You need to be logged in to get access to the forums. You can do so here.
Einbürgerung: My Story
Posted on 11/02/2010 2:16 pm
Einbürgerung: My Story
I recently became a German citizen. Here is my story:
I came to Germany as a programmer in September 2000. Since then, I have moved between cities and states in Germany and also switched a few employers. At the same time, I have had my visa change from an employer specific work-permit to an open one. Eventually I got NE after completing my 5 year stay in Germany.
I started this process of naturalization quite late, i.e. after 9 years of stay here, though I could have kicked it off after 8 years. One of the reasons why I did not do it in time was because I started with a new job around that time and was travelling a lot. In fact, after travelling a lot, it dawned upon me that Visa-free travel was indeed a boon, if one had access to it.
After having done my homework and after consulting my caseworker, we started the process of satisfying the requirements for naturalization. My wife and I both took the TELC B1 test and cleared it. Later we both took the EB Test and cleared it too.
We submitted the application for my family, including my 2-year-old daughter, on September 3 2009. There was only one document missing and that was my wife’s birth certificate. Though we had one made out from the Consulate, this was not accepted by the caseworker because it simply reiterated the data that was available on her passport. The caseworker was expecting to see a birth certificate in the right format. This is was the only hiccup; otherwise submission was done without the above document and was accepted.
After a wait of 5 months, on February 3 2010, we were informed about EB Amt’s decision to accept us into German Union. We were asked to collect our certificates ASAP and so we did on February 10. 2010, after taking an appointment with the caseworker in the local Bürgeramt. We were asked to deposit our current passports and then we were given the certificate. At the same time, we requested German passports to be made.
All in all, it went very fast and very smoothly. The whole process seems to be very streamlined.
Other details that might interest other prospective applicants:
Location of EB application: Köln
Nationality (Origin): Indian
We now have to get the so-called OCI Cards from the Indian Consulate, which would make our travel to India easier and hassle-free.
Rohith
Rohith
Member since 06/05/2005
Posted on 11/02/2010 3:32 pm
Re: Einbürgerung: My Story
Congrats. This is good news and I am happy for you.
Shanks
Member since 21/01/2010
Posted on 12/02/2010 9:21 am
Re: Einbürgerung: My Story
Hi Rohith,
Congratulations! I'm new here in Köln and looking for friends. It would be nice if we(families) could meet.
I have searched on the net for INDIAN communities in Köln but havent found much. It would be nice if we can stay in touch.
Okay, that doesnt mean that I'm not open to friends from other nationalities..I do have local and other friends.
nomad13
Member since 17/03/2009
Posted on 12/02/2010 9:34 am
Re: Einbürgerung: My Story
@nomad13
Welcome to Cologne, I hope you'll feel at home here.
We can definitely meet, drop me a mail rohith DOT ajjampur AT gmail DOT com
Rohith
Member since 06/05/2005
Posted on 12/02/2010 10:05 am
Re: Einbürgerung: My Story
@Shanks
Thanks a lot for your heartfelt wishes. Have a nice weekend.
Rohith
Member since 06/05/2005
Posted on 16/02/2010 11:23 am
Re: Einbürgerung: My Story
Hi Rohith,
Can you please let me know when did u recieve your first ever letter(ack) or some form of communication from the beante's office. I have applied on Jan 19th and havent heard from them so far. I am expecting some kind of a acknowledgment letter stating that I have already applied.
Shanks
Member since 21/01/2010
Posted on 16/02/2010 1:50 pm
Re: Einbürgerung: My Story
Hi Shanks,
When I submitted my application, the caseworker told me that she was very much busy and would send me an ACK in 2 days time. Though, she took a little more than 2 days to send me that letter. Ideally, one should get an ACK letter from the caseworker ASAP, in most cases, in a week's time.
But, rest assured if there is anything they think is missing or required to process your application further, they would definitely get back to you.
I personally feel pestering them is not a good idea. I suggest you to send them a letter requesting your file number, to start with. This is only for your reference, if you want to interact with them anytime in future.
Rohith
Member since 06/05/2005
Posted on 17/02/2010 1:48 pm
Re: Einbürgerung: My Story
@Rohith
Thanks for your reply.
Shanks
Member since 21/01/2010
Posted on 18/02/2010 12:10 pm
Re: Einbürgerung: My Story
Rohith
Can u tell me is there anything to be done except surrending Indian passport to ABH from our side?
I mean do we need to deregister/inform at the indian embassy or something like that?
Regards
deathinc
Member since 03/06/2005
Posted on 18/02/2010 6:27 pm
Re: Einbürgerung: My Story
@deathinc
You do not have to do anything other than surrendering your passports at the local Bürgeramt. There is supposedly a provision in Indian Citizenship Act which automatically voids Indian citizenship as soon as you take another one. That's the reason why your caseworker would collect it from you before handing out the Urkunde.
If you plan to avail the so-called OCI (http://mha.nic.in/...uepage.asp?Id_Pk=553) facility, you will have to complete the process by applying for it at the nearest Indian Consulate. Otherwise you will have to have a valid visa to travel to India every time.
Rohith
Member since 06/05/2005
Posted on 19/02/2010 3:59 pm
Einbürgerung_some doubts
Hello all,
I wanted to apply for Einbürgerung now as i have completed 8 yrs in germany. I went to the standamt and asked whether i am eligible now for applying. She said that I could apply now, but before that I should have the test results of "Einbürgerungtest". I have register for the test (in march) already but it seems that it will take nearly 6 weeks to get the results for the test. Now my question is should I wait till the test results comes or I can file the application parallely for the Einbürgerung?
Somebody
Member since 19/02/2010