically requests certificate not older than 1 year.

* If you’re not sure what a document is/how to fill in some information please just ask on the thread.

* Additionally, always filter information before applying it to your situation.

* Everyone’s case/situation/visa type/application officer(s) is different…using timelines shared on this platform to try to plan how much time yours will take will likely only cause you anxiety.

* Live your life. I know it’ll be hard to, but please apply yourself to your job/trade/engage in activities and hobbies and learning transferrable skills for when you finally get to Germany.




Praying for everyone else in the waiting period…may we be reading your good news soon.🙏🏾

Wunme:
Hello All,
Thought to share my update here as I’ve benefited from others here as well.
7/7/2022: My spouse(Blue Card)and I(Family Reunion) applied for an appointment/interview together. My Husband got a date immediately while I didn’t.
28/9/2022: My spouse arrived Germany on a blue card visa.
24/10/2022: My spouse wrote the German embassy in Nigeria on my behalf to appeal the 14 month waiting period for an appointment on health concerns. We waited this long so my spouse could attach exit and entry visa stamps in the email just so they know we’re no longer together in Nigeria.
25/10/2022: Embassy responded to the email saying the “embassy no longer grants priority appointments to spouses and children of researchers, blue card holders, scholars, students e.t.c
We were sad to say the least but decided to try again at a later time.
15/11/2022: My spouse reached out to the embassy again on my behalf on health grounds and they responded almost immediately with the same response as before. We were determined to try again, still.
16/11/2022: To my utter amazement, I got an appointment email from the embassy. This was after they rejected our previous appeal barely 24 hours earlier. They even gave me a date less than 2 weeks from when they responded.
29/11/2022: Went for my family reunion interview at the embassy. No hassles. Went with all my documents except 1 as my spouse was yet to get a blue card in Germany. The interviewer said my visa may take a while as I didn’t have my spouse’s blue card at the time but requested I send it once we get it.
16/12/2022: Sent my spouse’s Fiktionsbescheinigung to the embassy.
The rest of December: Waited with bated breath with no response from the embassy. Called their lines in Lagos to no avail. Was only told to wait.
18/01/2023: Got a mail from the embassy requesting my travel date.
19/01/2023: Submitted my travel documents to the embassy.
25/01/2023: Received my stamped passport.
8/02/2023: Arrived Germany.
In all, i was only separated from my spouse for 4 months as against the standard long waiting period.
Thanks to everyone who responded to my enquiries here. It’s a journey that requires a lot of patience indeed.

Congratulations!!!

witgig:
Has anyone tried this? Did you get any response?

Hello, I did...no response yet.

Babbbbbbbbby:
No I haven't and you ?

Nothing yet

Gracias112:
Where is your locationare you in Lagos or close by? Those are the things that affect lawyer verification.

I stay in Lagos

GraceIsaac09:
Hello.
Have you heard from the Lawyer of the Embassy now?

Not yet.

Babbbbbbbbby:
Please has anyone who did interview in October 2022 heard from the Lawyer or the embassy?

Hello.
Have you heard from the Lawyer of the Embassy now?

Sugiejay:
To think I have been so worried that I have not heard anything from the embassy. I did mine December, 2022

How about now, have u heard from them

I had my interview October 2022…haven’t heard from the Embassy or a lawyer. The foreign office hasn’t contacted my husband yet either.

Babbbbbbbbby:
I had mine on the 13th of October 2022. Has the foreign office contacted your spouse?

Not yet.

Babbbbbbbbby
post=120066502:
Please has anyone who did interview in October 2022 heard from the Lawyer or the embassy?

I haven’t from my end. Had my interview 17th October 2022 and I live in Lagos.
When was your interview please?

Has a lawyer finally come for your verification?
I remember reading a post from you that they came for your friend...

Adegbeanna:
Yes

Hi all, please has anyone that completed family reunion interview in October been contacted by a lawyer for verification?
It's 2 months today since my interview...after waiting 14 months for the interview appointment.

It's 35mm by 45mm.
This pdf file provides more insight.
https://www.germany.info/blob/906790/6e3eee9fd4d86e16aaefe0e92d809332/dd-sample-photos-data.pdf

For the duration of stay I put the date of my interview to long stay e.g. 21.11.2022 - Long stay.

adeinfinit:
Good evening house.

Quick questions please.

What is the biometric specifications for passport photo?
What do I fill on the intended duration of stay in Germany?

Hi there.
Here's the format I used and submitted during my interview in October '22.
Note that this is for the spouse here in Nigeria who is applying for the family reunion visa...I'm assuming that's you.
Please edit carefully in line with which parent is deposing to the affidavit. The parent deposing should go along with your passport and theirs as well.
You can also check online for others but be careful not to get this mixed up with the affidavit of spinsterhood/bachelorhood (the one signed for your application to the Marriage Registry).
My understanding of the affidavit of marital status is that it's to state that you are currently married to a certain person (and not that you've never been married line the affidavit of spinsterhood/bachelorhood).
All the best.


