How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in the US? Schengen Visa for Green Card or H1B Holders (2020)

Schengen Visa Application for Non-U.S. Citizens

• Holders of Chinese passports with U.S. Green Cards (even with a Green Card, you still need a Schengen visa!);
• Chinese citizens with U.S. work visas (H-1);
• Chinese students studying in the U.S. (F-1).

If you fall into any of the above categories and plan to visit certain European countries, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa. Additionally, note: Chinese passport holders with U.S. B1/B2 visas must return to China to apply.

Key Insight: EU Countries ≠ Schengen Countries ≠ Eurozone Countries

The United Kingdom, Ireland, Croatia, and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen Area! The Schengen Area is distinct from the European Union and the Eurozone. For example, while the UK and Ireland are EU members, they have their own visa requirements, and a Schengen visa does not grant entry. Conversely, Norway and Switzerland, though not EU or Eurozone members, accept the Schengen visa. Most Schengen countries are EU members, but it's important not to confuse the Schengen Area with the EU. For a detailed explanation, please open the link below:

Which Countries Are Included in the Schengen Visa?

Experience Sharing:

Within EU member states, some territories are not part of the Schengen Area, such as French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, Mayotte, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Martin.

Additionally, the four microstates—Vatican City, Monaco, San Marino, and Andorra—have no practical border checks with neighboring Schengen countries. Therefore, a Schengen visa also allows entry. It is expected that the Schengen Area will expand from 26 to 28 countries by the end of 2019!

Schengen Visa is Limited to Tourism and Business Purposes

Purposes such as study or work do not qualify for a Schengen visa. Applications in the U.S. require an in-person interview at the consulate, where applicants must submit materials on the spot. If your European travel plan involves multiple countries, how do you determine which country's visa to apply for?

Here are general guidelines for deciding:

• Apply to the country where you will spend the most time. For example, if entering Spain and staying for Spain 2 days + France 5 days + Germany 4 days + Switzerland 2 days, apply for a French visa.
• If time is equally divided among countries, apply to the first country of entry. For example, if entering Spain and staying for Spain 3 days + France 3 days + Germany 3 days + Switzerland 3 days, apply for a Spanish visa.
• For cruise travel, apply for a visa from the country where the cruise begins. For example, if entering Spain, staying Spain 1 day + Netherlands 1 day + 6-day cruise from Amsterdam to Norway, apply for a Dutch visa.
• If the cruise is only a small part of the itinerary, follow the first two rules. For example, if entering Spain and staying Spain 2 days + France 5 days + Germany 4 days + Netherlands 2 days + 6-day cruise from Amsterdam to Norway, apply for a French visa.

A well-planned itinerary increases your chances of obtaining a Schengen visa. Experience sharing:

• When designing your itinerary, consider countries with a high number of applicants, such as Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. These countries process many applications and tend to be more efficient.

When to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

Apply between 1 to 3 months before your departure. Generally, consulates will not accept applications more than 3 months in advance.

What Are the General Required Documents?

• Flight Itinerary;
• Hotel Reservation;
• Original Green Card;
• Original USCIS approval letters such as I-20 or I-793;
• Travel Insurance Policy;
• Original Employment Verification Letter;
• Bank Statements;
• Two photos, U.S. passport size, no glasses, no smiling;
• Schengen Visa Application Form;
• Travel Itinerary;
• Chinese Passport (issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages, valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area.)

Reminder: For travelers under 18 years old not accompanied by parents, a birth certificate and parental consent letter are required.

Complete Guidance for Schengen Visa Appointment and Document Preparation

First, provide a scanned copy or photo of your passport so we can schedule an appointment as soon as possible (contact us via Contact Us: WeChat LINE), and we will inform you of the available dates. Generally, appointments should be made about one month in advance, or two months ahead during peak travel seasons. Other basic materials include: passport, Green Card photos, proof of funds, employment verification, pay stubs, specific travel dates, etc. Then, attend the consulate interview on the scheduled date.

This service is only available to individuals within the U.S. holding a valid Chinese mainland passport with a valid Green Card, H-1 (work visa), or F-1 (student visa). Applicants must attend the consulate interview in person. We offer appointment scheduling and document preparation services, with extensive European visa experience to help you obtain your European visa quickly and accurately. Fee: 150 USD, including consulate appointment fee, insurance fee, and service fee, excluding the visa fee.

What to Note When Attending the Schengen Visa Interview?

• Bring your credit card;
• Arrive on time or half an hour early; there's no need to arrive much earlier;
• The interview typically lasts about half an hour;
• If your documents are insufficient, you will not be denied on the spot; simply submit the additional materials the next day;
• Since your Chinese passport will be retained by the consulate, remember to bring your Real ID.

Experience Sharing

Tourist visas are generally issued for multiple entries over two years, with stays of 60-90 days. The duration of your flight itinerary may influence the length of your Schengen visa. Most visas are single-entry, though some may be longer depending on luck;

Fees: Same price for children and adults. Consulate visa fee + appointment fee + insurance fee vary by consulate (between 70-160 USD);

Processing typically takes 6-10 business days. It is recommended to prepare 1-2 months in advance, as consulates do not offer expedited services.

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