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Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 5:34pm On Jan 08

Let me break the silence with some good news

I’m happy to share that I finally received my visa, Decision was made on the 2nd January and i finally received my passport today January 8th.
My interview date was October 22nd, and after waiting patiently until now, it has finally come through.

This journey definitely had its ups and downs. Some people here already know about the back-and-forth and the challenges I faced along the way, but I’m truly grateful that it all worked out in the end. I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported, encouraged, and shared useful information during this process.

To everyone still waiting or preparing for their own visa, I wish you the very best of luck. Stay strong, your turn will come too.

Now, on to the next phase 🇩🇪✈️
If anyone has information on the next steps after landing in Germany such as registration and other important requirements please kindly share a step-by-step guide. I would really appreciate your help.

Thank you all once again, and wishing everyone success on their journey.

23 Likes

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 11:58am On Nov 08, 2025

My case was a bit different. I got stuck at the preliminary/document check stage because I replied through the portal, thinking my message would go through in real time, but it didn’t. I reached out to explain my situation the same day my application was cancelled.

In your case, since it’s been about three months, they might ask you to start over but still try calling and emailing. Consistent follow-up helped me get mine resolved.

backoffice@lago.auswaertiges-amt.de and any email or pone numbers you can find on their website

Goodluck!

Mytime21:
Yes, I did. The Lagos diplo email right, if you can help share, I would be grateful. For some reasons, my application seems to be lagging, ZAB taking over 3months despite consistent follow-up only for them to request official transcripts after the 3months wait for the 2 degrees I put in for🤦🏽‍♂️. It's all good, all things work for good....

1 Like

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 2:19pm On Nov 07, 2025

Did you get to the preliminary stage/documents correction stage? If yes, reach out to the visa office via Email.

Mytime21:
How were you able to fast-track your application?? I had to start afresh after looking at the cost of evaluating 2 degrees initially, so I tried my luck. Kindly help out with information🙏🏽

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 2:18pm On Nov 07, 2025

Did you get to the preliminary stage/documents correction stage? If yes, reach out to the visa office via Email.

Mytime21:
How were you able to fast-track your application?? I had to start afresh after looking at the cost of evaluating 2 degrees initially, so I tried my luck. Kindly help out with information🙏🏽

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 4:53pm On Oct 30, 2025

To the best of my knowledge, a CTC obtained from your institution after you have reported the original as missing carries the same validity as the original certificate. No institution issues two certificates to the same individual. For clarification, confirm this from your institution and do your research.
You can also get an affidavit alongside as stated by @cyberbro, if you don’t, they’ll likely request it during the preliminary stage, so it’s best to be proactive.

gumroad:
Hey guys, does anyone know what they usually expect in a lost degree certificate case? I only have a photocopy with a certified true copy stamp from the institution as they don’t reissue certificates twice. What should I expect in this situation?

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 2:07pm On Oct 29, 2025

Purpose; OPPORTUNITY CARD
CLICK; YES

Laryfrosh:
Hi Guys, for this one, purpose of stay in Germany is employment, right?

I intend to stay in Germany for no longer than twelve months and apply for a visa valid for the entire period of my stay:

And am I expected to check the above option (YES)?

1 Like

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 10:17am On Oct 22, 2025*

Hey guys 👋🏾

I went for my interview, and I just wanted to share my full experience for anyone preparing for theirs.

I arrived at the embassy by 6:30 AM, my appointment printout was stamped 6:33 and my interview was supposed to be scheduled for 7:30 AM but I went in way earlier because I arrived early. I was among the first set of people there, and I was actually the second person the interviewer called in.

A lady attended to me. At first, she seemed a bit uptight, just collecting and checking my documents quietly. But after a little while, she loosened up and became friendlier. She carefully reviewed all my documents, removed what she didn’t need, and basically did all the administrative checks before moving on to the interview questions.

Here’s how the questions went:
1. She started with my education background; when I graduated and when I went for NYSC.
2. She didn’t ask me to “walk through my career” in detail. She only asked for my current role and what my company does.
3. She asked about my family in Germany.
4. She also asked about my travel history, specifically how many times I’ve been to Germany and the purpose of my visits.
5. Then came the popular question: “Why Germany?” I explained my reasons clearly.
6. After that, she asked a very important one: “What if you don’t get a job?” this question had a lot of emphasis, so please, take note.

