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What does "Family reunion visa" mean in English?

Last updated on 15 March 2024

A family reunion visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to join their family members who are residing in a foreign country. This visa is particularly relevant for those wishing to move to Germany to be with their spouse, child, or other family members who are either German citizens or residents.

What is “Family reunion visa”?

The family reunion visa is a German residence permit intended for non-EU nationals who wish to live in Germany with their family members who are either German citizens or hold a valid residence permit in Germany. This visa is necessary for spouses, children, and sometimes other relatives who plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days and is aimed at protecting the institution of marriage and family unity. Applicants are required to prove basic German language skills and must apply for the visa at the German Embassy or Consulate in their home country or country of residence[1][5][19].

More information about “Family reunion visa”

The process for obtaining a family reunion visa involves submitting a range of documents, including proof of the family relationship, evidence of German language skills at least at the A1 level, and financial stability of the family member residing in Germany. The processing time can take up to 12 weeks, and once approved, the visa is issued for the first 90 days of the intended stay. Upon arrival in Germany, a final residence permit for a longer period is granted by the Aliens’ Authority[5][19].

Here are some additional terms that are related to the family reunion visa:

  • Ausländerbehörde: The local foreigner’s office in Germany responsible for immigration matters, including the issuance of residence permits upon arrival[1].
  • Schengen visa: A short-stay visa that allows travel across the Schengen Area, including Germany, for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. The family reunion visa also allows its holder to enter other Schengen countries for short stays[5].
  • Goethe-Institut: An institution recognized for conducting German language tests that meet the A1 level requirement for family reunion visa applicants[5][19].

In conclusion, the family reunion visa is a critical pathway for families to live together in Germany, ensuring that non-EU nationals can join their relatives who are either German citizens or residents.

Sources

[1] https://www.germany.info/us-en/service/visa/family-reunion/922294 [2] https://www.uscis.gov/FRP [3] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration.html [4] https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/italy/pakistan/islamabad/english/pdf/family-reunion-checklist.pdf [5] https://www.germany.info/blob/977612/1a7e6612a1988f364a5aafcf0d019357/familiy-reunion-german-familymember-data.pdf [6] https://urbinalawfirm.com/en/family-reunification-requirements/ [7] https://www.uscis.gov/family/family-of-us-citizens [8] https://www.germany-visa.org/family-reunion-visa/ [9] https://www.usa.gov/sponsor-family-member [10] https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/washington/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-reagrupacion-familiar-en-regimen-general.aspx [11] https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Familie/familie-node.html [12] https://www.uscis.gov/family [13] https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/family-reunification [14] https://www.business-visa-usa.com/family-reunification-in-usa [15] https://www.germany-visa.org/immigration/residence-permit/germany-residence-permit-family-reunion/ [16] https://www.unhcr.org/us/what-we-do/resettlement-united-states/u-s-family-reunification [17] https://www.germany.info/blob/2435504/8b6c1f8cebf9c902e5ba1536a631771d/family-reunion-with-a-german-spouse-child-data.pdf [18] https://pl.usembassy.gov/visas/family-immigration/how-to-apply/ [19] https://www.germany.info/blob/982212/b4dfad7132d4a0e8597bbca28a148813/family-reunion-foreign-familymember-data.pdf [20] https://help.unhcr.org/usa/family/