Visa Extension

So... Going through hoops and hurdles with the whole Visa process isn't something that only happens in the US, it can happen in Germany as well. The best line of defense? BE PREPARED!

I walked into the office with cash in hand, all the forms that were required (Thank-you Google search!), and extra copies of the documents that needed to be turned in. I also got to the office shortly after it opened. All in all, I was only there for about half an hour!

Ba-da-bing, ba-da-boom!

It was the typical, movie-perfect situation sitting in the waiting room. Babies crying, couples arguing in multiple languages, people looking nervous and stressed. (All of this before 9am, mind you!)

The actual process of giving the information wasn't too difficult, although it probably would have been helpful if my local advisor was there, but I was able to communicate what I needed to on my own! (Win!)

The odd thing for me though, was that they had a file of all my paperwork from when I was an exchange student- a copy of my (then) passport picture and all my YFU forms- talk about a blast from the past! Just wasn't something I was expecting them to have!

To top off the entire experience though, was the reaction to my (now) passport picture she scanned into the computer for my Visa card, a new thing since September 2011. Her exact words, "Das sieht aber nicht so gut aus." ("That doesn't look very good.")

What do I even say to that?
I did the curtsey-yet-awkward laugh and made a comment about how passport pictures never look that good, to which she replied, "Well, good thing it's just a little picture on the card."

That bad?

Overall though, it was a pretty easy process. After paying 100 Euros, I'm only left to wait for it to come in- hopefully in the next 2 weeks before I go on Winter Break!

Fingers crossed, or thumbs pressed, depending on your form of sending good luck! :)