Opportunity Card interview stories
Applicants who sat the Opportunity Card interview and filmed what happened. We summarise each one. The videos belong to their creators.
Interview stories
Opportunity Card from Lagos: waiting list, document portal and a short embassy interview
By Mide Olayiwola on YouTube · Own experience- Mission
- German Embassy, Lagos (Nigeria)
- Year
- 2025
- Outcome
- Visa granted
A Nigerian professional on the host's show describes joining the waiting list in June 2024, uploading documents in January 2025, a short interview in Lagos in February 2025, and getting her passport back in June. She used a sponsor in Germany instead of a blocked account. She says a subject exam has since been added at interview, which she did not sit herself.
Questions they were asked, in our words- Why Germany?
- Can you speak German?
- What were you doing here?
- What kind of job are you going to look for?
- If you are not able to get a job in one year, what are you going to do?
Their tips- Bring the originals of every document you uploaded, including proof of funds and health insurance.
- Be honest about your German level; she said she was still at A1.
Other countries (4)
Opportunity Card in five business days: a Nairobi appointment
By The Rajore Clan on YouTube · Own experience- Mission
- German Embassy, Nairobi (Kenya)
- Year
- Not stated
- Outcome
- Visa granted
A Kenyan applicant with a recognised degree says her appointment took under 15 minutes: two questions, a document check, fingerprints and the fee. Her visa came five business days later. She lists the documents she took, including a gapless CV and a motivation letter.
Questions they were asked, in our words- What are you here to apply for?
- Do you have a place to stay in Germany?
Their tips- Bring a printed accommodation booking; she was asked where she would stay.
- Write in the motivation letter where you will work, stay and apply, and how much you will spend each month.
Opportunity Card from Kenya: "not literally an interview"
By The Rajore Clan on YouTube · Own experience- Mission
- German Embassy, Nairobi (Kenya)
- Year
- 2024
- Outcome
- Visa granted
A Kenyan applicant, a few weeks after arriving in Germany, says the appointment was mostly handing over papers rather than an interview. The officer asked whether he had proof of job applications, which he did not have. His visa came about two weeks later.
Questions they were asked, in our words- Do you have any proof that you have been applying for jobs in Germany?
Their tips- Print job applications and replies from German employers to show you have started looking.
- Do not resign from your job until you have the visa.
Opportunity Card at the German Embassy in India: subject questions from your degree
By Blissful with Gargie on YouTube · Own experience- Mission
- German Embassy, New Delhi (India)
- Year
- 2024
- Outcome
- Visa granted
An Indian applicant on the recognised-degree route says the officer asked about her motivation letter, funds and job, then tested basics from her studies: chemistry, maths and English grammar. Another applicant there was asked programming questions. She was also asked for a university letter confirming her degree was not distance learning.
Questions they were asked, in our words- Explain in brief what you do in your organisation. What does a normal work day look like?
- List five subjects you studied in your degree.
- Basic questions from your field of study (she got chemistry, maths and English grammar)
- If you show a German certificate: introduce yourself in German.
Their tips- Revise the subjects on your mark sheet before the appointment.
- Carry a university letter confirming your degree was regular, not distance learning.
Opportunity Card interview at VFS in India: six questions
By Dinesh R Mundhe on YouTube · Own experience- Mission
- VFS centre, India (city not stated)
- Year
- Not stated
- Outcome
- Not stated
An Indian applicant lists the questions from his own appointment, including whether anyone helped with the application. He says you may be asked for evidence of job applications and given time to go out and print them.
Questions they were asked, in our words- Introduce yourself.
- Why do you want to go to Germany?
- Do you know German? Introduce yourself in German.
- Did someone help you with the visa application, or did you prepare it yourself?
- Are you married? Do you have kids or dependants?
- Have you started applying to German companies? Any responses?
Their tips- Start applying to German companies before the appointment and carry printouts of applications and replies.
- If an agency helped you, say so honestly.
Summaries are ours, written from each video. Experiences differ by mission and year. Check the mission's page for current rules.