What options do I have as a foreigner to extend my visa?
October 26, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Adele Gerdes
Dear lawyer,
My name is Lina Stolzheim and I am a foreign citizen in Germany. At the moment, I am in a situation where my visa is soon expiring and I am unsure what options are available to me to extend my stay.
Background information: I came to Germany two years ago to study. My visa was issued for the duration of my studies and is now expiring in three months. Unfortunately, I have not passed all my exams yet and I still need time to complete my studies.
Current situation: With my visa soon expiring, I am worried that I may not be able to finish my studies on time or even have to leave before getting my degree. I have already tried to get information from the Foreigners' Office, but have not received a clear answer yet.
My concerns: I am afraid of losing my residence permit and not being able to complete my studies as a result. I also do not know if it is possible to extend my visa since I have not passed all exams.
My question: What options do I have as a foreigner to extend my visa in order to complete my studies? Are there any specific regulations for students who have not passed all exams? How can I ensure that I can continue my stay in Germany legally to successfully finish my studies?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Lina Stolzheim
Dear Mrs. Stolzheim,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the extension of your stay in Germany as a foreign student. It is understandable that you are concerned in this situation and need clarity on what options are available to you.
In general, there are various options for extending your stay in Germany, especially in relation to your studies. If your visa is soon expiring and you have not completed all your exams, it is important that you take timely steps to make your stay legal.
One possibility for extending your stay could be applying for an extension of your residence permit for the purpose of studying. You should contact the Foreigners' Registration Office or the relevant Foreigners' Office for this. There, you can submit an application for extension and explain your situation.
It is important that you provide all relevant documents and evidence to prove that you are still enrolled in your studies and have exams pending. You may also be asked for a confirmation from your university certifying that you are still enrolled in your studies and are expected to complete your degree.
It is also possible that you can apply for a so-called "Fiktionsbescheinigung", which allows you to stay legally in Germany while your extension application is being processed. This can give you additional time to complete your studies.
It is important that you take care of extending your stay in a timely manner and do not let time pass, as processing applications can sometimes take some time.
I strongly recommend that you contact the Foreigners' Registration Office promptly and discuss your case. There, you can clarify all open questions and receive support for extending your stay.
I hope this information helps you and wish you success in extending your stay and completing your studies.
Sincerely,
Adele Gerdes, Lawyer specializing in Foreigners' Law
