What makes this opportunity even more appealing is the possibility to bring your family along during this job search period. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel the secrets of the Austrian Job Seeker Visa (Category D), your golden ticket to a six-month job-hunting adventure in this beautiful country. And the best part? You can bring your family along for the ride! We’ll walk you through the eligibility criteria, the application process, the financial requirements, and everything you need to know to make your Austrian dream a reality.
Austria Allows You to Apply for a Job Seeker Visa with a Family Visa
Austria not only welcomes highly qualified professionals to explore job opportunities within its borders but also allows them to bring their families along during this critical phase. The Austrian Job Seeker Cat-D Visa is designed to facilitate your transition to life in Austria, making it easier for you to settle into your new environment with your spouse or registered partner and minor children by your side. This provision underscores Austria’s commitment to supporting skilled workers and their families, offering them a cohesive and supportive environment during the job search process.
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You can include your family members directly in your Job Seeker Visa application, which simplifies the process significantly. This means that once your visa is approved, your family members will receive their visas as well, allowing all of you to travel to Austria together.
70 Points Needed to Qualify for Austria Job Seeker and Family Visa
To be eligible for the Austrian Job Seeker Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria based on a points system. This system is designed to assess your qualifications and suitability for living and working in Austria. The minimum requirement to qualify for the Austria job seeker visa is a score of at least 70 points.
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• Age is an essential factor in this points system. Younger applicants receive more points, with those aged 18-30 earning the highest score of 20 points. As the applicant’s age increases, the points awarded decrease, with applicants aged 41-45 receiving 5 points.
• Education plays a crucial role as well. Applicants with a university degree, such as a diploma, master’s, or doctorate in a field relevant to their intended employment in Austria, can earn up to 20 points. Those with completed apprenticeships or vocational training relevant to the Austrian labor market can earn up to 10 points.
• Work experience is another critical component. Applicants with relevant work experience within the last ten years can score up to 20 points, depending on the duration and relevance of their experience to the Austrian job market.
• Language skills in both German and English are highly valued. While German language proficiency is preferred, applicants who do not speak German can still earn points by demonstrating English proficiency at level B1 or higher. Applicants with advanced German skills (level B1 or higher) can earn up to 20 points, while those with English skills at the same level can earn 10 points.
In addition to these points, specific professional qualifications that are in high demand in Austria can provide additional points, enhancing your chances of obtaining the visa and you can check high demand or skill shortages here https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/austria-wide-shortage-occupations/.
For family members, eligibility revolves around providing proof of the relationship with the main applicant. This typically involves submitting marriage certificates for spouses or registered partners and birth certificates for minor children. Additionally, each family member must have health insurance that covers all risks in Austria, and you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support your family during your stay.
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Financial Proof and Application Processing Fees for Austrian VISAS
When applying for the Austria Job Seeker Visa, it is crucial to provide evidence that you have the financial means to support yourself and your family without relying on public assistance. The financial requirement is in place to ensure that applicants can sustain themselves during their job search period in Austria alone or with family.
1# Financial Proof: For the main applicant, the minimum financial requirement is around €940 per month. This amount is intended to cover living expenses such as accommodation, food, and other necessities. If you are bringing your family along, you will need to demonstrate that you have additional funds to cover their expenses as well.
2# Application Fee Expenses: Regarding the visa application fees, the costs are relatively straightforward. The fee for the Job Seeker Visa for the main applicant is €150. For each family member included in the application, the fee is €75. It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it is advisable to check the latest information on the official Austrian embassy or consulate website before applying https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/very-highly-qualified-workers/.
Application Process for Austria Job Seeker and Family Visa
Applying for an Austria Job Seeker Visa with a Family Visa involves several key steps, each requiring careful attention to detail to ensure a successful application as described below:
1# Gathering Required Documents: The first step in the application process is to gather all necessary documents for both the main applicant and each family member. For the main applicant, this includes a completed visa application form (https://www.bmeia.gv.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Allgemein/Formulare/Antragsformular_Visum_D_NEU.pdf), a valid passport (which should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay), and recent passport-sized photographs that meet Austrian visa photo requirements. You will also need to provide proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a rental agreement or hotel booking confirmation, and proof of health insurance that covers all risks during your stay.
Additionally, the main applicant must present proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses, as well as documents proving their qualifications, such as diplomas, certificates, and work experience letters. A police clearance certificate from your home country and any other country where you have lived for more than six months in the past three years is also required.
For family members, you will need to gather similar documents, including completed application forms (https://www.bmi.gv.at/312_EN/60a/start.aspx), valid passports, passport-sized photographs, and proof of health insurance. You will also need to provide birth certificates or marriage certificates to prove your relationship with your family members.
2# Translating and Legalizing Documents: If any of your documents are not in German or English, they must be translated by a certified translator. Additionally, some documents may require legalization, such as an apostille or embassy attestation, to be accepted by Austrian authorities.
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3# Submitting the Application: Once all documents are prepared, the next step is to submit your application. This must be done at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country (Ref). It is essential to submit all documents for both the main applicant and family members together to ensure that your applications are processed simultaneously. Along with the application, you will need to pay the visa processing fees.
4# Awaiting Processing: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. The processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications and the specific circumstances of your case. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to account for any potential delays.
During the processing period, you may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview at the embassy or consulate. It is essential to respond promptly to any such requests to avoid delays in the processing of your application.
5# Collecting Passports: Once a decision has been made on your application, you will be notified to collect your passports. If your application is approved, your passport will contain the visa, allowing you and your family to travel to Austria.
Is it Required to Convert the Job Seeker Visa to a Work Visa After Landing a Job?
Yes, once you secure employment in Austria, it is necessary to convert your Job Seeker Visa into a Red-White-Red Card https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/redwhiteredcardplus/. This card serves as both a work and residence permit, allowing you to live and work in Austria legally.
The process of converting your Job Seeker Visa to a Red-White-Red Card begins once you have a job offer. Your employer will need to assist you in submitting the application for the Red-White-Red Card at the local immigration office. The documents required for this process include your valid passport, job offer or employment contract, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and proof of income that meets the required threshold.
Once your Red-White-Red Card application is approved, you and your family can continue to live in Austria, enjoying the benefits of a stable and secure life in one of Europe’s most prosperous countries