Job Discussion Forums

[kololam77]

Apparently my previous post may be incorrect. My apologies. It appears that an exit of only 3 months is necessary - not 6 months - to a non-Schengen country (see previous Schengen post for clarification).

If anyone is struggling due to an expired tourist visa in Germany, simply go to your local immigration office and explain your situation. If you have a return flight ticket, proof of health insurance, and a seemingly permanent address in your city - you should be able to receive a temporary residence permit valid until the day the plane leaves Germany with no trouble at all. I had no problems thankfully.

The only "after-the-fact" issue that may exist is that although Germany recognizes the granted visa extension, another Schengen country may not - France for example. This is where EU law has yet to supercede national law on some levels - therefore you may not be able to leave Germany easily until your plane does. This is my current situation sadly.

[kelly marie]

do you have to have a return date on your ticket in order to stay in germany the initial 3 months? i am hoping to get a work visa to teach english but if i can't secure this then of course i will have to go home. but since i don't know when in that 3 month span i will have to return, can i apply for a visa with an "open ticket?" iv heard of airlines doing "open tickets" and i don't really know what the rules are on entering staying in the country with this. (i am an american citizen) danke!!