I am currently living in Berlin on a Chancenkarte Visa looking for a job. But now I want to do a Masters Program. Can I convert my Chancenkarte Visa to Student Visa from Germany. If yes, how can I do it? Also my 6 year old daughter and husband are living with me on a Schengen visa for the last 2 months. Can they apply for a family reunion visa in India before my Visa gets converted or after. Please help.
Hi @stigmata143 ,
Welcome to our forum and thank you for your question.
In general, it is possible to switch from a Chancenkarte to a residence permit for studies, as long as all requirements are fulfilled. You would need to send your application to your local immigration office with all necessary documents. In your case, since you’re in Berlin, you can even submit the application for residence permit for studies online: https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/305244/en/
Here you can find information on which documents you'll need, including proof of secured livelihood: https://handbookgermany.de/en/student-visa#faq_1520 The proof of secured livelihood can be, for example, a blocked account in a German bank or a declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung). A simple bank account statement most likely won't be sufficient. I wonder if it might even be possible for your husband to sign a declaration of financial support (including his proof of income) as a proof, in case it’s financially viable for him.
I strongly recommend seeking migration counselling as soon as possible, since you want to start your Masters’ programme in September and the application process might take some time. You can explore different options with a counselling center and get support in preparing the required documents. You can find a migration counselling center here: https://bamf-navi.bamf.de/en/Themen/Beratungsstellen/ Simply enter your location and choose either "Migration Counselling for Adult Immigrants (MBE)" (if over 27) or "Youth Migration Service (JMD)" (if 27 or younger).
Regarding your question about family reunion: if your husband and child comes to Germany through family reunion, you will need to prove that livelihood is secured for everyone for at least one year. You will also need an apartment large enough for everyone. Your husband might need to provide German language certificate of minimum A1 level. Here you can read more about the requirements for family reunion: https://handbookgermany.de/en/family-reunification-for-immigrants#faq_769
The requirements for family reunion are the same whether you have a Chancenkarte or a residence permit for studies. When your husband and child submit their applications for family reunion in India, they might need to provide some documents (for example, your current residence permit) when booking an appointment. There will be a waiting period until the appointment takes place, meaning that your residence permit may have changed between booking the appointment and the actual appointment date. As far as I understand, this should not be a problem, as the requirements for family reunion remain the same for both permit types.
I discussed your question with my colleague, and she pointed out that your husband could also apply for his own visa instead of family reunion - for example, as a skilled worker if he has a university degree or vocational training certification that is recognized in Germany. If he comes to Germany as a skilled worker, additional proof of secured livelihood won’t be necessary.
Here in our forum, we provide general information. Due to the complexity of your situation and the time pressure, I strongly recommend contacting a migration counselling center as soon as possible.
I hope everything goes well and you can start your Masters program soon, and that your family can join you shortly!
Best wishes
Seoyoung
I have been here in Berlin for the last 2 months. I have done my Anmeldung, got my Tax Id and opened a bank account in Duetsche Bank. I have been using this bank account to pay rent and other expenses. My husband(he has his own partnership firm in India), friends and family helping me out financially. For the student visa, can I show this bank account statement as financial proof(with funds from my family and friends) or have to open a block account? My academic term starts in September.