betynka

Hi! I want to attend language couse in Germany and I'm already enrolled to a language school there for 6 months language course program but just paid 3 months tuition fee for the said program. Should I apply for a schengen visa short stay since I only paid 3 months tuition fee or a schengen visa long stay for up to 6 months? And do I need to have a blocked account in german bank?

nytraveler

If you will attend the school for 6 months and can prove it (that is have paid for it) then obviously you need to apply for a 6 month student visa. If going to school for only 3 I don't think they will giv eyou a 6 month visa.

But it's much easier to just get what you need up front rather than try to extend in country.

lincasanova

contact the EMBASSY for the correct specific answer.. you need to apply for the amount of time you want to be there and have paid for. There are many other requirements.

mamamia2

Based on my daughter's experience, yes, get in touch with the embassy or consulate, and show them proof of the course itinerary and the fact you're enrolled. I don't think it matters for how long you actually paid.

Cowboy1968

Not sure if I get your question.. do you want to stay only 3 months? Or are you playing with the idea to stay the full 6 months? Or do you think you'll raise a red flag if you say that you will attend a 6 months course for only 3 months?
Anyway, our Foreign Ministry's website says that the major difference is in time to process the applications (either one costs €60): the short-term Schengen visa needs on average 2-10 working days, the long term visa need more time - "depending on the circumstances".
As lin wrote, your local German embassy or consulate-general will be in charge to handle those applications, and you can download the required forms from their websites.
In any case, you will not need a German bank account. In fact, you cannot open a bank account here until you have an EU/EEA residence (aside from some exceptions irrelevant for you).

betynka

The allowed leave of absence I can have from my work is only 3 months my concern is that if I applied for a long stay visa a conflict might arise with my leave and if I applied for a short stay visa they might question me with the duration of the program which is 6 months and it could be the ground for the refusal of my application.

jamikins

Why would your leave from work be impacted by a visa application? Can't you just explain to them what you are doing and why?

lincasanova

Ok. You will only be attending the first three months of a six month program? Then under certain circumstances, depending on your nationality, you may not even need a visa depending on the hours of the program. Please call the German Embassy, get an appointment and find out from the horse's mouth.

mamamia2

If you're a US citizen and plan staying in Germany for up to 90 days — you need do nothing.

Odin

<<But it's much easier to just get what you need up front rather than try to extend in country.>> In my experience of obtaining visas, it is often not possible to get an extension of a visa whilst you are in the country. You may have to leave the country in order to apply for a new visa, unless there is an emergency situation. You may do well to investigate this point rather than get a surprise once there.