One more thing,, I hate that this happend but about 6 months ago I was convicted of a DUI – I was reading through the application questions for a work permit and one said something of a report of "good conduct" from the local police – I am technically still on probation but my attorny said I can leave the country because its mail in probation, I dont have to meet with anyone or anything crazy – but could this totally mess me up? It was only a misdemeanor (sp?) charge, NOT a felony, very wrong to have done either way I know.. I just really would like to put it behind me and I really do not want my family in germany to find out.. what now?

heya!
My name is Cassi, Im 18 and currently an aupair in Brühl, Germany (less than 15 min away from cologne- its really a great city) and heres the deal with the visa. If you are from the USA you dont need to take a language test but you will need to fill out forms by yourself so you need to know what everything means in german. Other than that all you need to do is get registered at an immigration office or any other office that you can be registered at as a citizen. Go to Germany without a visa but be sure you get registered within the first 2 months. Then after you are registered you need to go to the embassy and get an official aupair visa. About the misdemenor I would call the nearest German embassy in the states and ask them about that. If you have any other questions I’ll try to answer them and good luck!

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So I am moving to Germany on april 28th for a minimum of 6 months to work as an au pair in Cologne – the thing is the family doesn’t seem to know exactly how I am to go about getting a work permit.. From what I gather on one au pair website I can apply in Germany at the city hall within the first 3 months of my stay and I should have no problem, as long as I can speak a fair amount of the language at the time.. but information on another website recommends having the work permit before leaving for germany and to get it I have to apply in washington dc, which luckily is only about a 6 hr drive from me, but still a real hassle if its not absolutley needed.. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks guys!