👉🏾 My advice: When answering this question, don’t just talk about what you’ll do alone. Make sure to end your answer by stating clearly that you will not overstay your visa if you don’t find a job. It’s very important to make that clear. it shows responsibility and respect for immigration rules. That’s my two cents.
7. Another question that stood out was: “What is your future after Germany?” In other words, after you get a job in Germany, what next? What’s your long-term plan for your career and yourself? She emphasized this one too, so it’s worth preparing for.
8. She also asked whether I speak German (Deutschkenntnisse) or if I’m learning it.

Then came the written test section.

Since my academic background isn’t same as my career, she gave me questions related to my academic background but honestly, it’s been a while since I studied that, so I wasn’t confident about the answers. I politely asked if I could take an IT-related test instead, since I currently work as a DA.

She agreed and gave me the IT test. It had 10 questions in total, 5 simple calculation-based questions (which I could handle) and 5 computer science questions that were more theoretical (like operating systems and core computer science concepts). Those ones were a bit outside my area, but I did what I could.

And that was it!

So yeah, that’s my full experience. Wish me luck 🤞🏾.

Hopefully, this helps someone who’s preparing for theirs. Most of what I experienced is similar to what others have shared, but I wanted to highlight the extra questions and the ones with emphasis, especially:
• “What if you don’t get a job?” → Be prepared and always end by saying you won’t overstay your visa.
• “What is your future after Germany?” → Think about your long-term career plans.

Add this to what you’ve already read from others. Every little detail helps.

15 Likes

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 4:05pm On Oct 13, 2025

I've been meaning to ask this question too.

busybodie:
Did you take any additional documents with you apart from the ones you submitted online, like work-related documents or anything similar? If yes, which ones?

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 11:25pm On Sep 21, 2025

Just to clarify my intention. My post wasn’t to condemn anyone or pin blame on @Hannania. I take full responsibility for my own actions and decisions with regards to my application. I shared my experience so others can avoid the same mistake and not to discredit someone who has clearly helped many people.

I agree with one point you made; 'This is a volunteer, unpaid thread. We all act at our own discretion.'

@herlonso I appreciate your perspective. I genuinely hope you never experience a sudden block or shutdown mid-application. When it happened to me, months of work/waiting disappeared in a moment; the uncertainty, re-queuing, and silence are tougher than they look from the outside. I took responsibility for my part and shared my story so others can avoid it, not to condemn anyone. Let’s keep things evidence-based, and supportive so everyone can navigate this process with fewer setbacks.

Like you said, when information looks uncertain or potentially wrong, it helps if others politely challenge it (like creating a “dispute” post) so people pause, double-check, and research further.

Going forward, can we align on some simple norms to help everyone? If you’re not sure, please say you're not sure.

I genuinely appreciate @Hannania’s contributions and would be happy if he returns. And thank you to @Cyberbro and others who step in with practical guidance. We’re all trying to get this right.

If my write-up came across as harsh, that wasn’t my intention.

Wishing everyone smooth applications and as always, please do your own research before acting on any advice here.

herlonso:
Hannania should come back o.

Regardless of anything, he has been helpful. Flops may happen even though the reason why Heleena lost his application may not be solely due to the reason he thought cos from his own write up, he wasn't entirely sure.

And to Cyberbro, when you saw that info he gave was wrong, you should have at least created a dispute like the one you dropped about the language test. This will create doubt and perhaps prompt people to research more about it before acting.

The writeup by Heleena is condemning and I understand why Hannania deleted his profile cos when you're trying to help and people now turn around and pin the blame on you when something goes wrong.

Let’s remember: this is not a paid thread, and no one is profiting from the information shared here. Everyone follows guidance at their own discretion. If something doesn’t work out, the responsibility ultimately rests with the individual, not with those offering free advice. Hannania’s contributions have helped people with more than 95% accuracy, and that deserves acknowledgment.

If anyone feels misled, it’s best to express it politely rather than writing condemning responses. The same information we discuss here is publicly available to everyone.
I’m not sure Hannania will return, but I truly hope he does. In the meantime, knowledgeable contributors like Cyberbro can continue where he left off.
And please, let’s all remember: anyone acting on advice shared here does so at their own risk.

4 Likes

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 8:10pm On Sep 14, 2025

Yes, I did mine through DR-WALTER via Expatrio (instead of buying directly from DR-WALTER). It was more straightforward, I didn’t have to choose between many options, and you won’t need to pay anything until you activate the policy after you arrive in Germany.
- Just create an Expatrio account and choose the Health Insurance option that includes DR-WALTER (travel/visa insurance).
- Enter your details and set your planned arrival date.
- Expatrio generates the insurance confirmation PDF immediately you can use it for your application and at your interview.

