Visas Explained Simply
Germany, UK, and USA. Short stays and long stays. We break down every major visa type so you know exactly what you need, what to prepare, and what to expect.
Visa rules change. Always confirm current requirements at the official government or embassy website before applying.
German Visas: Two Main Types
Germany issues short-stay visas (Schengen, Type C) and long-stay visas (National, Type D). Each has different rules and purposes.
SHORT STAY Schengen Visa (Type C): Up to 90 Days
Valid across 26 European countries. Not for working. Not for long-term stays.
Tourist and Visit
For tourism, visiting family or friends. You may not work on this visa.
- Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- Travel insurance min €30,000 cover
- Bank statements showing enough funds
- Hotel booking or invitation letter
- Return flight booking
Business Visit
For meetings, conferences, or short business training. You may not take paid employment.
- Up to 90 days
- Invitation letter from German company
- Proof of your own business or employment
- Travel insurance min €30,000
Airport Transit
Required for some nationalities when passing through a German airport without entering Germany.
- Hours only, no entry into Germany
- Onward flight ticket
- Valid passport for destination country
LONG STAY National Visa (Type D): Over 90 Days
For study, work, family, or voluntary programmes. Apply at the German Embassy in your home country before you travel.
Language and Study Visa
For full-time study at a German university or language school enrolled in a recognised programme.
- Acceptance letter from institution
- Blocked account: approx €11,208 per year
- Health insurance for Germany
- Language certificate (B1 minimum for most)
Skilled Worker Visa
For people with a job offer from a German employer. Common in healthcare, engineering, IT, and hospitality.
- Signed job contract with German employer
- Qualifications recognised in Germany (ZAB/anabin)
- German B2 for most healthcare roles
- Salary min approx €45,300/year (varies by role)
Opportunity Card New 2024
Come to Germany for up to one year to look for work. Based on a points system.
- Recognised qualification: +1 point
- German B2 or English C1: +1 point
- Under 35 years old: +2 points
- 35 to 40 years old: +1 point
- 3 or more years work experience: +1 point
- Prior time in Germany: +1 point
- Financial proof: approx €934/month for 12 months
- Clean criminal record required
Family Reunion
For spouses or children joining a family member who is legally living in Germany.
- German A1 for spouses (most cases)
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate)
- Proof of enough living space in Germany
- Sponsor can support the family financially
Au Pair
Live with a German family, help with childcare, and experience German life. A popular first step for younger applicants.
- Basic German A1 to A2 minimum
- Host family placement via registered agency
- Max 30 hours work per week
- Pocket money approx €260 per month
- Health insurance provided by host family
Voluntary Service
Community service programmes in Germany such as FSJ (social year) or BFD (federal voluntary service).
- Placement confirmation from recognised organisation
- Basic German A2 or B1 helpful
- Accommodation usually provided
USA Visas: What You Need to Know
The USA runs its own non-immigrant and immigrant visa system. Here are the most common ones for people coming from Africa.
SHORT TO MID STAY Non-Immigrant Visas
B-1 / B-2 Visitor Visa
B-1 is for business visits. B-2 is for tourism or visiting family. Often issued together as B-1/B-2.
- Usually up to 6 months
- Strong ties to home country required
- Show you can fund your stay
- Visa interview at US Embassy
- Application fee: $185
F-1 Student Visa
For full-time study at a US school, college, or university that is certified by SEVP.
- Acceptance letter and I-20 form from school
- SEVIS fee: $350
- English proof: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo
- Financial proof for full study period
- Embassy interview required
J-1 Exchange Visitor
For exchange programmes. Includes interns, trainees, teachers, and au pairs through approved sponsors.
- Must be placed by an approved US sponsor
- 12 to 24 months depending on category
- Basic English required
WORK VISA Long-Term Employment
H-1B Specialty Occupation
For skilled workers in specialty roles such as IT, engineering, finance, and medicine.
- US employer must sponsor you
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent required
- Annual lottery cap: 65,000 places
- 3 years, renewable to 6 years
UK Visas: Points-Based System
The UK left the EU and now runs its own points-based immigration system. Points come from your job offer, salary, qualifications, and language skills.
SHORT STAY Standard Visitor Visa
Standard Visitor
For tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short courses. Cannot work on this visa.
- Up to 6 months (sometimes 11 months for academics)
- Enough money to cover your stay
- Where you will stay in the UK
- Proof you will return home
- Application fee: £115
LONG STAY Study and Work Visas
Student Visa
For studying at a UK college or university. Requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
- CAS number from your UK institution
- English B2 or higher (IELTS 5.5 or above)
- Funds: approx £1,023 to £1,334 per month for living, plus tuition
- NHS surcharge (approx £776/year for students)
- TB test required from Ghana
Skilled Worker Visa
Points-based work visa. You need 70 points. 50 points are fixed (job offer, salary, job type). 20 more come from extras.
- Job offer from UK sponsor: 20 points
- Salary meets threshold: 20 points
- Eligible occupation code: 10 points
- Total mandatory: 50 points
- Plus at least 20 more from PhD, shortage role, etc.
- Minimum salary: £38,700/year (general)
- New entrant or shortage role: £30,960/year
- NHS surcharge: £1,035/year
Health and Care Worker Visa
For nurses, doctors, social workers, and other healthcare staff joining the NHS or social care sector.
- Job offer from NHS or approved employer
- Minimum salary: £23,200/year
- Professional registration (NMC, GMC, etc.)
- NHS surcharge: exempt for most
Documents Almost Every Application Needs
No matter which country or visa type, these documents are almost always required. Start collecting them early.
Valid Passport
At least 6 months validity beyond your planned travel date. Must have blank pages.
Bank Statements
Usually 3 to 6 months of statements. Show regular income and enough savings to cover your stay.
Passport Photos
Recent, professional. Follow exact dimensions set by the embassy (usually 35mm x 45mm, white background).
Travel Insurance
Required for Schengen visas. Minimum €30,000 coverage, must cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Completed Application
Each country has its own form. Fill it honestly and completely. Mistakes cause delays or refusals.
Accommodation Proof
Hotel booking, invitation letter from host, or university housing confirmation.
Flight Booking
Use a tentative or refundable booking. Do not buy a non-refundable ticket before visa approval.
Supporting Letters
From your employer, school, or university explaining why you are traveling and that you will return.
Important Information
The information on this page is meant to help you understand your options. It is not legal advice.
- Visa rules, fees, and requirements can change at any time. Always check the official embassy or government website before you apply.
- Meeting all stated requirements does not guarantee approval. Embassy officers assess each application individually.
- Processing times vary and can be longer during busy periods. Apply well in advance.
- Asa-B Consult provides preparation support and guidance. We are not a law firm and cannot guarantee any visa outcome.
Always Check Here Before You Apply
Germany
Federal Foreign Office (Auswartiges Amt) and the Make it in Germany portal for skilled workers.
German Embassy Info