Immigration

your plan sounds fine.
there is no immigration after you have arrived in Germany. you can travel freely within the Schengen zone

Ok thanks!!!

Is there any problem with you that makes you avoid giving the most important information in your many questions posted: What is your nationality?

I assume you're not a US citizen, otherwise you wouldn't need to ask.

Indian, and no not a US citizen yet.

OK, you could be an Arab terrorist using the picture of an Indian girl... but anyway, I didn't mean to be unfriendly :)

Thanks for replying. That's important, because for some nationalities, the authorities here will assume a higher probability of attempting illegal immigration (for example - without judging them - they are wary of people from Ghana, Philippines or Ukraine, where scandals with falsified visas have happened).

It is at the authorities' discretion to ask for any document that could be needed to convince them that you have important reasons to return to the US. Please don't be surprised if they ask about your job, savings accounts, husband & child, real estate property. The more upfront and cooperative you are, the more likely it will all go smoothly.

I think that as an Indian you will do OK. They will probably not be too demanding, because your job in the USA most likely earns you more than you could earn in Germany or Spain, considering that our languages are rather difficult to learn :)

Having family in Germany will be one reason for them to be suspicious, so you have to find the right spin about that. Anything that makes it sound like you are real poor, and that's the most important family you have, will be a risk for getting the visa.

The hardest part is gaining entry to Schengen initially, so it might be wiser to book flights directly to the place where you are applying to. Spanish officials at the airport might object to your entry if they see that your hosting in Germany starts three weeks later. Keep it simple. Go to the country you apply for, then travel around.

Spanish officials at the airport might object to your entry if they see that your hosting in Germany starts three weeks later. Keep it simple. Go to the country you apply for, then travel around.

is that true Klaush? I guess technically Immigration can still refuse you even if you have a visa, but does this happen? I haven't heard about it before (which doesn't mean it can't happen- just curious). E.g. I know of the parents of a Russian friend who visited her in France- their Schengen vida was issued by the Spanish embassy because their travel agent said it was easier- they flew straight from Moscow to Paris, never said foot in Spain, and went back to Moscow. No problem whatsoever. I have the impression it's quite normal to enter in a different schengen country than the one that issued your visa.

" their travel agent said it was easier" ... OK, they know the current loopholes but that's really not the type of discussion I'm interested in.

Klaush, thanks for your input. Now, if I'm applying to the Spanish Consulate, they require a letter from the police if someone is to host me. And the German consulate simply requires an informal letter, or Ausländerbehörde (I found this in another blog). I, unfortunately, do not know any German, therefore don't know what that form actually is. Could you help me with this? Also, what sort of invitation letter do you think the Spanish Consulate will accept for someone being hosted in Germany?

Also, if I do go through the German Consulate, I am required a letter from my employer. My situation is that I will have JUST graduated from college and am not starting work till May. I do not particularly want to tell my employer that I am going traveling. So, will showing proof of College Transcripts work for this purpose? I'm guessing there's a problem with ppl staying illegally to work as you have mentioned. This is obviously not my intention.

Thanks for your help again!

Here's another thing...the SPA Consulate wants a local Police Invitation from a family or friend who resides in Spain or a complete hotel/hostel itinerary for all Schengen States. So, in my case, what would be your best suggestion? I think its clear by now that I'm staying in hostels in Spain and after which I'll be hosted in Germany.