Orhorho:
@ Helenaaa

I love your "Never say Die" spirit
I guess we won't be notified via email. It seems one has to keep checking at regular interval for available appointment date.
I also have a question. Have you done your insurance?, and which one did you do?
I tried Dr. Walter but I need some guidance on how to go about it while trying to get my appointment date.

2 Likes

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 2:48pm On Sep 13, 2025*

Yes, I’m actually the person being referred to here. To be honest, I knew my account being blocked was connected to my choice to follow @Hannania’s advice at the time, but I accepted it and moved on. What else could I do? It had already happened.

Looking back, I don’t blame anyone. I should have trusted my own intuition and handled it differently. I also don’t want people to dismiss the person who shared that advice; he’s genuinely trying to help, share knowledge, and carry everyone along.

What I’ve learned (and said before in this forum) is: always do your own research. Follow the threads and listen to others who may know more, but, at the end of the day, cross-check and confirm things for yourself, especially when you feel confused or stuck.

In my case, I've lost time. My application was blocked and I had to start over.

Fortunately, things later worked out, and my new application was somewhat fast-tracked because of what happened. After a lot of back-and-forth, I’m back in and am now trying to schedule my interview/submission appointment.

The moral is that this could have been avoided. Had there been clearer guidance, even a simple 'I don't know' instead of 'No need to send for correction. The Embassy see it in real-time', I probably would have submitted on time and might even have had my visa by now, like @Haliimmaa, who submitted around the same period.

So please learn from me: don’t rely solely on anyone’s advice, no matter how helpful they seem. Double-check, do your own due diligence, and don’t get carried away. If you lose your application, you’ll be starting over again and with the pool getting bigger by the day, delays will only get longer.

Wishing everyone the best, let’s all put in our best effort and stay on top of our own applications.

cyberbro:
You're the one with limitations here, especially with understanding and accepting corrections and facts. Telling people they can learn German and pass A1 all in 2 weeks and that this is cheaper than IELTS is complete garbage but you have an ego issue cos people mention you here for info.

I taught German for 5 years in Nigeria before moving to the UK, but you know everything better because you're active on this thread. 😏

Oya, tell us how you finished the entire A1 syllabus: nouns (Nomen), pronouns, cases (nominativ, akkusativ, dativ), present and past tense (Präteritum, Perfekt), adjectives and adjective endings, adverbs, letter writing (Brief Schreiben) Modal verbs, Numbers in German, just to mention a few, and you somehow managed to prepare for Lesen, Schreiben, Hören and Sprechen, all within 2 weeks... You think it's everyone you can give lamba? 🙃

I really pity those following you without doing their own research. That was how you advised someone not to send a feedback for correction on the portal, claiming the embassy could see his comment in real-time as if the portal was a chat site, and the guy ended up having his application struck out because he didn't send for correction. I am sure even the guy couldn't trace it back to your advice.

Anyways, continue...

2 Likes 1 Share

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 12:22pm On Aug 08, 2025

Also join the waiting list with another email while you pray. Thank me later!

Kolyis:
Thank you, I just pray it works

2 Likes

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 2:13pm On Jun 30, 2025*

Hannania:
No need to send for correction. They'll see it in real-time.

Yes, they'll calculate and inform you of the exact amount to deposit into your block account. For now, just chill and wait. The German system is one of the most meticulous systems in the world. If you meet the requirements, they'll grant you the visa.

They didn’t respond to me in real time on my application portal. Instead, I received an email informing me that my application would be deleted because I couldn’t prove my means of sustenance. They also mentioned that they tried to reach me by phone, but I never received any calls. I wonder why an email wasn’t sent earlier as a follow-up.
Note; my phone is never off and I’m a postpaid customer with mtn, it was stated that my number has been barred... undecided

- i immediately told everyone around me to dial my number Lol.

I never received any email since I uploaded my documents in March since joining the wait list. I only discovered documents had been requested because I made it a habit to check the portal at least three times a day. At no point have I received any email notification or prompt from them but it was easy to get a deletion email without any update.

Now, I can no longer access my application. I realize I should have gone ahead to deposit the funds without waiting for their feedback on the calculation of the difference.

In any case, I have already called and sent several emails. When I called, I was advised to send an email instead. I am still waiting for a response.

It was also stated that I should register again.

I URGE YOU GUYS TO LEARN FROM THIS!!!

3 Likes 2 Shares

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 2:12pm On Jun 30, 2025

Helenaaa:
We wait!!! Thanks for your prompt response!

