Although it is legally possible to apply for a visa for the intended YMA stay or for a residence permit at other missions abroad or directly in Germany at the Foreigners' Authority (Ausländerbehörde), it is advisable to inquire electronically about the prospects of appointments etc. at the respective office in good time before leaving for Europe due to the possible full capacity of individual offices and in order to avoid inconveniences.
Visa appointments can be booked subject to availability.
If applied for by mail, the necessary residence permit for the remaining time (up to one year max.) has then to be applied for with the locally competent Foreigners authority. As some Foreigners authorities in particular in bigger cities experience longer waiting times for an appointment, it is recommended to check availability of appointments with the competent Foreigners authority in Germany prior to departure and to book an appointment as soon as possible after arriving in Germany.
The Youth Mobility Agreement between Canada and Germany offers a unique opportunity for young people (between the age of 18 and 35 inclusively at the time of application) to complement their post-secondary education, acquire hands-on work experience, and improve their knowledge of the other country’s language, culture and society.
Please note:
Youth Mobility Visa: You can also submit your application for a youth mobility visa at any German Mission abroad or any Foreigners authority after arrival in Germany. However we strongly recommend that a visa is being issued in advance. Employment cannot be started before having the obligatory permit.
Please prepare your application as follows:
Who can apply
Under the YMA, the German Consulate in Toronto may issue a visa to the following individual:
- Young professionals who wish to obtain further training under a contract of employment and increase their knowledge of Germany´s culture and the German language
- Young Canadians who wish to do an internship in Germany as part of their studies or training
- Canadian post-secondary students who wish to engage in an occupational activity during their academic vacation
- Young Canadians who wish to stay in Germany for tourism and cultural discovery purposes while being authorized to work to supplement their financial resources
To be eligible for a Youth Mobility visa you must
- be aged between 18 and 35 inclusively at the time of application
- be a citizen of Canada and holding a valid Canadian passport
- not be accompanied by dependent family members
When and where to submit your application
The processing time is approximately 2 to 3 weeks for complete applications.
If you live in Canada, you can submit your application either in person at the German Consulate in Toronto, or by mail.
Please note that your visa can only be issued three months before the planned travel to Germany at the earliest.
How to submit your application
When applying in person
You must book an appointment with the Visa Section of the German Consulate in Toronto.
When applying by mail
You must send one set of documents of all required documents as listed on the checklist below to the German Consulate in Toronto - Visa section. Incomplete applications may be returned.
Please note: When applied for by mail, the Youth Mobility visa can only be issued by the Consulate for the first 90 days of your stay. As soon as you arrive in Germany, you must contact the Foreigners authority in the same city that you indicated as your first housing in your application to request an extension of your Youth Mobility visa. Your fingerprints will be taken and an additional fee of 100,00 EUR will be charged by the Foreigners authority.
If you live outside of Canada, you have to hand in your application in person at the German Embassy or Consulate General responsible for the area in which you have your ordinary residence or domicile. You can also apply in person at the local Foreigns authority in Germany. However, please note that if you apply directly with the local Foreigners authority (“Ausländerbehörde”) in Germany, you will not be allowed to work before your application is approved. Depending on the local authority, it might also take several weeks to get an appointment and for your application to be processed.
Important Requirements
Passport
- Its validity has to exceed the duration of the visa you are applying for by at least three months.
- It has to contain at least two blank pages.
- It must have been issued within the last ten years.
Passport Size Picture
Please find the passport size picture requirements here.
Beware of commercial visa agencies!
Our office does not work with brokers or agencies. These individuals and organizations are NOT able to secure appointments with us. The only cost involved is the visa fee charged by the German Consulate General in Toronto. Applications, checklists and appointments are provided free of charge.
Important information
Please do not send the Visa Section any documents unless requested to do so, particularly not before you have applied for a visa. We are not able to store such documents and will not know to which application they belong. Please always bring the complete documentation with you to your appointment.
In order to submit your application in person, please attend your appointment at the German Consulate General Toronto. Please hand in your complete documentation and pay the fee. The German Consulate General will ask you questions about your planned trip and take your fingerprints.
The German Consulate General in Toronto will review your application and make a decision on whether or not to grant you a visa. To this end, it will check whether your application meets the legal requirements. The German Consulate General will contact you as soon as it has made a decision on your application. We hope you will understand that we are not able to answer any questions on the status of your application during this processing period. After that, enquiries are only answered if they are made by email by the applicant, his/her legal representative or another person authorized in writing by the applicant.
As soon as the German Consulate General has reached a decision on your application, your passport will be mailed to you by using the Canada Xpresspost envelope provided by you.
There are various reasons why your visa application may be rejected. The reasons will be stated in the letter notifying you that your application has been rejected. You are welcome to submit a new application at any time with complete, informative and verifiable documentation.
If all the information on your visa label is correct, you are free to travel. Please check the information on the label as soon as your passport is returned to you. You should let us know immediately if there are any mistakes.
Your visa will state your full name and passport number and include your photo. It will also state the number of days you can stay and the period of validity, that is, the time by which you must have received your residence permit for Germany.
Therefore, please do not forget to register at the residents registration office shortly after you arrive in Germany and to make an appointment with the foreigners authority. Your entry visa will allow you to travel within the Schengen area.