Determine whether your stay in Germany requires a visa. If for any reason you plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days in a six month period you will require a long term Schengen visa. You must apply for your long term tourist/student visa no less than six weeks prior to your planned departure. You must apply for your long-term residency visa no less than several months prior to your expected departure.
Complete and print two copied of the long term visa application form from the German Mission in the United States website. Collect the following elements to be submitted with your application form: 2 passport photos, a valid U.S. passport issued less than 10 years prior and valid for 3 months past your return date (the passport must also have at least two blank pages), a copy of your passport information pages, bank statements for you accounts over the past three months, a letter from your health insurance company stating that you are covered for injuries incurred overseas up to $50,000, reference letter from your employer stating that you are employed and will return, proof of transportation to and from Germany, proof of local residency, proof of address while in Germany and visa application fees.
Visit the German General Consulate in Boston. Locate the Visa Section which is open and accepting new visa applications Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m. No appointments are necessary to submit your visa application. Submit your application form, fees and required documentation. Long term visas may take up to several months to be approved or denied. You will receive notice by email, phone and mail when the process has concluded.
Return to the General Consulate Boston to collect your visa and personal paperwork. Adhere to the visa guidelines. Remember your visa is provided at the pleasure of your host country and can be revoked at any time without notice.
