Is there any way around going to San Francisco to get a German visa?
I need a German visa. I am on a student visa in Seattle. I am an Indian Citizen so I definitely need a visa to enter and I don't want to go down to San Francisco to get a visa, any suggestions what I should do?
Best Answer
Unfortunately, you cannot.
According to their consulates page the San Francisco mission covers Washington state where you are, if you are in the catchment area you cannot apply elsewhere. It does seem to be the closest to you anyway.
Also, you have to travel there in person because they now collect biometric data (meaning you can't mail-in an application)
Now, starting Thursday, May 15, 2014, the visa sections at the German missions in the U.S. will begin collecting biometric data, that is, fingerprints, for Schengen visas as part of the Visa Information System (VIS).
Alternatives
If you're looking for alternatives, you cannot apply at the Vancouver office because they specifically only serve Canadians or Canadian PR holders, and BC residents have to apply at the Swiss office anyway.
Only applications from residents of Canada (Permanent residents, persons holding a Canadian student visa or work permit) can be accepted. Applications from persons holding long-term visitor’s visa can only be accepted, if you can prove that it was not possible to apply in your home country.
Similarly, the Swedish consulate in Seattle is an honorary consulate and will advise you to apply in San Francisco with the Norwegians or in DC at the embassy.
San Francisco is also the application office for the French and Norwegian embassies. I'm mentioning this because they have chapters in Seattle. I couldn't find any other Schengen country with a visa service in Seattle
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Answer 2
If it is a special hardship for you to go to San Francisco and not another German consulate in the United Stated, you might be able to get your application processed e.g. by the consulate in Boston or Miami. This is an even longer trip, but you might be in one of those places, anyway.
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