Indians with H-1B visas and other temporary work permits were unable to sleep after trump assumed office in the United States. Many people looked for other ways to obtain their legal status because of the ambiguity around immigration laws, particularly with regard to visa stamping. An H-1B holder recently published their story on an immigration forum, illustrating one such conundrum. They had to seek a new visa stamp after receiving their first one in 2021 and having their H-1B extension approved only last month. Rather than going back to India, they thought of a non-traditional option: Germany.

But a discussion with their immigration attorney threw the plan for a loop.  The lawyer said that indian nationals had no other choice except to go to canada or mexico in order to have their H-1B stamped in Germany.  Naturally dubious, the person conducted independent investigation and discovered that German consulates, including the Munich one, seem to handle applications for Third Country National (TCN) visas.  The lawyer was left doubting the integrity of the legal advice as this clearly contradicted their claim.
 
Can an indian traveling on an H-1B obtain a stamp for their visa in Germany?  In a nutshell: Yes, but with restrictions.  Real-world experiences shared by forum members verified that germany had previously handled TCNs' H-1B visa renewals, with some even receiving their original H-1B stamp there.  Before making travel arrangements, it is generally essential to obtain formal confirmation from the particular consulate, as laws are subject to change and immigration regulations are inconsistent.
 
Getting a Schengen visa for germany is another crucial consideration.  According to some applicants, consulates need evidence of a current U.S. visa in order to provide admission, which might make things more difficult if a new visa stamp is still pending.  Before continuing, it is essential to confirm that an authorized I-797 is accepted as legitimate documents by the German consulate. 

The concept that germany might be a good alternative—as long as the applicant conducts their research beforehand—is further supported by a user who successfully finished the procedure in Frankfurt prior to the epidemic, describing it as "super smooth."  Alternative stamping sites, such as germany, provide possible respite from the drawn-out and occasionally annoying process of visa interviews in India, as H-1B applicants continue to negotiate a constantly shifting immigration environment.  To reduce needless travel hazards, careful preparation and direct confirmation from consulates are still essential.  
 
 
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G GOWTHAM

07/03/2025 11:34 AM