If you are a third-country national and would like to learn German in Germany, in many cases you will need a language student visa (§ 16f AufenthG). This visa allows you to attend an intensive language course and prepare specifically for your studies, training or job. In this article, you will find out which requirements apply for the language course visa, how to apply and what you need to look out for when choosing a language school.
What are third countries?
If you take Germany as your point of view, third countries are countries that are not part of the European Union: For example, South Korea, Argentina, Turkey, Australia, the USA, etc.
1. Who can apply for a language course visa?
A language course visa is intended for all third-country nationals who wish to take part in an intensive language course in Germany. These are language courses aimed at the rapid acquisition of comprehensive German language skills. Only courses with at least 18 teaching units (TU) per week are permitted – with one teaching unit lasting 45 minutes. Both general language intensive courses and preparatory courses, for example in preparation for the DSH or TestDaF examination, are permitted. Evening or weekend courses expressly do not meet these requirements.
2. Requirements for the visa: What must be met?
In order for a visa to be issued for a language course, certain requirements must be met:
- Confirmation of registration from a language school with at least 18 lessons/week
- Proof of funding (e.g. blocked account or declaration of commitment)
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Letter of motivation
- Valid passport and visa application
The application for a language course visa is submitted to the responsible German diplomatic mission or embassy in the country of origin. It is advisable to apply early, as the processing time can take several weeks to months.
Some tips for applying for a visa:
- Submit all documents carefully and in full
- The letter of motivation should explain your personal and professional goals
- If necessary, translate foreign-language documents into German
3. Reasons for refusal and examination of abuse
Visa applications for language courses are examined particularly carefully by the German diplomatic missions abroad, as language course visas are sometimes a means of irregular immigration. A visa can therefore be refused according to the visa handbook of the Federal Foreign Office if, for example, the language school is not predominantly educational or if there are concrete indications of abuse or bogus offers. A refusal must also be expected if there are doubts about the purpose of the stay (e.g. planned gainful employment instead of a language course).
The choice of language school is crucial in order to avoid a rejection. The language school must pursue a clearly recognizable pedagogical concept. A language school that mainly or exclusively accepts course participants who require a visa does not automatically lead to the assumption of being a “bogus school”. However, the language school must be reputable in order not to lead to the rejection of the visa application due to “implausibility.
4. How do I find a language school in Frankfurt am Main?
If you’re looking for a language school in Frankfurt am Main, you shouldn’t just choose any course – especially if you want to learn German really well right from the start and get a visa for it. Frankfurt offers many options, but quality and personal support are crucial for a successful visa application for language students. A good example is the Premium intensive course from SprachPassion in the heart of Frankfurt. There you will not only learn from a textbook, but also individually adapted to your learning pace in a small group with a maximum of eight participants.
For many international applicants, a reliable and recognized language course is a central component of the visa application. SprachPassion offers exactly the requirements that authorities often demand: A structured intensive course in presence, clear course times on five days per week, small groups and qualified teachers – all criteria that characterize the course as a serious educational offer. Thanks to the high teaching intensity and fixed course structure, the Premium intensive course meets all the requirements for a language visa for Germany, for example. So if you are planning to apply for a language visa, SprachPassion not only offers excellent tuition, but also the necessary formal requirements for a successful application.
Intensive courses at SprachPassion in Frankfurt Main
Our premium intensive courses meet all visa requirements: 20 lessons/week, attendance, small groups, qualified teachers, excellent pedagogy, methodology and didactics.
Secure your place now: Intensive courses
5. Conclusion: Finding the right language school for your visa application
If you want to come to Germany as a third-country national to learn German, you need to be very careful when choosing a language school and preparing your visa application. Only intensive language courses with clear structures and at least 18 teaching units per week meet the official requirements for a language visa. In addition to complete documentation and a convincing letter of motivation, the seriousness of the language school plays a decisive role. The language school should therefore be selected carefully so as not to risk a rejection of the visa application. A high-quality school such as SprachPassion in Frankfurt not only offers optimal tuition with its Premium intensive course, but also fulfills all the requirements necessary for a successful visa application – and thus creates a solid foundation for a successful language stay in Germany.
Do you need help with your visa application for language students? The specialized lawyers lawyers of VISAGUARD.Berlin are always at your disposal with their comprehensive expertise. VISAGUARD supports you at every step of the visa application process – from evaluating the requirements to obtaining a residence permit in Germany. Further informationen on VISAGUARD-Services for language students can be found on the language course visa overview page.
Mirko Vorreuter LL.B.
About the author: Mirko Vorreuter is a lawyer and specialist lawyer for migration law at the law firm VISAGUARD.Berlin. Mr. Vorreuter specializes in the legal field of immigration of skilled workers and labour migration. He is an expert on the topics of the EU Blue Card and the posting of highly qualified employees and advises consumers, companies and public clients on these topics.
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