Visa routes from Afghanistan

Timeline

Apply well before travel; Schengen short-stay decisions are normally handled under Schengen rules, but Afghanistan-routed applications can require extra appointment, routing, document and security checks.

Difficulty

High

Readiness

82%

Cost signal

EUR 90

Afghan nationals generally need a Schengen visa for short visits to Germany and the wider Schengen area. Germany’s Afghanistan visa section states that Schengen applications can be submitted through German missions handling Afghan applications, including Islamabad, Istanbul and Dubai. The route is for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period and does not permit long-term study or employment.

Open pathway

Timeline

Immigration New Zealand lists AEWV processing as 80% within 7 weeks on the visa page; monthly published processing data can differ by recent workload and case complexity.

Difficulty

High

Readiness

83%

Cost signal

NZD 1,540

Source-backed New Zealand work route for Afghan citizens who have a full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. The AEWV is employer-linked: the employer must be accredited, the job must have an approved job check, and the applicant must meet the job's skill, qualification, registration, English, health and character requirements. The visa can allow work for the named employer and limited study, and the maximum continuous stay depends on job skill level and pay.

Open pathway

Timeline

IRCC says most foreign nationals need a work permit; outside-Canada applications require fees, documents, and biometrics where required. Timing varies by country and case.

Difficulty

High

Readiness

89%

Cost signal

CAD 240

For Afghan citizens seeking temporary work in Canada, this route usually turns on the type of work permit. Employer-specific permits generally require a job offer and either an LMIA or LMIA-exempt employer compliance steps.

Open pathway

Timeline

IRCC processing time varies by country and application complexity. Apply as early as possible after receiving a qualifying letter of acceptance and any required provincial/territorial attestation letter.

Difficulty

High

Readiness

87%

Cost signal

CAD 235

Afghan applicants who plan to study in Canada for a program that requires a study permit must apply to IRCC, provide the correct country-specific document package, pay the study-permit and biometrics fees where required, and prove they can cover tuition, travel and living costs. For a single student outside Quebec, IRCC lists a 2026 living-expense threshold of CAD 22,895, in addition to tuition and travel.

Open pathway

Timeline

Home Affairs lists the offshore Tourist stream as up to 12 months stay; applicant should apply online, attach evidence, and use the official processing-time guide because country and case checks vary.

Difficulty

High

Readiness

64%

Cost signal

AUD 250

Source-backed Australia visitor route for Afghan passport holders applying from outside Australia to visit as tourists, cruise passengers, or to see family/friends. The route does not permit work and can require biometrics, health checks, character checks, translations, and strong evidence of genuine temporary stay.

Open pathway

Timeline

Employer sponsorship and nomination come before the visa application; processing depends on the nominated occupation, evidence, health and character checks.

Difficulty

High

Readiness

Under review

Cost signal

AUD 4,015

An employer-sponsored Australian work route where an approved employer nominates a Core Skills occupation and the applicant meets skills, English, health and character requirements.

Open pathway

Timeline

Secure qualification recognition or comparability, a specific qualified job offer and any professional licence before applying through the Consular Services Portal or the responsible German mission. Jurisdiction and appointment availability must be checked carefully.

Difficulty

Easy

Readiness

92%

Cost signal

EUR 75

German work-visa route under Sections 18a or 18b for an Afghan professional with recognised vocational training or an academic qualification and a specific qualified job offer in Germany.

Open pathway

Timeline

Timing depends on official appointments, evidence preparation, third-party checks, and current government processing guidance.

Difficulty

High scrutiny

Readiness

55%

Cost signal

EUR 11,979

A detailed route for applicants from Afghanistan planning full-time study in Germany. It covers institution verification, admission evidence, financial preparation, language and academic records, health and character checks, application submission, travel planning, and post-arrival compliance. The route should remain unpublished until current official fees, maintenance requirements, local submission arrangements, and origin-specific evidence rules are verified.

Open pathway