What is the Austria Job Seeker Visa?

The Austria job seeker visa is a long-term residency permit which is specially designed for highly qualified applicants who wish to explore the job opportunities available in Austria. This visa will allow applicants to stay in Austria for up to 6 months and actively search for employment. If the applicant gets a job during this period, they can make an easy transition to a work visa or a Red-White-Red card.

This visa is beneficial for professionals who are skilled in industries such as Engineering, management, healthcare, information technology and finance. Also, Austria should have a growing demand for all these professions. Most of the traditional work visas will require a job offer before applying. The Austria Job Seeker visa does not require a job offer. Rather, it allows the applicant to enter into the country and search for a job that best suits their qualifications.

Austria Job Seeker Visa Requirements

There are certain requirements that the applicants should meet before applying for the Austria Job Seeker visa. Some of the basic requirements are listed below.

As a basic requirement, applicants should have a degree from a recognized university. The applicant should preferably have a degree in fields that are in high demand in Austria. This includes Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, commonly known as STEM. Holding a higher educational level like a Master’s or PhD degree will increase the chances of approval.

The applicant must have relevant professional experience in a skilled occupation. Applicants will receive more points based on their number of years of experience in their respective fields. With the years of experience in their field, applicants can accumulate more points.

Language proficiency is not mandatory for this visa type. However, knowing English B2 level and German A2 level can be an added advantage in getting a job after arriving in Austria. This language proficiency will also increase points under the visa system.  

Austrian authorities follow a points-based system in which applicants need at least 70 points out of 100 to be eligible for this visa. Some of the factors for which points are awarded are listed below. 

• Age, Younger applicants will receive higher points
• Education level
• Work experience
• Language proficiency
• Previous study or work experience in Austria.

Applicants should demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. As per current regulations, an applicant should have a minimum of €14,000 to support their stay.

Applicants should have valid health insurance coverage for their duration of stay in Austria. A proper health insurance will increase chances of visa approval.

Benefits of the Austria Job Seeker Visa

Getting an Austria Job Seeker Visa provides numerous benefits for professionals who are skilled enough to establish their career in Austria.

No Job Offer Required

Most of work visas require a job offer. The Austria job seeker visa does not require a job offer as this visa allows the applicant to enter into the country, search and secure a job easily. 

Applicants will have a direct interaction with the employers, schedule and attend interviews and also create a network with professionals in their field. This visa creates an opportunity for the applicant to explore the job markets.

Once the applicant applies and secures a job, they can easily convert their status to a Red-white-red card. This will ensure they have long-term employment in Austria.

Austria offers salaries that are competitive and strong labour protections for skilled workers. Highly skilled applicants will have a high pay. This is one of the greatest benefits of the Austria Job Seeker Visa. 

When an applicant lives in Austria before getting a job offer or employment will help them understand the language, lifestyle and work culture. This will help them easily make a transition and integrate into the Society of Austria.

Once the applicant fulfills certain requirements, they can apply for long-term residency. This will eventually lead to citizenship in Austria.

Austria Job Seeker Visa Cost

The several fees involved in the application of the Austrian Job Seeker visa are given below. 

• The visa application fee will be approximately €150. This keeps varying for each country.
• The residence permit fee will be €120–€160.
• Some additional costs may be charged for many other factors which include translation fees, documents verification, travel insurance and other miscellaneous expenses.

However, the applicant has to check the costs with the Austrian Embassy or Consulate 

Austria Job Seeker Visa Processing Time

The Austria Job Seeker Visa processing time varies based on the nationality of the applicant, the completeness of the application and the workload of the Austrain embassy or consulate. Usually, the processing time takes 8 to 12 weeks from the date of submission. This timeline can extend if the Austrian authorities request additional documents. To avoid delays, the applicant has to make sure all the documents required are prepared with accuracy before submission.

How to Apply for an Austria Job Seeker Visa?

There are multiple steps involved in the application process of the Austria job seeker visa. Below is a breakdown of these steps.

The first step of the application process is to check eligibility. This should be done to make sure that the applicant meets the points-based eligibility. Checking the eligibility will also help in the documents preparation process.

Once the eligibility is assessed, the applicant has to gather all the documents that are required. The basic documents required are the following.

• A valid passport
• Work experience letters
• Educational certificates and transcripts
• Proof of financial stability
• Language proficiency results
• Health insurance certificates

The application should be submitted to the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in the country of the applicant. Some embassies issue offline applications, while many other embassies require online application and submission.

If required, the Austrian authorities will request the applicants to appear for a direct interview. They will assess the qualifications and intention of the applicants to stay in Austria. This will increase the chances of the visa being approved.

Once the application is submitted, the applicant has to wait for approval. Once the Austria Job seeker visa is approved and received, applicant can travel to the country. 

On arriving in Austria, applicants can create a network and begin their job search. Applicants can attend interviews and get a job that best matches their qualifications. Once the applicant secures a job, they can apply for the Red-White-Red card. This will create an easier pathway to permanent residency.

Why Choose Croyez Immigration for Your Austria Job Seeker Visa Application?

Our visa agents at Croyez specialise in providing expert assistance to applicants looking for an Austria Job Seeker Visa. Some of the services we provide are listed below.

• We assess the eligibility of the applicant and evaluate their profile. This will increase the chances of maximizing the point score.
• We provide documentation assistance and help you prepare and verify all the documents that are required. 
• Our team ensures the application is submitted on time. We also have regular follow-ups on the visa process.
• If required, we guide applicants with interview preparation. We guide applicants on how to clear the interview.
• We provide post-landing support and help in finding accommodation, networking opportunities and understanding the Austrian job market.

Beginning a career in Austria has never been easier. But with Croyez by your side, we help you in each step of the Austria Job Seeker Visa.