₦airaland Forum

BarbieLulu:
VISA ALERT!!! 💃💃💃💃💃💃💃

01/08/2024
I got an email for my interview date

26/08/2024
I went for my interview

19/12/2024
I was sent another email to send some documents
23/12/2024
I went to submit the documents;
* Affidavit of Spinsterhood
* Pictures of your marriage ceremony (church, court and traditional) and other pictures
* A1 certificate
* Affidavit of Change of Name
* Affidavit of Reconciliation of Names

09/01/2025
My husband sent them a mail concerning the A1 certificate I was told to bring
20/01/2025
They replied saying the A1 was waived
06/02/2025
My husband got the mail at home to submit his documents
* Arbeitgeberbescheinigung
* Three months pay slip
* Work contract
* Bestätigung from his landlord
* Erklärung from my husband himself
10/02/2025
He submitted the documents at their office
12/02/2025
I was an email to send the A1 certificate again or Appointment confirmation proof for the next A1-exam
17/02/2025
I went to the embassy to submit all the copy of the emails I was sent to show that the A1 had initially being waived for me
21/02/2025
I went to Goethe institut to register for the A1 exam which I was told to do online although the lady helped me create a profile which is required before registering online. After the profile was created, I was told to go and make payment by 9:15am. When it was time, I made a transfer from my bank app, which was reversed. I had to go to bank to do a physical transfer, while I was about filling the slip, I got an email thinking it was from the Goethe institut but to the Glory of God it was from the embassy saying;
Dear Madam,
With regard to your visa application, we kindly request that you submit the following documents to the Consulate:
* Your Nigerian passport
* Proof of incoming insurance that covers your stay in Germany for 90 days or statutory health insurance or private health insurance.
I was so so happy, I can’t even describe how I felt that day but I really thank God.

My husband immediately got incoming insurance from ‘Allianz’ for me.
24/02/2025

I submitted everything at the embassy myself
04/03/2025
I collected all my documents through the courier
10/03/2025
I japa💃💃💃

I want to first of all thank God for everything, to my amazing husband I love you so much for your efforts and patience. Finally to all my nairaland fam, God bless you all and I pray that the Good Lord will help speeding the process for others waiting. Amen 🙏

A big big congratulations to you! May this be the start of the greatest year for you and your household.

Thank you for sharing your testimony!

Rocky234:
Hello everyone,
I just received an invitation for my sons family reunion visa today. I applied May 12th, 2023. his interview is for 27th of March, 2025.

Secondly, i am a single parent (never married) studying here in Germany. Please is there anyone here that can provide advice on how his dad who is cooperative to help our son come here with required documentation and interview preparation. I would really appreciate it.

I have asked this question before, but I was ignored.
So please kindly advise as I would share my experience here too for your perusal.

Thank you.

The degree and complexity of the interview questions will be heavily dependent on the age of your child. If your child is really young then the questions will be directed to the guardian/person that accompanies him on his interview day.

Please follow the list of documents required for a family reunion for children, as updated on the German embassy of Nigeria’s website.


I would presume that the formal declaration of consent for the child from the father who remains in Nigeria will be also relevant in your case. The above list of required documents I think is exhaustive. I hope your name is on your son’s birth certificate (as his mother) and other relevant and biographically old documents.

sunnico:
Good morning everyone, please I am in a situation here and would really appreciate your thoughts on this, so I have an ongoing FRV application which I have attended interview since September 2024, and no response from embassy till date, I also got a German job late last year and got pre-approval last week. I have applied for appointment and got date for this Friday, the problem now is that my original WAEC and birth certificate document are already submitted to the embassy but also required for my upcoming interview. I have sent a mail to the embassy to advise on how to go about this, but no response yet. My German agent is asking that I might need to cancel FRV(something that I waited, and still waiting for over 2 years now) so that I can get the documents back. Please has anyone been in this situation? If not what do you think I can do?. Thank you

This is indeed a dicey one and truly the embassy should be the best to respond on this.


