Tips for Visa Appointment

The visa appointment interview at the German Embassy (especially the German Embassy Islamabad) can a stressful and delightful experience. The Visa Officer (VO) is entitled to test you to your limits and question you on minute details of your application. Some VOs might be a bit lenient while others might indulge you in detailed discussions. In any case, keep calm and persevere!

1. Research extensively on your course

Most of the preparatory questions are linked with your course. Extended information can be sought out once you are familiar with the introductory details. For example, after looking up the course contents, it is beneficial to read about details of the university and maybe the city in which it is located. This will develop your in depth understanding of the course structure and university, which shows to the VO that you are highly interested and possibly fit to pursue studies in germany.

2. Arrive early at Embassy

Try to reach the embassy premises as early as possible. Even if your appointment is at a later time, you might be sent in early if the candidates after you are late or don't show up.

3. Questions for Visa Interview

I have compiled a list below of the generic and repetitive questions asked by the VOs to the majority of the candidates. Please note that these are not the final questions and might vary in your particular situation, so be prepared for uncertain questions too.

• Why Germany?
• What program(s) have you applied for?
• Why this course?
• Can you describe your course structure?
• Name some of the modules that you will be studying
• Duration of program?
• What is your Bachelors Degree in?
• When did you complete your Bachelors degree?
• What have you been doing since completing your Bachelors degree?
• Is this program relevant to your previous degree?
• What benefit will you derive from this course?
• Is this course taught in English or German?
• What are your future goals?
• What is the name of your intended university?
• Why this university?
• When do classes start?
• What is the last date for enrolment?
• How many universities did you apply to?
• How did you find out about this university?
• In which city is the university located?
• What are the estimated living expenses in this city for one year?
• Is this course available in your country?
• Why do you not want to do this course from your country?
• Do you wish to remain in Germany after degree completion or return to your home country?
• Have you applied for a visa at the German Embassy or any of the Schengen countries before?
• Do you have any relatives in Germany or abroad?
• How will you fund your studies?
• Who is sponsoring you?
• What is the line of work of your sponsor?
• Sponsor’s annual income?
• How many siblings do you have and what do they do?

During your interview, the VO also dictates you a set of relevant questions. You have to answer them on a paper provided by the VO. While writing, you might have to answer verbally any of the questions put forth by the VO, hence multitasking is key.

Fin.