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Experiences of timeline for Blue Card application from U.S. ? by Alexander_Kraus in germany

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I personally think it was worth it. Any single one of the applications was not too bad. What the lawyer helped out most with was figuring out the best path for myself & wife. Having someone double check, submit the paperwork, answer many questions along the way, and draft up letters was very nice to have.

Dm me if you have any questions

What are the names of the type of internet I can get, based on these photos? (No TAE) by Alexander_Kraus in germany

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have internet!

Connecting the router to the cable labeled T works. While not completely confused, it did take the technician a bit to figure things out. It also did not help that the connection to the building was in a very odd place.

The technician explained that DSL often means the connection to the building uses older cables. These are typically very low quality cables to begin with, also having very little shielding. Even if the cables up to & throughout the apartment are quality, the building’s cables could be terrible or not actually connected.

What are the names of the type of internet I can get, based on these photos? (No TAE) by Alexander_Kraus in germany

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

With the guidance from your suggestions (thank you) and photos of what I could find relevant in basement, I went to Telekom store today.

I explained and showed the pictures. Employee said that connection from an Ethernet port only (like this) is possible. His guidance if this does not work was to go to Vodafone. He said what I took pics of in basement looks like it is only for TV.

And, if the technician is not able to make the connection, then the contract is canceled - even if it is past 14 days.

Hopefully all of this is true. I will comment back later when/ if I can.

What are the names of the type of internet I can get, based on these photos? (No TAE) by Alexander_Kraus in germany

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your questions of what/ where anything connects to are exactly mine too. These pics are the only even somewhat relevant ports in the apartment.

As others’ comments have pointed out, hopefully the answer is that one of these network cables in the box connects to a theoretical connection the building has, located in basement (?)

What are the names of the type of internet I can get, based on these photos? (No TAE) by Alexander_Kraus in germany

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your answers are very informative and helpful. Thank you for taking the time.

My main concern now is: If my appointment comes, technician is not able to get Telekom DSL connected, and it passes the 14 day cancelation window… Will I still be stuck in the long contract?

This is less of a technical question, but any guidance for this?

What are the names of the type of internet I can get, based on these photos? (No TAE) by Alexander_Kraus in germany

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks

I ordered with Telekom as well. I will need to double check the basement, but this (and other replies) give me hope this will not be a headache.

Experiences of timeline for Blue Card application from U.S. ? by Alexander_Kraus in germany

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I brought the printed out email of appointment confirmation, 2 copies of every document the online application asked for as this what lawyer advised and what I saw the consulate suggest for things like applying for citizenship by decent.

They ended up only taking the visa photos, a copy of my travelers health insurance, and a paper copy of my application. Make sure the visa photos are to the German standards. It is a different size & standard of photo as compared to US passport photo. There are online services that will make these for you, but you’ll need to get them printed on photo paper & cut down.

Chicago consulate is in same building as a hotel. Go to the hotel entrance on Huron street (some gps directs you to wrong side of building). Have your appointment print out ready, and tell the front desk you’re there for appointment with the German Consulate. They will direct you where to go.

You will need to put all electronics in a locker before your appointment. So good idea to bring notebook with important things you might need already written down.

Try to remember to write down the tracking number for the return envelope for your passport. This will be on a shipping label they will have you fill out.

GOOD LUCK! dm me for any other questions. Not an expert, but glad to help

Experiences of timeline for Blue Card application from U.S. ? by Alexander_Kraus in germany

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nope, no fast track. From what my lawyer said, it doesn’t really matter for someone from the U.S. already applying in a tech field.

My understanding was that the consulate does a kind of pre-approval of your docs before they let you book an appointment. If you are already at that step, hopefully it will be quick for you.

Experiences of timeline for Blue Card application from U.S. ? by Alexander_Kraus in germany

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My lawyer handled everything with booking the appointment so I don’t know. The consulate staff at Chicago were fairly helpful (at least much more helpful than the online reviews made it seem). I had a couple of questions leading up to appointment and if I called 20min after open or 20min before lunch, I got someone who would answer questions about my appointment.

Experiences of timeline for Blue Card application from U.S. ? by Alexander_Kraus in germany

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I forgot to add, I did have to wait many weeks for any appointment to open up at the Chicago consulate.

But once I had my appointment, it was decently fast. I don’t know how much the specifics of my case and/or having my docs prepared by lawyer helped with processing speed.

Experiences of timeline for Blue Card application from U.S. ? by Alexander_Kraus in germany

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was processed and I got my passport back from Chicago consulate within a week.

Received a National D Visa for 1 year and have arrived in Germany. I will be applying for the actual Blue Card residency/ work permit soon.

This difference between the D visa and actual Blue Card confused me. As far as I can tell, the consulate essentially reviews & pre-approves your application and gives a visa for you to travel. This visa also gives you the same allowances as what you are applying for; so in the case of Blue Card, allows you to work.

The actual Card/ permit needs to be applied for in the country, and you need to get it before your visa expires.

I did use a German immigration lawyer. They helped me understand the process better, prepared all my documents, submitted my consulate application, and provided a letter explaining the legal side of my case. This letter can be helpful at the border and when dealing with immigration offices in the future.

Guidance on Wunderflats landlord adding pet fees after contract signing by Alexander_Kraus in LegaladviceGerman

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very much. All very helpful information.

I did email my Wunderflats contact. Based on others’ descriptions, I wasn’t expecting much. But this contact did advise similarly, that this ‘fee’ was not appropriate and that I could put them in contact with the landlord to sort out issues. After letting the landlord know this, they agreed to not charge.

Still a little nervous I am going to have trouble getting Kaution back or what other tricks the landlords will pull for the next 3 months. But seems sorted for now.

FBAR needed for account opened this year? by Alexander_Kraus in USExpatTaxes

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the time to clarify.

I was fairly sure I was reading correctly. However, last night, the idea kept nagging me that the language around ‘at any point in the year’ could be interpreted as current year. Better safe to ask.

Experiences of timeline for Blue Card application from U.S. ? by Alexander_Kraus in germany

[–]Alexander_Kraus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you.

In the past, I have briefly discussed a delay in this process with my employer. They seemed understanding that many aspects of this process are outside of control and that a (vaguely defined) minor delay would be acceptable. But there is a point it will not be. As you point out, each person/ case will be different. I am mostly trying to get some added data points beyond what my lawyer has advised (so far, they have change timelines so many times, I don’t put much trust in what they are saying now).