Anyway, my thought on this is:
1. With a FRV, you are granted entry to Germany and can either work, school or do anything. But as with all national visas, you are to apply for a residence permit/ title when you arrive in Germany. So; at that point, you can instead apply for a residence permit for skilled workers, EU Blue card etc. And not a residence permit for FR.
With FRV applications in Nigeria, nobody knows how long until you will get your visa in your hand, but do not cancel your submission. I am with you on this one; because na only us know how long we wait for these appointment dates.

2. When you go for your interview for skilled workers with the preapproval, it is usually fast tracked and the embassy is supposed to arrive at a decision within 6 weeks at most. So it means that all things being equal, you should be able to travel to Germany sometime in April. It also becomes straightforward when you apply for your residence permit/title when you arrive in Germany.
3. Regarding your original documents with the embassy; I do not think that would be a problem as it is still the same embassy that you intend to submit your skilled workers application to. They should have it already on their database and can easily attach it to the current application. You can go with a copy which is what you have. You should not cancel either of the two visa applications. Like I said, on your appointment day, it is my thinking that they would communicate to you the best possible way. It would have been better if they responded to your mail though. But Do Not cancel.
4. Regarding the length of stay allowable on your residence permit. I think for FRV it will be as long as the stay allowable on your spouse’s residence permit. For a skilled worker/Blue card, it will be as long as your employment contract’s end date + 3 months. This is another thing you should consider when deciding the residence permit to go for eventually.

Personally, I prefer the Blue card visa/ residence permit option. There are some exceptions that are granted to only this class of national visas/residence permit option. For example, if your German language proficiency is at C1 level, you can apply for citizenship in only 33 months.

Didibk:
I'll be writing another one next month.
The ABH have also sent a letter to my spouse to submit documents. Deadline for submission for both of us is April.

For the benefit of everyone, can you please list out the documents requested by the ABH, from your spouse in Germany.

Didibk:
God bless you for this info. Our people can be funny when it comes to giving accurate information. That crabs in a bucket thing is real.

I also recall seeing 2 or 3 people who recommended AXA Mansard 3 months travel insurance in older posts.

AXA Mansard won't refund you o. Something similar happened to me last year and I sent them an email explaining that I made a mistake but I was never refunded. They didn't even respond to my email.

I beg to differ. Many people have used AXA Mansard and gotten their visas approved. I do not think anyone intentionally tried to trick you or Frau Posh. The AXAmansard insurance is usually for 90 days at least. It is also possible the embassy is not consistent depending on the specific consular officer dealing with your case.

It is also possible for your spouse in Germany to include his family members and/or spouse to his health insurance at no additional cost, (I think it is called non contributory dependants insurance).


I find it hard to believe that people sharing their experiences here have the intention to cause harm. No one Germany visa journey is the same for everyone.

Ayomide002:
Does anyone know if they are giving out appointment date for FRV?

The last reported date here is April 2023.

Any update, please share with us. It seems they have been on April for the longest time.

Didibk:
I was told via email last week to submit the A1 certificate. The one i submitted during the interview expired about a month ago.

Share via email the one you submitted during the interview. At the same time, be preparing to write another one soon.

All the best!

Hello everyone,

Any update on FRV? Has anyone had their appointment interview this month? Regarding the appointment mail, which month in 2023 are they at now?

Also, has anyone gotten concrete information on the wait timeline for those that registered for an appointment in 2024?

Please share updates.

Efakwugideon:
I am excited to share that I have recently received my visas for a two-year master's program in Bremen.

I am married and have two children, I am considering the best approach for my family to join me.

Given that the family reunion visa process can take over a year, would you advise me to book an appointment for the visa application now?

Yes, do so ASAP. It could take approximately 2 years from when you register for an appointment until they eventually join you in Germany.

In the meantime, after you resume at Bremen, focus on your study and saving for the requisite costs that you’d incur to have your family join you. Because during your family’s interview they would have to prove that you have the capacity to cater for them (accommodation, salary, health insurance etc.).