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 3:27pm On Jun 26, 2025*

HI,

I personally haven't received any email since I uploaded my documents in March since joining the wait list. I only discovered that a preliminary review had been requested because I make it a habit to check the portal at least three times a day. At no point have I received any email notification or prompt from them.

It seems their communication can be quite inconsistent, so I’d recommend continuing to check the portal regularly, just to stay ahead of any updates.

EAJG:
Hi Helennaaa,

I joined the waiting list on 24th of April and I'm still on the waiting list.
Since you have passed the preliminary review stage, I thought you might be in a better position to help.

Did you receive any email during the waiting period asking you to log in to the portal and confirm if you want to continue with your application?

I'd really appreciate a reply.

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 9:32am On Jun 21, 2025

Hannania:
No need to send for correction. They'll see it in real-time.

Yes, they'll calculate and inform you of the exact amount to deposit into your block account. For now, just chill and wait. The German system is one of the most meticulous systems in the world. If you meet the requirements, they'll grant you the visa.

We wait!!! Thanks for your prompt response!

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 4:52pm On Jun 20, 2025*

Hannania:
If it's €15/hr, you'll earn 900+ after tax. Which does not meet the 13k requirements. That must have been the reason they needed the sponsorship letter.

Still reply to them based on my last reply and let's see the response

I just got this response;

"Thank you for your reply, we will get back to you soon. we have seen your employment contract, but very likely you will need to submit a blocked account to make up for what you will earn which will not be up to the required 13092 Euros, needed to block an account for your category of visa"

and i responded on the portal with this;

"Thank you for your response and for reviewing my application. I appreciate your clarification regarding the need for a blocked account to cover the shortfall. Kindly let me know the exact additional amount I need to deposit in my blocked account to meet the financial requirement."

QUESTION:
-- After saving my response in the portal chat, do I still need to click "Send Correction"? Will my response be visible to the consulate after saving it, or is an additional step required?

-- Also, if my earnings after tax amount to approximately €900+ per month, lets say €900 that would total around €10,800 for the year (900 × 12). Since the required amount is €13,092, the difference is €2,292. Would it be acceptable to deposit €2,500 into my blocked account to cover this shortfall and avoid any delays?

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 4:02pm On Jun 12, 2025

Sid57:
Could you pls share your timelines with us? When did U submit for PR , when and how were you contacted about your documents?

Joined waiting list - 11th of march
Preliminary review request - 4th of June
Correction required - 11th of June

Response to the correction must be completed before the 25th of June

4 Likes

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 3:54pm On Jun 12, 2025

Hannania:
1. If the secondary employment contract is at least 1091 net(After tax), reply to that message on the portal and inform the VO that you would like the contract agreement to be considered as a single entity. You can't move forward if the SL is not marked nachgewiesen(This means the sponsor has been vetted to be credit worthy to sponsor you). Any other thing besides that won't be accepted

2. Just re-upload the second one, they'll let it pass if it's truly the same information

3. Was this explicitly requested? Many others and I did not upload this. Send a screenshot of the field

1. The secondary employment is €15/hr (gross), does this suffice?
3. It wasn’t explicitly requested for

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 3:49pm On Jun 12, 2025

cyberbro:
@Helenaaa

Please what date did you join the waiting list?

Joined the waiting list on the 11th March

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 2:33pm On Jun 11, 2025*

Hannania:
You can book your appointment at your convenience

Hi, I need some help with a few things:

1. Secondary Employment (First Screenshot)
I noticed the option for secondary employment isn’t listed on the portal. Is it actually an option?

Also, my declaration isn’t marked nachgewiesen, and I do have secondary employment. I uploaded both the declaration and secondary employment documents, but during the preliminary review, only the declaration was mentioned. I was just told to upload the requested document (see second screenshot).

Quick question:

Can I remove the declaration and re-upload just the secondary employment document instead?

2. Birth Certificate and Affidavit
I was asked to do an affidavit because my birth certificate name was slightly different from my passport. But I just found another birth certificate with the exact same name as my passport.

Can I upload that and skip the affidavit?

3. Proof of Accommodation
Do I need to upload both the declaration and my guarantor’s tenancy agreement, or is the tenancy agreement alone enough?

Thanks so much for your help!

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 11:11am On Jun 11, 2025

Hannania:
The 2 to 6 months notice on the portal is the timeline they issue before you send for preliminary review. They review within a week, then you book an appointment.

For the opportunity card, there is always an appointment date every week. So the moment your application has been reviewed, you can book an appointment asap

Given that the 2 to 6 months timeline on the portal refers to the period before sending your documents for preliminary review, which is completed within a week, does that mean once your application is reviewed, you have to immediately book an appointment or you can book for a later date, since opportunity card appointments are available weekly?

