Austria Visa: Tracking Your Application Status

Austria, nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, boasts Mediterranean beaches, mountains, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting over 7.5 million tourists in 2023. For those planning to visit, there are several types of visas available, including the D visa, which is required for stays longer than 90 days but not exceeding 6 months, and the job-seeker visa, which allows highly qualified individuals to search for employment. To check the status of an Austrian visa application, individuals can visit the official website or contact the Austrian embassy or consulate directly. The process typically involves submitting the necessary documents, attending an interview, and waiting for a decision, which is communicated via email or phone.

Visa requirements for Indian citizens

As an Indian citizen, you will need to obtain a visa to enter Austria. Austria is part of the Schengen Area, which allows visa-free movement between member countries. However, to enter Austria, you will need a Schengen visa issued by any Schengen member country. Unfortunately, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Indian citizens travelling to Austria. You will need to apply for a visa before your trip through the Austrian embassy or consulate.

Types of Visas:

There are several types of Austrian visas available for Indian citizens, including:

• Tourist Visa: This visa is for individuals who wish to travel to Austria for tourism or recreational purposes. It is typically valid for a short stay of 30 days and allows multiple entries within a maximum span of 30 to 90 days.
• Business Visa: This visa is for those travelling to Austria for business purposes. It allows for a maximum stay of 90 days, and you will need to apply for a long-term visa if your stay exceeds this duration.
• Student Visa: This visa is required for full-time study programs at Austrian universities or institutions. Indian students must provide enrollment confirmation from a recognised educational institution and meet other requirements, such as demonstrating sufficient funds to cover their expenses.
• Transit Visa: This visa is applicable when the traveller has a short stopover in Austria and does not leave the airport.

Visa Application Process:

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

• Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the website of the Austrian embassy or consulate in India to access the relevant application form for your visa type.
• Schedule an Interview: After submitting the application form, schedule an interview appointment at the Austrian embassy or consulate in India.
• Pay the Visa Fees: There are separate fees for processing the application and the interview, which must be paid before the interview.
• Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including proof of travel medical insurance, a valid passport, recent photographs, a confirmed travel itinerary, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, and any supporting documents specific to your visa type.

Visa Renewal:

Under certain circumstances, Indian citizens may be eligible for an Austrian visa renewal without an interview. This applies if your current visa is still valid or expired within the past 6 months, you have a C-Visa (tourism or business), you have no criminal record since your last visa issuance, and your circumstances have not changed significantly.

Checking Visa Status:

To check the status of your Austrian visa application, you can log in to the official website and enter your visa application number and travel document number.

Visa D: stays over 90 days

A Visa D is required for stays in Austria exceeding 90 days but not exceeding 6 months. This type of visa is typically issued for family visits or course participation. It is also suitable for highly qualified third-country nationals who wish to come to Austria to look for employment.

To apply for a Visa D, you must submit corresponding documents that demonstrate the purpose of your stay. These documents may include a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, proof of travel medical insurance, proof of accommodation in Austria, and proof of sufficient financial resources. Specific information on supporting documents can be found on the website of the competent consulate.

The Visa D application process can be completed by visiting the Austrian embassy or consulate website for detailed instructions and downloadable application forms. It is recommended that you apply for the visa at least four weeks before your intended entry into Austria. You may apply for the visa at the earliest six months before your planned travel date, and no later than 15 calendar days before your planned stay.

Upon receiving your application, the consulate will process it and notify you of their decision. If your visa is approved, you will receive your passport with the visa stamped inside. Please note that an extension of a Visa D in Austria is not possible, and for stays exceeding 6 months, a residence permit must be applied for.

Additionally, holders of a Visa D are entitled to freedom of movement in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided they fulfil the relevant conditions of the Schengen Borders Code.

Job-seeker visas

The Austria Job Seeker Visa is a special type of visa (Visa D) that allows highly qualified individuals without a job offer to enter Austria and search for employment for up to six months. It is meant for "very highly qualified workers" who meet the eligibility criteria and score a minimum of 70 points on the Austrian points system.

