Dear Team,
I hope you are all doing well,
I currently hold a valid one-year multi-entry Schengen visa issued by Switzerland (business category) as I am allowed to stay in the Schengen area for 90 days, which is valid until November 2024. As my Master's program in Berlin is scheduled to begin in September of this year. Upon my arrival in Germany, I intend to apply for a student residency permit in Berlin, as required by regulations.
I would like to confirm whether my existing Schengen visa, valid until November 2024, would be sufficient for my arrival in Germany to commence my Master's program and apply for student residency upon my arrival. Alternatively, if I need to apply for a new visa specifically for my studies, the approximate waiting time for a student visa is 12 months which does not align with my program I will miss my program until getting an appointment in the German embassy.
I would be highly grateful if you could please give me some advice on this matter!
Thank you
warm regards,
Dear Dr Abrar , Thank you for contacting us with your question. Unfortunately, you cannot extend or change your Schengen visa to a student visa/residence permit: https://www.germany-visa.org/immigration/residence-permit/converting-sc… If your studies last longer than 3 months, you must apply for a student visa in your home country before you start studying: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/studying
You can also ask your university to postpone the start of the semester. If you have any further questions, please, let me know. Best regards Barbara
Thank you so much, it's really helpful !
Best
Regards