Guide on the Austria Job Seeker Visa for Skilled Professionals

The Austria Job Seeker Visa is a points-based residence Visa designed for highly qualified and skilled professionals from non-EU countries. It allows the eligible candidates to enter Austria and stay for up to 6 months to search for a suitable job in Austria. Read on to know all about it.

What are the Benefits of the Austria Job Seeker Visa?

Legal Job Search in Austria

The Visa allows skilled professionals to legally stay in Austria for up to 6 months to search for employment opportunities that match their skillset and qualifications.

Points-Based Transparent System

The selection is based on a clear points system, considering qualifications, language skills, experience and age. This makes the process very fair and structured.

Access to a Strong Job Market

Austria offers a lot of opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, IT, skilled trades and research with higher standards of living.

Pathway to Red-White-Red Card

After you secure a suitable job, you can convert your Visa into a Red-White-Red card, which allows you to stay for a long-term residence and allows employment.

What are the Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Job Seeker Visa Austria?

1. Holds a valid passport from an EEA/non-EU country.

2. Provides sufficient proof of funds to support themselves during their stay.

3. Passes qualifications relevant to the job search.

4. Shows evidence of health insurance coverage.

5. Commits to job search actively during stay in Austria.

6. Scores a minimum of 70 Austria Job Seeker points.

What are Austria Job Seeker Visa Points?

To apply for the Austria Job Seeker Visa, it is mandatory to get a minimum of 70 out of 100 points based from these criteria:

Note: The maximum allowed points in the ‘Special Qualifications and Skills’ category is 40. For ‘Work Experience’ it is 20;  10 for ‘Language Skills’; 20 for ‘Age’; 10 for ‘Studies in Austria’.

Which Documents are Required for Austria Job Seeker Visa?

1. Passport

2. Passport-size photo (should not be older than 6 months)

3. Proof of health insurance covering all risks for 6 months

4. Local residence proof, which includes lease contracts

5. Proof of accommodation

6. Birth Certificate

7. Proof of funds (minimum ₹4.5 lakhs per person)

8. Graduation-related documents

9. Proof of research and innovation activities

10. Gross annual salary in a senior management position

11. Studies in Austria (if applicable)

12. Documents showcasing any recognised prizes and awards

13. Total work experience (salary slips, referral letters, etc.)

14. Proof of language skills: IELTS 6.0 and above

How to Apply for Austria Job Seeker Visa?

Upon meeting the Austria job seeker Visa requirements, you can follow these steps to apply:

1. First, gather all the necessary documents. You may also require some documents to be translated and legalised.

2. Then fill out the application form.

3. Submit an application in person at the nearest Austrian consulate or embassy in your home country or country of residence. You also have to pay a Visa fee and submit your biometric details.

4. You have to wait for the decision on your application. The processing time will vary depending on your consulate or embassy, but it generally takes up to 3 months.

5. If your application is approved, you will get a Visa sticker on your passport, which allows you to enter Austria and stay for 6 months. You have to enter Austria within 6 months from the date of Visa issuance.

6. After you are already in Austria, register your residence with the local authorities within three days of arrival.

7. Begin looking for a job which matches your skills. If you get a suitable job offer, you will be able to apply for the Red-White-Red card or EU Blue card with the concerned authorities in Austria prior to the expiry of your Visa.

Final Words

The Austria Job Seeker Visa is an excellent opportunity for skilled professionals aiming to explore career prospects in one of Europe’s most stable and high-quality job markets. With a transparent points-based system and no requirement for a prior job offer, it offers flexibility for a long-term stay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are dependents allowed to come to Austria?

The Red-White-Red card allows you to take your spouse and children (below 18 years of age).

Can I enrol my spouse in the Red-White-Red Card program?

Your spouse can get an RWR Card Plus and then start working in Austria. This card provides complete labour market access. It is only provided after you have completed at least 10 months with your current employer.

How many years do I have to wait to get Austrian citizenship?

You can get your Austrian citizenship after 5 years of holding your permanent residence status.

What is the processing time of Austria Job Seeker Visa?

The processing time of the Austria Job Seeker Visa is a minimum of 3 to 5 months.

Can students apply for the Austria Job Seeker Visa?

Only highly qualified graduates who meet the points criteria are eligible for the Austria Job Seeker Visa.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

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