Entry and Residence
 
 
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Bielefeld University > International > International Students > Degree > Entry and Residence
  

Entry and Residence

Visa

Basically, all foreign students who wish to stay in Germany longer than three months must obtain a stamp (visa) from the embassy or consulate. Exempted from this regulation are students from EU Member States, EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) or such states that have entered into bilateral agreements with the German Federal Republic e.g. Honduras, Monaco, San Marino, USA.

Tourist visas cannot be converted into visas for the purpose of studying. In any case applicants should turn as early as possible to the appropriate embassy or consulate for advice on the current conditions for entry and residence.

Further information can be obtained on the internet site of the Department for Foreign Affairs.


Study Visa

A study visa must be requested from the German representative abroad. To apply for this the following documents are required:

// Documents

  • 1. Admission notification of the University of Bielefeld
  • 2. Evidence of financial means of support
  • 3. Evidence of previous education from home country
  • 4. Proof of health insurance
  • 5. Photographs

As a rule, the embassy enquires at the immigration authorities responsible for the university city which then issues the visa if there are no objections (visa issue if no other objections are obvious).


Residence Permit

Application for a residence permit must be addressed to the immigration authorities of the place of residence. In case of an application in Bielefeld, applicants turn to:

Bürgeramt / Abteilung Ausländerangelegenheiten
Neues Rathaus
Postfach 100 111
33501 Bielefeld
Tel. 0521/ 510 --- Fax. 0521/ 51 6195

For the issuing and renewal of the residence permit the general issuing conditions apply (like: evidence of means of financial support, health insurance, admission notification of the university etc.) EU citizens are issued a mobility certificate if the means of subsistence including health insurance are guaranteed.


Residence after the course of studies

After the successful completion of the course of studies a residence permit can be renewed for up to one year for a job search. If a corresponding job, which is connected with the completed course of studies, can be found, an occupational residence permit can be issued with the consent of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit).

A residence permit can also be issued for an internship after the final degree if such an occupation can improve the vocational chances in the home country.