INTRODUCTION 

Traveling has always been easy for US enthusiasts, and it became easier since it broke the barrier of Visa compulsion for US passport holders. And Germany tops the list of tourism in Europe because of its landmarked peach of Brandenburg gate, Cologne Cathedral, Dresden Frauenkirche, Heidelberg Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle, Reichstag Castle, Sanssouci Palace, and Wartburg Palace. Germany has many more interesting things to entertain every kind of visitor and to make them fall in love with the cities of Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, etc. This attracts tourists from various countries across the globe increasing annually. Germany ranks ninth in tourism as per the World Tourism Records, Make sure to be one of them so don’t miss the lifetime journey of Germany and apply for Visa immediately.

WHO CAN APPLY? 

For Citizens of Chicago: The Chicago citizen applicants do not need to apply for Germany Visa. They can travel to all 26 Schengen Countries with only their US passport but this is limited to only 90 days trip. Beyond that, every applicant must apply for a Visa regardless of their visit purpose. 

For Non-citizens of Chicago:  The applicants having legal residence status i.e. Green Card in Chicago willing to travel to Germany need to apply for Visa with 03 months validity after returning from the Schengen zone. And non-citizens must apply for Visa to travel to any country for any purpose. 

TYPES OF VISAS

The Germany Visa issued from Chicago is based on the duration and purpose of the visit;   

1. Short-stay Visa: Any trip for not more than 90 days.
2. Long-term Visa: Visa for more than 90 days Visit.
3. Visitor Visa: To Visit any family member or friends, Visitor Visa is used.
4. Business Visa: Professionals traveling for work purposes.
5. Study Visa: Students willing to complete their education in Germany.

INFORMATION ON GERMAN CONSULATES/EMBASSIES IN CHICAGO

Address:

676 N Michigan Ave STE 3200, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Phone: +1 312-202-0480

Email: info@chicago.diplo.de

GENERAL LIST OF DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED TO APPLY FOR A GERMAN VISA FROM CHICAGO

A general list of documents is mandatory while applying for a Germany Visa which is to be submitted as paperwork along with the application form. The list is given below as follows;

1. Online Germany Visa application form with properly filled and signed.
2. 02 Photographs of not more than 06 months old.
3. Legal Passport not older than 10 years with 02 free pages and 03 months of validity period after returning from Germany trip.
4. Flight Itinerary or Dummy Travel Ticket.
5. Travel Insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000.
6. Accommodation proof Hotel Booking.

ADDITIONAL LIST OF DOCUMENTS ESSENTIAL FOR GERMANY VISA

Some additional documents are also asked for in case of special applicants based on their occupational and financial status; 

1. Employed:

• Employment agreement.
• Last 03 months’ payslips.
• Bank statements for the recent 03 months.
• Income Tax Returns (ITR).

2. Self-employed:

• Ownership evidence.
• Proprietorship certificate.
• Bank statements for the last 03 months.
• Income Tax Returns (ITR).

3. Unemployed:

• Marriage certificate
• Proof of relationship
• Spouse/family members’ passport/bank statements/working certificate
• Letter of sponsorship

4. Retiree:

• Latest 06 months’ pension statement.
• Property income proofs.

5. Students:

• Admission letter.
• School/university NOC- No-Objection Letter.

6. Financial support proofs:

• Economic support assurances for your entire Germany Visit.
• Income Tax Returns/ITR.

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR A GERMAN VISA FROM CHICAGO? 

It has become handy now for any traveller to get their German Visa from Chicago hassle-free by following a few important steps in the Visa application process stated below:

1. In the first step, you must decide the type of German Visa you want as per your purpose of the planned visit.
2. Next, you have to fill out the online Schengen Visa application form with appropriate information and a valid signature.
3.  Then you have to fix an appointment for your Visa interview at the respective German Consulate of Chicago.
4. After that, start to collect all the necessary documents with proper and accurate details for the application process.
5. On the day of your Visa interview go with your application form along with all document proofs and submit your file physically at the German Consulate of Chicago.
6. That’s it wait for 14 working days to process your Visa and get it once approved.

HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A VISA INTERVIEW AT THE GERMAN CONSULATE OF CHICAGO?

For the German visa application process, there is a mandatory interview step for every applicant. And you are required to prearrange an appointment beforehand to complete your visa process. 

This process has become online nowadays; which means you must visit the German Consulate’s website, where you need to enter the essential details and a preferable time of your choice. After submitting the details, you will receive an email confirmation about your interview schedule. Then you have to attend the interview at the Chicago German consulate 15 minutes before your scheduled time to avoid any last-minute errors. Your Visa can be cancelled, for arriving late at the interview centre.

WHAT TO DO? IS YOUR VISA APPROVED OR REJECTED?  

If your Visa is approved: Your Visa will be approved provided all your documents are properly submitted and followed every step in the process. And you are all set to zip your bags and fly to your desired location. 

If your Visa is rejected: Your Visa will be rejected straight away if any error occurs during the process, if the paperwork is incorrect, or if wrongly applied. At that time; you need to be patient and calmly verify your mistake and apply again for your Visa, this time with proper knowledge and care.