To apply for the Job Seeker Visa, individuals must submit the required documents to the responsible Austrian representative authority (embassy/consulate) in their country of residence. The necessary documents include:

• A valid passport with at least two blank pages and valid for at least three months after the planned departure from Austria.
• Two photographs with dimensions of 45 x 35 mm and not older than six months.
• Proof of locally customary accommodation, such as lease contracts or ownership evidence.
• Health insurance coverage for all risks, including potential rescue and return costs.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during their stay in Austria, such as payslips, employment contracts, or investment capital.
• Educational qualifications, such as university diplomas or certificates, reflecting the completion of a four-year programme at a tertiary education institution.

The application process typically takes several months, and the visa fee is €150. Once the visa is granted, individuals can enter Austria and actively seek employment for up to six months. It is important to note that the Job Seeker Visa itself does not allow individuals to work in Austria.

After securing a job offer that matches their qualifications, individuals must apply for the Red-White-Red Card, also known as the Red-White-Red Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers. This card serves as both a residence and employment permit and is valid for two years. To obtain this card, individuals must submit additional documents, including the job description, police clearance certificate, and information on their employment classification. The application for the Red-White-Red Card can be made with the competent residence authority in Austria or the Austrian representation in the applicant's home country or country of residence.

Visa interview

To check the status of your Austria visa application, you must contact the Austrian Embassy or consulate. The visa application process for Austria involves several steps, and an interview is one of the critical stages. Here is a detailed guide to help you prepare for your Austrian visa interview:

Firstly, it is essential to understand the purpose of the visa interview. The interview is a crucial step in the visa application process, allowing consular officers to verify the information provided in your application and assess your intentions and eligibility for entering Austria.

Required Documents:

Before attending the interview, ensure you have gathered all the necessary documents. The specific documents required may vary depending on your visa type, so it is crucial to check the Austrian embassy or consulate website for the latest information. However, some standard documents include:

• A valid passport (with a minimum of six months' validity beyond your intended stay in Austria)
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Proof of travel medical insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Austria (e.g., hotel reservations)
• Proof of sufficient financial resources for your trip
• Copy of the passport data sheet (the page with your photograph)
• Proof of means of transport (reservation or booking confirmation)
• Driving licence, green insurance card, and registration certificate if travelling by car
• Valid travel, health, and accident insurance for the Schengen area

Scheduling the Interview:

During the Interview:

During the interview, be prepared to answer questions about your visa application and your travel plans. The consular officer will assess your application, and this is your opportunity to provide additional information or clarify any concerns they may have. Remember to be honest and consistent in your responses and provide clear and concise answers.

After the Interview:

Following the interview, the visa officer will make a decision on your application. You will be informed of the outcome by email or phone. If your visa is approved, you will receive your passport with the visa stamped inside. In case of rejection, you may be provided with information on the reasons for denial, and you can seek further guidance from the embassy or consulate on the next steps or reapplication process.

Remember, each visa application is unique, and the interview process may vary depending on your specific circumstances. Always refer to the official Austrian embassy or consulate website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and interview procedures.

Tracking your passport

Firstly, it is essential to understand the visa application process. After submitting your application package, which includes your valid passport, photographs, application form, and other required documents, you will be required to attend an interview at the Austrian embassy or consulate. Following this interview, you will await a decision on your application, which will be communicated via email or phone.

If your visa application is approved, you will receive your passport with the visa stamped inside. At this point, you can choose to have your passport and visa delivered to your address in Austria or opt for collection from a pick-up office in central Vienna. If you choose the delivery option, you can track your passport's location instantly by entering your passport number on the courier website. This will inform you if your passport is "ready for pick-up" or about to be delivered to your indicated address.

In the unfortunate event that your visa application is refused, and your passport is not returned with the premium home delivery, you are entitled to a refund of the delivery fee. To request a refund, send an email to the courier provider's customer support email address within five business days of the visa refusal. Include your DS-160 number, and they will process your refund within ten business days.

It is important to note that you should wait at least three business days after your visa interview before checking your application status, as the system may not have updated immediately.

Frequently asked questions