The Wait For An Austria Visa: How Long?

Austria is a member of the Schengen Agreement, which means that citizens of non-visa-exempt countries will need a visa to enter. The standard processing time for an Austrian Schengen visa is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days in some cases. The time it takes to process a visa application depends on several factors, including whether an interview is required and whether there are any long extended holidays during the application period.

Processing times for Austrian Schengen visas

The standard processing time for an Austrian Schengen visa is 15 calendar days after the embassy has received your application. However, in some cases, it can take up to 45 days. The time it takes to process your visa may be longer if there are long extended holidays in between.

An interview is mandatory for most applicants, which will extend the waiting time for the visa. You will be required to leave all application documents (including your passport) at the embassy for processing, so you will not be able to leave the country during this time.

The approval of a Schengen visa does not guarantee entry upon arrival to Austria or other countries in the Schengen area. Additional documents pertaining to your financial means or accommodation may still be required to gain entry to Austria or other Schengen areas.

Visa requirements for students

It generally takes approximately 15 days to process Austrian Schengen visa applications. However, in some cases, it might take as long as 45 days. The standard processing time is 15 calendar days after the embassy has received your application. An interview is mandatory for most applicants, which will extend the waiting time for the visa.

If you are studying in Austria for less than 90 days, you do not need a visa and you fall under the "visa waiver program". You should apply for your visa no later than four weeks before your departure date to ensure that you receive it in time. You may not apply any earlier than three months prior to your departure. The processing time generally takes about 15 calendar days and the embassy will not answer inquiries during this time frame. You will need to leave all application documents (including your passport) at the embassy for processing and you will not be able to leave the country during this time.

If you are a student from the US or Canada participating in an academic exchange programme for 90 days up to six months, you will require an Austrian National Visa D (residence visa) to enter Austria. If you will be studying in Austria for a period of longer than six months, you may need a residence permit, which is different from the Austrian National Visa D. If you are studying in Austria for more than six months or are not a US citizen, your visa requirements and application process may be different.

The Austrian National Visa D

The processing time for Austrian visas generally takes about 15 calendar days, but in some cases, it might take as long as 45 days. The standard processing time is 15 calendar days after the embassy has received your application. However, an interview is mandatory for most applicants, which will extend the waiting time for the visa. In some countries, the Austrian embassy handles the visa applications, while in others, a third-party VAC such as VFS Global, BLSS, or TLS Contact may collect the visa application on behalf of the Austrian consulate. This depends on your country and jurisdiction.

Visa-exempt countries

It takes approximately 15 days to process Austrian Schengen visa applications, but in some cases, it might take up to 45 days. An interview is mandatory for most applicants, which can extend the waiting time.

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Austria:

• The United States and Canada: Students from these countries participating in an academic exchange program for up to six months will require an Austrian National Visa D (residence visa) to enter Austria.
• Countries in the Schengen Area: Austria joined the Schengen Agreement in 1995 and became a full member in 1997.
• Countries with a "visa waiver program": If you are studying in Austria for less than 90 days, you do not need a visa.

How to apply for an Austrian visa

It takes approximately 15 days to process Austrian Schengen visa applications, but in some cases, it might take up to 45 days. The standard processing time is 15 calendar days after the embassy has received your application, but an interview is mandatory for most applicants, which extends the waiting time.

To apply for an Austrian visa, you need to follow these steps:

Firstly, check if you need a visa. If your period of study in Austria is less than 90 days, you do not need a visa and you fall under the “visa waiver program”. If you are planning on staying for 90 days for tourism, business, visiting family, or medical reasons, you will need a Schengen visa.

Secondly, find your local Austrian embassy or consulate. You must apply for the visa at the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. In some countries, the Austrian embassy handles the visa applications, while in others, a third-party VAC such as VFS Global, BLSS, or TLS Contact may collect the visa application on behalf of the Austrian consulate.

Thirdly, submit your application. It is best to submit your application two weeks before you plan to travel at the latest. You may not apply any earlier than three months prior to your departure, as applications that early will not be considered.

Finally, make sure you have all the necessary documents. You will need to provide an original and copy of your proof of legal residence in the USA (green card, passport, visa), a cover letter stating the reason for your visit, your itinerary, travel insurance, and civil status documents.

Frequently asked questions