SWORN AFFIDAVIT OF MARITAL STATUS IN FAVOUR OF _____(your full name)____(nee ____maiden name if applicable___)

I, _____(parent's full name)____, ___(Male/Female)____, ____(religion)____, Nigerian Citizen, of ____________(address of parent)___________, Nigeria do hereby make an oath and state as follows:


1. That I am the above-named person whose photograph is attached herewith.

2. That I am the biological _____(mother/father)_____ of _____(your full name)____ (nee _______) who was born on the _____(your date of birth)____.

3. That my ____(daughter/son)____, _____(your full name)____ is legally married to _____(your spouse's full name)____ in accordance to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

4. That the marriage contracted between _____(your full name)____ and _____(your spouse's full name)____ took place on the _____(date of marriage)____ at _____(place/location of marriage)____.

5. That my ____(daughter/son)____, _____(your full name)____ was never previously married to any _____(man/woman)____ nor did _____(she/he)____ bear any child from a previous marriage prior to _____(her/his)____ marriage to _____(your spouse's full name)____.

6. That this affidavit is now needed for record and official purposes.

7. That I make this affidavit in good faith, believing same to be true and correct in accordance with Oath Law of Lagos State, 2004.

adeinfinit:
Thanks for your response.

One of my parents can go the court to get this affidavit right?
Also, if you have a copy/draft, please share.

Thank you

Ahmed4002:
The foreign office normally contact via Email.

Depending on the officer, some might request for a soft copy, while others would ask you to drop it on their post box.

All the best

Here's a list of questions. These are a mix of questions I was asked during my interview and others I found by going through the thread when preparing.

What is your spouse’s name?
How old is your spouse?
Where was your spouse born?
Spouse's date of birth?
Did you get your spouse something for his/her birthday?
What date did you & your spouse agree to start dating?
Were you friends before you started dating?
What year did your spouse first travel to Germany?
How long have your spouse's parents known about you?
Have you been to Germany before?
Have you been convicted before?
Have you been denied a visa to any country before?
Have either of you been married before?
How long did you date?
How long have you been married?
What does your spouse do?
Where does your spouse work?
How long has your spouse been residing in Germany?
How much does your spouse earn?
What is your spouse's home address in Germany?
What is your spouse’s favourite colour?
What is your spouse’s favourite food?
What is your favourite colour?
What is your favourite food?
When did the actual marriage take place?
Have you at any point stayed together in the same house? If yes, from when to when (date /month).
When was the last time you saw your spouse?
Where was the last time you saw your spouse?
How many times have you been together? 100? 350? Over 500 times?
Do you stay alone?
Are you working?
What qualifications do you have?
What were you doing when you met your spouse?
Can you briefly describe your first meeting in details?
When your spouse came home, did he/she come home for the sake of the marriage?
How did the marriage proposal go?
Have you had your church marriage?
Do you speak German?
Do you have children that you will like to travel with?
Where did your engagement take place?
When did your engagement take place?
Where did your marriage take place?
Did you do a church wedding?
Where did the wedding take place?

All the best.

UCEKE:
Good day All,

Please has anyone gotten Appointment for those that applied in November 2021.

Please can someone who have gone for the interview share the interview questions.

I will appreciate response to the above

Hi everyone.

Please when the foreign office contacts the spouse to submit documents... is it by email or by a written letter?
Also the submission of the requested documents ... is it through soft copies by email or hard copies through the post/physical submission?
Any insight given is appreciated.
Dankeschön

ayonimofemi:
do you know the likely questions

I plan to read through the thread from the beginning to gather likely questions. But I believe they will be largely about your spouse, your marriage, his job & housing over there, your kids(if any), family/in-laws, etc. to find out how well you know each other and make sure the marriage is valid and not just for visa purposes.

ayonimofemi:
amen ooo thanks sis

Hello…have you gotten a date now?
I got mine yesterday (Friday).

ayonimofemi:
Please I want to know if all august applicants from 27th have gotten mails. Have not seen mine ooo.

I also registered on 27th August. No date yet.

BigBoy123:
I think I am mixing both up, but it was the affidavit of marital status she finally brought

Oh okay. Thanks a bunch.

BigBoy123:
Testimony Timeline: So my wife has finally recieved her visa
Applied for Appointment: 9th Feb, 2021
Email for Appointment : 28th Jan, 2022
Appointment Date: 24th Feb, 2022
Email to Submit Spinsterhood Document: 22nd Mar, 2022
Documents submitted : 28th Mar, 2022
Lawyer came for Verification: 11th May, 2022
Verification Email: 22nd June, 2022
Auslanderbehörde contacted me for documents: 24th June, 2022
Request to Submit A1: 27th June, 2022
I replied them: 14th July 2022
Auslanderbehörde requested for more documents: 26th July, 2022
Embassy Request for Passport: 3rd August, 2022
Recieved Passport with visa: 17th August, 2022

We bless God for the journey so far, we are still waiting for that of my son.
But I do hope to keep encouraging others to continue, e go work finally

Congratulations.
Please is there a difference between affidavit of marital status (as listed on the requirement list) and affidavit of spinsterhood? Could you please share a copy i can adopt?
Thank you.