Congratulations once again🥳

cydophobia:
I have a question please, with the new online visa applications portal. For those people who have booked and waiting for appointment date for interview. Are these people going to start all over again on this Portal. Thank you.

Good question, but does the supposed “new” online visa application portal work? As far as I know it is still not available for use for any other category except for work visa and chancekarte I think.

I guess we should keep an eye out for updates.

It would seem the German consulate is on holiday mood🎉

So far, from recent comments, the updated wait period for an appointment date is between 19 - 22 months. That would make it almost 24 months to get the FRVisa from the date of booking.

For those who have intentions of having their family join them, how do you plan? And when do you book for an appointment? Most likely 2 years before the work, school or opportunity in Germany arises.

Anyhoo, happy holidays to everyone on here! We move !! See you in 2025🥳

Didibk:
The group has been quiet for a while. Any updates on visas yet? Or we are all waiting... 😀
I want to ask.. at what point is it OK to send a message to the embassy to ask for an update on one's visa status? Also, which email address is best to use?

We are all waiting oh😀

Ameenahhh:
Good evening, does anyone here know if I can apply for Family reunion from Canada, on a visitor’s visa?

I want to know whether or not to apply from Nigeria instead of Canada, when I visit by God’s grace. If my husband is an EU blue card holder, would it make any difference?

Thank you.

I know you are supposed to apply for FRV from the alien authority at your country of residence. I guess if you live in a country for at least 6months - and have a residence status or ID, then it can be said that you reside there. So depending on how long you will be residing in Canada, maybe first check the geographical location of the German embassy/consulate in Canada, if it is close to where you will stay, then check their website as well for their process for applying for a FRV (pay attention to whether a proof of a Canadian residence ID card will be required).

tyler0x:
Good day, everyone

I just recently graduated and I recently received a binding job offer; a tech/e-commerce firm to be precise, in Germany

I'd appreciate any advice, feedback, or insights on the work visa application process and the current timeframe for processing.

I know the current issues regarding the student visa interview dates, I just wanted to know if it’s the same issue when applying for a work visa ?

& are there any fast alternatives or opportunities?

If you would not mind, read at least the last 10 pages of this thread and you will find answers to your current and potential questions. Why? Because many people have been in a situation similar as yours and many people have commented with rich and lengthy advice.

sojeokeowo2014:
I am currently filling my questionaire, i gave birth to my children at home with help registered nurse. I am clicking birth at home. I hope embassy wont ask for more documents.

We hope so 🤞. Do they have birth certificates? Immunization cards? Baptismal card (if applicable)?

Singlefile:
Yes sir, you are very correct, his emploulyer is willing to give the employment contract but federal employment Agency approval document is the issue here.

Please sir, confirm to me that with out the Federal Employment Agency approval document.
He can have a quick appointment to meet up his prospective starting work date?
I'm just assuming to be happy if what I'm thinking of is, if what you just said is true and confirmed sir?

I can not confirm anything to you though. On which authority would I do so, when just like you, I am also waiting on this thread.

If you have followed comments on here, you will have read that quite a number of persons have gotten appointments through the online consular service portal. What I cannot say is if they were also required to compulsorily upload the ZAV approval on the portal before they got an appointment, but I highly doubt this was the case.

Singlefile:
Thank you for your quick response, I think you have answered the needed questions in detail but I still want to know, I thought parcel delivery driver fall under transport and logistics industries that is also listed in Germany as among labor shortage demand for immigrants to apply?

Educational qualifications are Masters in Management
Post Graduate Diploma in Management
BSc in Economics

Please clear me on this if I may be wrong

Unfortunately, I do not know and do not have the answer to the classifications under the labour shortage demand jobs and immigration.

I do know that the ZAV approval can be gotten with respect to the skilled immigration act et al. Now I would think that rather than bother myself on what is and what is not; let your friend communicate with the potential employer and request for ZAV. If the employer can, they would, if they can’t, then that’s that.

