Visa

How To Apply For Austria Job Seeker Visa

Posted on by Chidiebere Onuoha

Recently, the Austrian government has announced that there are about 196,000 job openings in some sectors of the country. Foreign talents from different parts of the world are advised to seize the opportunity and make the most out of it. Before searching for jobs in Austria as a foreigner, you must possess an Austria Job seeker visa. The Austria job seeker visa grants you permission to stay in Austria for six months with the purpose of looking for jobs. This visa ONLY allows you to apply for jobs, you cannot work or study with the job seeker visa. If you find a job within six months, you can apply for Work Permit and Residence permit. The analysis of job vacancies in Austria includes:

  • Service sector: Nursing professionals and cooks (113,200 openings)
  • Manufacturing and engineering sector: Electrical mechanics, motor vehicle mechanics, welders, and flame cutters. (46,100 openings)
  • Construction and trade sector:  Plumbers, pipefitters, carpenters, and joiners.
  • Technical and engineering sector (Public): Electronics engineering technicians and systems analysts. (37,100 openings)

In this article, I will show you the step by step process on how to apply for a the Austrian Job seeker visa as a newbie. I will also share the eligibility criteria, required documents, visa fee and processing time. Most importantly, where you can commence your visa application if you meet the eligibility criteria. Do you want to work in Germany instead? read about the German opportunity card here.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an Austria job seeker visa, you need to fulfill the following criteria:

  • Only highly skilled individuals are eligible to apply for the Job seeker visa.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
  • Five years of relevant work experience in your field of study.
  • You have enough funds to cover your living expenses in Austria for six months. You can demonstrate your financial resources by using a blocked account.
  • Valid health insurance that covers you in Austria and the Schengen area.
  • Valid passport.
  • Travel itinerary.
  • Clear criminal record.

Required Documents

The documents needed for Job seeker visa applicants are as follows:

  • Visa Application Form: You can get the application form from the Embassy in your country.  You get a Job Seeker Visa if the Public Employment Service (Arbeitsmarktservice – AMS) confirms to the Austrian representative authority that you have reached the points required for admission.
  • Passport/ Traveling Document. Your passport needs to have at least two blank pages and it needs to be valid for at least six months and issued within the last decade.
  • Recent Pictures. These photos need to follow the Schengen visa photo rules as set by ICAO.
  • Visa Fee. You need to pay a certain amount in order to apply for your visa. Visa Fee for D-Visa which is applicable for non-EU countries is 75€ – 150€ range
  • A Letter of Purpose. You need to present a cover letter, in which you should clearly state the reason for your visit.
  • An Itinerary. Ensure you provide correct dates for your flights and your plans during the trip.
  • Travel Insurance. You must possess a Schengen travel insurance that covers any medical and emergency issues up to 30,000€.
  • Civil Status Documents. This can include birth certificates or your marriage license.
  • Proof of Accommodation. Provide your hotel reservation receipts, or proof for any other type of accommodations you’ve secured.
  • Proof of Financial Means. You need to provide proof that you have enough means to finance your travels to Austria.
  • Copies of Previous Schengen Visa. Applicable only if you’ve had a Schengen visa before.

Job Seeker Visa Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for your job seeker visa: See why people prefer Australia over the US and UK.

  • Go to the nearest Austrian embassy or consulate in your country and make an appointment for a visa interview.
  • Fill the visa application form and gather the required documents, such as your passport, diploma, CV, proof of funds, health insurance, etc.
  • Pay the visa fee of €100 and submit your application and documents to the embassy or consulate.
  • Attend the visa interview and answer the questions about your purpose of visit, qualifications, and plans in Austria.
  • Wait for the decision on your visa application, which can take up to three months.
  • If your visa is approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker and travel to Austria within the validity period of the visa.
  • Upon your arrival in Austria, register your address with the local authorities and start looking for a job.