German Visa Overview

Track A: United States and Canadian Citizens

Citizens of the United States, Canada, and some other countries can enter Germany as a tourist and apply for a Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstitel) after arrival in Hamburg. It is important to note that the Residence Permit application process can take as long as 6 months. Students can travel within the Schengen Area during the first 90 days of their stay. In general, international travel is possible once students have received their residence permit, so obtaining a visa in advance may alleviate concerns about traveling during the winter term breaks. Students who would like to explore the option of securing a student visa in advance may use the guidance in Step 3. Note that this process comes with some important added steps, may take up to six weeks from the date of your appointment, and there is no guarantee that your visa application will be able to be processed in time for your departure.

During the first meeting of the orientation program, the director and associate director will help students complete the necessary paperwork. A student who enters Germany prior to the official start date of the program may be responsible for obtaining a residence permit themselves (although the program will pay for it). Permits normally include permission to work part-time during the semester and full-time during semester vacation.

Track A: Citizens of other nations

Citizens of other nations are required to apply for and receive a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) through the German Consulate in Boston prior to arrival in Germany. Students should research visa application requirements online and contact the Office for International Study for supporting documentation. 

Track B: United States and Canadian Citizens

Citizens of the United States, Canada, and some other countries can enter Germany as a tourist and stay for up to 90 days, which covers the duration of the program. Due to visa regulations, students can not arrive early or extend their stay (either in Germany or in the Schengen area) after the end of the program.

Track B: Citizens of other nations

Citizens of other nations are required to apply for and receive a Schengen Visa through the German Consulate in Boston prior to arrival in Germany. Students should research visa application requirements online and contact the Office for International Study for supporting documentation. The Schengen Visa is valid for 90 days and covers the duration of the program. Due to visa regulations, students can not arrive early or extend their stay (either in Germany or in the Schengen area) after the end of the program.