Good evening everyone.
Please does anyone know about the “IT specialist” residence permit and what it provides for and limitations, if any?
Secondly, as a spouse of someone issued this permit, does the spouse definitely need to provide A1 certificate?
Thirdly, can anyone please share contacts of reputable german private tutors in Lagos?
I’ll appreciate any insights/responses from the house.
Thank you.

Congratulations!!!

Biggybee:
I have gotten my visa.

Initial booking: June 15,2021

Sending of mail by us for a reschedule: Nov. 8,2021

Mail for interview appointment:Nov. 12,2021

Interview date: December 16, 2021

Mail to send passport and travel insurance: Jan 03, 2022

Dropping of passport at Embassy: January 06,2022

Visa delivered: January 12, 2022.

I can't speak Deutch neither did i have a language proficiency cert.

I didn't change my passport from my maiden name.

I wasn't asked to bring more documents or replace any.

To God alone be the glory!

Good morning house.
I have a question please.
Must you have BOTH a degree and an offer above the approved amount to qualify for EU blue card as an IT professional?
Can it be one or the other?
I called the embassy to ask and the response i got was that it’s the employer that will confirm if one qualifies for work permit or EU blue card.

Okay, thank you
I don’t think it’s him though.lol.
Please do you have an idea how long your friend has been waiting for?

thibcyrain:
I applied via blue card, although I got a date almost immediately. I have a close friend that is also on the waiting list for work permit. Might even be your husband.

Please let ne check out the response. Thank you.

Congratulations!!!
I asked this same question last month cos my husband got a job too and i got a response (pg 73; timbs001 responded on 28th Aug).

If i may ask did you apply under blue card/work permit/pre-approval?
My husband applied under work permit because he doesn't have a degree and the company informed us that they aren’t registered to get the pre-approval.
That’s been since 27th Aug that he applied and no appointment date yet.

thibcyrain:
Hello I see every one is doing an amazing job here, welldone.

I just got a job and i applied for visa however I want to know if it’s possible to go with my spouse. I have gotten an appointment already.

I want to know if i can go with my spouse immediately or she applies for the family reunion visa and join later, I have read here that the family reunion visa takes a long time. It will be nice if anyone can advise on the fastest route to go about this.

Thank you for this information.
I’ll share with him to inform his employer and hopefully it works out asap.
Thanks again.

timbs001:
Both of you cannot go at the same time because of the compulsory document verification for you. If the pre approval document and travelling processing is being handled by an agency or your husband's employer and the fast track document includes pre-approval for family re-union, they can write the embassy and help you get a family reunion appointment faster as a priority (Like a month's wait time compared to the current one year waiting period for family reunion appointments.).
However you will still need to wait probably up to six months or less before you can join him.

Congratulations on the new job!
I quite agree with you about there not being similar cases…I totally get how you feel.

But maybe you should consider discussing with the company on the timeline to get the vorabzustimmung possibly before your interview date as you already have one…to avoid any delay to the visa approval instead of having to find out.
I read in the thread about some who shared that he got the pre-approval within 2weeks.
So it’s something to consider.
Also keep in mind that they may need to courier the documents to you and factor that into your timeline.
Wish you all the best!

historybrow:
Hello Everyone, I need some questions answered.
So I got a job. And I am going to apply for a Blue card. The initial plan was that the company would get approval so I can apply under the "Skilled Immigration Act" for fast-tracking it. But I was able to get an appointment for the beginning of September for the Blue Card Category.
My question is this, would it be ok for me to follow the normal processing since I got a date that is 3 weeks away. Is there any unnatural delay to be expected (I mean would it take longer than normal because of the pandemic, or my processing time won't be affected), how long is the processing time for Blue Card.
Thanks.
Ps. I have read from November 2020 till date. no similar case exists. the work visa guys (about 3-5 found) all applied under the "Skilled Immigration Act".

Good afternoon everyone.
Thanks to all those who have shared their experiences and information…they’ve been really helpful.
My husband just got a job in Germany and we’re about to begin the visa process.
Though he doesn't have a degree, we did some research and found he was qualifies for blue card because of the salary for the job- it’s in excess of the stated minimum amount (please correct me if I’m wrong).
The company has agreed to provide the fast track documents and all but he wants to apply with me i.e. apply for family/reunion visa with me (it’s just both of us for now, no kids yet �)
I have gone through the thread but didnt see anyone with a similar case. Though i saw couples do this from India even some with kids (saw the stories on youtube).
I just don't want to be the reason for any delay in his visa process and he’s not open to going first and me joining him later due to financial constraints and health matters.
Please I’d appreciate any information or insight from the house on how to proceed.
Thank you.