Why does he need the ZAV anyway? Nowadays you can get appointments through the consular service portal if he is applying for a work visa from Nigeria and has an employment contract. Right?

Singlefile:
I would like to know if it is possible for an employer in the transportation and logistics industry, such as a parcel delivery driver, to hire a foreign employee and apply for the federal employment agency's approval document in Germany. An employer mentioned that it might be difficult to obtain this approval because the agency may ask if there are available drivers in Germany for the position instead of hiring foreigners. He plans to consult his lawyers for guidance.

1. Can anyone who has gone through this or a similar process share insights or advice on how to obtain the federal employment agency's approval more efficiently?
2. What are the potential costs associated with this process?
3. How long does it typically take to receive approval?

I would like to share any helpful ideas with him to facilitate this process.
Thank you for your prompt response!

I think you have answered the main question already, when you mentioned the comment from the “employer”.

1. There is only one way to get the ZAV approval, and that is through the employer. The employer has to be willing to apply and pay for it. Part of what is required is the educational qualification of the potential employee. Whether the application is successful or not is dependent on ZAV’s review and processing.

2. A comment on here mentioned the cost is about EUR 411. There may be need for recognition of educational qualifications (if relevant) which may cost another xx EUR.

3. It can take anytime from 2 weeks to 3/4 months. Remember it is dependent sometimes on other required documents; for instance the recognition of your educational qualification etc. Also on whether the application was made at a time when there are lots of public holidays and/or personal holidays/leave.

I do not know if “he” can facilitate the process, because the process of getting the ZaV approval is initiated and done by the potential employer (when the approval is out, it is sent to the employer and the employer sends it to the potential employee). What he needs is to submit all the required documents needed for the application to the employer. So he should try persuading the employer to give it a try on his behalf. A parcel delivery driver may be a hard sell, but it is always better to first try and who knows, his case may be different - for good.

profsomebody:
Not even work visa etc can help?

Regarding getting an appointment date for family reunification, there is the section on their booking system where you register for it. The embassy will get back to you when it is time. That’s why a lot of people are still waiting.

After your interview and submission of your application, you may be able to expedite the process. The family member in Germany can reach out to his ABH (Immigration office) with the application number of his/her family members. If the officer at the ABH finds your family’s application number on their system, then they can tell you the status of the application, for instance if it is still being processed by the German consulate in Lagos or if it has been moved to their office or another immigration office in another city - if within their purview, they may let you know what’s outstanding.

profsomebody:
Good day,
Please, is there any hope of having one's family reunification visa expedited?

Prayer, faith and patience. It will work out just fine.

DevAhmed:
My family just received appointment dates. They gave different interview dates to my wife (10.12) and kids (11.12) because it was booked around midnight (30th/31st of March). I would like to combine these dates. Who knows the appropriate email to contact?

info@lago.auswaertiges-amt.de?

Congratulations 🥂 to you and yours.!!

I will suggest you send a mail to the above mentioned email address and any other other ones suggested. In the case that you do not get a response in time, then go to the consulate on the earliest appointment date with the whole family while informing them in advance via email that your family will be using one date for the obvious reason that your kids cannot attend their appointments by themselves.

It is my thought that they will respond favourably to your email about having one interview date for your family.

pepakov581:
I received my passport today with my approved National D visa and Zusatzblatt for the Blue Card 🕺🏾

Exactly 3 weeks from when I went for the physical appointment

Congratulations 🥂!!!! Wishing you a safe trip in advance.

Which city will you be working in/residing?

Didibk:
😃 na wa o. Would have been nice for them to update us as a form of encouragement. It is well. I guess the waiting time between interview and visa/passport delivery is still 7 - 9 months.

Isn’t it quite funny that it would take almost 3 years to reunite with a family member in Germany. The entirety of this time is solely spent on waiting and processing of application/documents?

Should families have to bear with a false sense of separation because someone somewhere wants to take their sweet time. It is interesting indeed.

sojeokeowo2014:
Good afternoon Sir/ma, I need your advice.
My employer in Germany want to start my visa application, they ask me if i will like my dependants to follow me now or later. My question is, hope processing my visa with my dependant will not take long time or should they process mine and later applied for them.