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 11:27am On Jun 03, 2025

Hello everyone,

I’ve been a silent reader for a while and I appreciate the valuable insights shared here.

My first degree is in Law. Over the years, I’ve gained work experience in project management and later transitioned into data analytics, a field in which I now actively work. I have supporting evidence of this transition on my CV and LinkedIn profile.

I’m currently preparing my Chancenkarte application and would like to know:
How does my educational background impact my chances of approval?

Thank you in advance for your guidance.

Travel › Re: Migrating To Germany For Free : The Chancekarte Discussions by Helenaaa: 11:11am On Jun 03, 2025

Congratulations to you, kindly share your timelines and possibly the questions you were asked during your appointment.

okonkwofabian51:
@ Hannania

Hello everyone and my able Hannania
I have received my opportunity card visa
And I want to say a very big Thank you to @Hannanias you have been very helpful and all you have said and advised has been true.

Please if anyone needs any information on opportunity card visa pls listen to Hannanias he knows what he is saying.

@Hannania please I need to register my address at the Residents Affairs and part of the documents requested are

original civil status documents (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate, name declaration)

and, if necessary additionally
Proof of the authenticity of the document in the form of legalization or apostille
Translation by a sworn interpreter

My question is does the document has to be translated and notarized, if yes can you advise how to go about it , or link me with someone to legalize the documents.

Thank you.

1 Like

Travel › Re: Canadian Express Entry/Federal Skilled Workers Program- Connect Here Part 5 by Helenaaa: 9:49am On Oct 06, 2018

Anyone remarked with BC and received a response in the last 3weeks huh

Did it change or not??

Travel › Re: Canadian Express Entry/Federal Skilled Workers Program- Connect Here Part 5 by Helenaaa: 5:02pm On Sep 23, 2018

cooltony:
BC

BC 10-12 days... I already sent mine in for remark and I’m being hopeful... if I make ask when was your test date and did it change online?? Plus did you receive notification for you to come pick up?

Travel › Re: Canadian Express Entry/Federal Skilled Workers Program- Connect Here Part 5 by Helenaaa: 10:09am On Sep 23, 2018

Hello House,
Anyone’s British Council writing changed from 6.5 to 7 LATELY. Had LRWS... 8.5,8,6.5,7.5.... should I be hopeful for a change from BC or move on from them, cos I've being hearing so many people saying their remark never changes

Travel › Re: Canadian Express Entry/Federal Skilled Workers Program- Connect Here Part 4 by Helenaaa: 5:53pm On Jul 28, 2018

Helenaaa:
Didn’t see any response

Okay seen now

Travel › Re: Canadian Express Entry/Federal Skilled Workers Program- Connect Here Part 4 by Helenaaa: 5:50pm On Jul 28, 2018

DonTee07:
I will PM you again.

Okay... not seen still

Travel › Re: Canadian Express Entry/Federal Skilled Workers Program- Connect Here Part 4 by Helenaaa: 11:56am On Jul 28, 2018

DonTee07:
Replied you already. Thanks.

Didn’t see any response

Travel › Re: Canadian Express Entry/Federal Skilled Workers Program- Connect Here Part 4 by Helenaaa: 3:40pm On Jul 27, 2018

DonTee07:
PM me.

I’ve been trying to but I don’t know how to, can you please send your email address??

Thanks

Travel › Re: Canadian Express Entry/Federal Skilled Workers Program- Connect Here Part 4 by Helenaaa: 1:16pm On Jul 27, 2018

[quote author=DonTee07 post=69735746]2. If I will need to come entirely clean and agree that there was a misrepresentation in my US application. What did you misrepresent? [/color]MARITAL STATUS and CLAIMING NOT TO HAVE A RELATIVE THERE MEANWHILE I DO

3. If 2 is yes, at was stage will I need to give the truthful details.

4. Or maybe I’ll just need to mention it and not give the entire details. Was your visa rejected? Did you do any harm or committed while in USA? [color=#770077]I WAS ISSUED 2YEARS VISA BUT I GOT A MAIL TO GO TO THE EMBASSY AND IT WAS CANCELED PHYSICALLY BEFORE IT WAS DUE TO EXPIRED... I WORKED BUT I DONT THINK THEY CAN FIGURE THAT OUT

5. Or maybe I just don’t mention it atall. Did they cancel your visa? Asin physically? [color=#770077][/color]YES AT THE EMBASSY

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