This is a funny question 🤣.

It seems as though you are not reading the comments on this thread at all. Your potential employer asks to support an application that brings both you and your family to Germany and you are second guessing?

The wait for family reunification from the responses on here is 2 years in total. So what are the odds? Will your employer initiate a recruitment and relocation process that would take 2 years to get you over there? Of course not!. I would expect that they would try a process that would fast track it.

So make your choice.

BarbieLulu:
Good day all,
Those that got their visa this year especially within the last six months either through having a spouse with a German citizenship or a researcher or a blue card holder, pls how long did it take;
1. For your spouse in Germany to get a reply from the embassy in Nigeria
2. For you to be called to bring your passport and get your visa

I await your sincere reply
Thanks

I am guessing your question relates to a timeline starting from a day after your FRV interview right?

[quote author=Festaco post=132578158][/quote]I think she should take both. While both should be valid, I think she is safe having both in hand; just in case the consular prefers one or the other. The key point here is that when she presents either of the two, she makes no mention of the error in date of birth (although I think every Nigerian already knows someone or has themselves experienced the error in DOB on the WAEC certificate - so no worries!).

annieezeh8:
Thanks @MedBose for the guidance. I really appreictae.

Please how long does a blue card take to process.

It can take as long as the embassy wants😢. I know of someone that got theirs in one week (with the pre-approval). I also know of someone that got theirs in 3 to 4 months.

With the pre approval document, your visa is supposed to be fast tracked and it should be processed in less than 6 weeks.

So be hopeful and you should get your visa delivered before your resumption date or shortly after.

tumwedav:
Greetings

I received BVA email that "At the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) the processing of your visa application is completed. The Embassy has to make the final processing and decision". I received this on 14th Oct. Do i need to contact the Embassy?

You can contact them if you wish, there is no harm in writing them an email to follow up on your visa. You can reference the email you got from the immigration office.

pepakov581:
Hi all,

My physical appointment for the blue card is tomorrow. I already got my documents approved via the online portal previously. They stated that I don’t need to come along with documents that were already uploaded, except for original documents like passport, University certificate etc.

To be safe, I also obtained the following documents from the checklist on the official website: Letter of motivation, Signed employment contract, Evidence of previous employments, Courier envelope.

Besides the original documents requested, are there some other documents they may ask for that aren’t included in the checklist?

Thanks in advance.

I’d say bring only the documents listed as required on the online portal where you applied. I believe it is stated explicitly and it usually is your original school certificates (from primary to university level).

Nonetheless, even if you bring more documents than requested, there is no penalty - you would simply just take it back home. So you can add other documents like your employment contract, erkalung bla bla - declaration of commitment, marriage certificate, birth certificate/affidavit, birth certificates for your children & spouse, vorabstimmung (pre-approval doc), ZAB evaluation report etc.

Do not forget to bring along a clear passport photograph.

Savagethe21st:
Good evening every one, here is my anabin printout. As you can see for my degree (Electrical & Electronic), my university FUTO is not under the "awarding institutions" of my degree. Will embassy accept that I am a skilled worked? Or must my university also be under my degree



Medbose tejiri4 singlefile didibk

.

This looks okay, as far as the title of your degree is on Anabin, with the comment that it is equivalent to a German degree. Also your institution is graded H+, you’re good to go.

I’m curious about your job; will you be working as an engineer? There is the possibility that this falls under “regulated professions”. Please research on this, I’m not sure. If this is the case then you need the ZAB evaluation. If this is not your case, then I think the screenshots you shared are okay and the degree being awarded does not have to be directly from your university.

pepakov581:
I don’t think I need to do this if my university and degree is recognized by the Anabin database.

Please correct me if I’m wrong.

You might need this if your profession is a “regulated profession” and if you have internationally recognized professional certificates e.g: ACCA, SHRH etc.