Moving To The Usa From Austria: A Comprehensive Guide

how to from austria to usa

If you're planning a trip from the USA to Austria, there are a few things you should know. First, make sure you have a valid passport – it should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay, and it's a good idea to have at least six months left on it to avoid any issues. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, you may need to apply for a visa. US citizens can stay in Austria for up to 90 days without a visa, but if you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a visa before travelling to Austria or before your 90-day stay has expired. You'll also need to show proof of financial means and a return plane ticket. It's also highly recommended that you get travel insurance.

Characteristics Values
Travel time from the US to Austria 10h 48m (fastest) - 11h 33m
Travel cost from the US to Austria $230 - $700 (fastest) - $240 - $390 (cheapest)
Number of hotels in Austria 798+
Hotel prices in Austria $51+ per night
Airlines flying from the US to Austria Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Virgin, British Airways, KLM, and more
Airports in the US flying direct to Austria General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS)
Airports in Austria receiving flights from the US Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Visa requirements for Austrians entering the US Paid online registration (ESTA) for Visa Waiver Program countries; otherwise, a US visa is required
Visa application fee $21
Visa application processing time Up to six months
Visa application requirements Police record certificate, proof of health insurance, "APOSTILLE" authentication on documents

shunculture

Visa requirements

As a citizen of a foreign country, you must obtain a U.S. visa to enter the United States. The visa is placed in your passport, a travel document issued by your country of citizenship or nationality. However, citizens of certain countries may be eligible to travel to the U.S. without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Austrian citizens are included in this program.

Under the VWP, Austrian citizens can enter the U.S. without a visa for tourism or business purposes. However, they must complete a paid online registration called an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The ESTA application must be completed at least 72 hours before departure and costs USD 21. The ESTA registration and fee are valid for two years, provided there are no changes to the travel document. If your passport is renewed, a new ESTA registration is required. An ESTA rejection means that a U.S. visa must be applied for at the U.S. Embassy, but it does not necessarily prevent entry into the U.S.

Visas are required for travel purposes unrelated to tourism or business, such as journalistic work, studies, training, research, exchange programs, lectures, taking up employment, au pairing, or getting married. If you are entering the U.S. with a (white) emergency passport, you will need a valid visa or green card. All passports must generally be valid for the duration of your stay in the U.S.

To apply for a U.S. visa, you can use the U.S. Visa Wizard to determine your visa type. For nonimmigrant visas, you can go directly to the online application for the DS-160, while immigrant visas are handled by the USCIS. The U.S. Embassy in Vienna provides visa information and application appointments. It is recommended to submit your application early, up to six months before your planned travel date, as processing times may be longer than usual.

shunculture

Residence permits

If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can reside in Austria for up to three months without a visa. You can also stay in Austria for longer than three months if you meet certain requirements, as you have a right to free movement in the EU.

Nationals of other countries require a visa to enter Austria, which entitles them to a stay of up to six months. To stay in Austria for longer than six months, all non-EU/EEA nationals require a residence permit. Applications for residence permits can take up to six months to process, and you must apply for the permit from outside of Austria.

If you are a student attending a college or university in Austria, you should consult with the Austrian Embassy/Consulate before travelling to Austria to find out if you need to apply for a residence permit from outside of Austria.

If you are a qualified worker and a citizen of a third country (a country outside the EU) seeking to live and work in Austria, you need a Red-White-Red Card. This is issued for a period of 24 months and entitles you to fixed-term settlement and employment by the employer specified in your application. Family members can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus.

Austrian citizens, EU/EEA citizens, and Swiss nationals can work in Austria without restriction. Nationals of third countries require a work and residence permit to be able to work in Austria.

shunculture

Health insurance

When it comes to moving to the USA, it is essential to understand that the country's healthcare system and insurance options differ significantly from those in Austria. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Private Health Insurance: In the USA, private health insurance is the most common form of health insurance. Individuals typically obtain health insurance through their employer or purchase it individually. The cost and coverage of private health insurance plans can vary, so it is important to carefully review the options available.
  • Medicare and Medicaid: The US government offers Medicare, a federal health insurance program for individuals 65 years of age or older, and those with certain disabilities. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a federal and state health insurance program for individuals with low incomes and limited assets.
  • Travel Insurance: If you are initially travelling to the USA from Austria and are not planning to become a permanent resident, it is essential to have adequate travel insurance that includes health coverage. US hospitals can be extremely expensive, and having travel insurance will help cover any unexpected medical costs during your trip.
  • International Health Insurance: If you are moving to the USA from Austria and want to ensure continuity of coverage, you may want to explore international health insurance options. These plans can provide coverage in multiple countries, including the USA, and may be more suitable for individuals who frequently travel between countries.
  • Understanding the US Healthcare System: The US healthcare system is complex and primarily market-driven, with a mix of public and private insurance options. It is important to research and understand the system, including insurance coverage, provider networks, and out-of-pocket expenses, to make informed decisions about your health insurance choices.

Overall, when moving from Austria to the USA, it is crucial to prioritize obtaining appropriate health insurance coverage. The specific insurance option you choose will depend on your individual circumstances, such as employment status, age, pre-existing health conditions, and planned duration of stay in the USA.

shunculture

Education system

The Austrian education system is highly regarded, ranking 6th among 63 countries worldwide for talent competitiveness. It also ranks highly for the quality of primary and secondary education, placing 11th and 7th respectively. The Austrian government's strong investment in its education system and professional development is one of the highest among OECD countries. The goal of lifelong learning is highly integrated into the Austrian education system and society.

Compulsory Education

In Austria, school attendance is compulsory for nine years, including one year of preschool, four years of primary school, and four years of lower secondary school. Compulsory schooling lasts until the age of 15, and since the 2016/17 school year, all youths under 18 are required to engage in education or training after completing compulsory schooling. Children with special educational needs complete their compulsory education within the system, either in mainstream schools or in special needs schools. Parents have the right to participate in decision-making for improving teaching and learning conditions.

Secondary Education

At age 16, students may choose either a vocational or academic track for their secondary education based on their interests and strengths. The vocational track lasts six years, focusing on practical skills and apprenticeship preparation. Students can choose from seven vocational areas: metal, electrical, wood, construction, trade/office, services, and tourism. The academic track includes upper secondary education, which comprises a general education branch and a vocational branch.

Tertiary Education

Austria has a diverse tertiary education landscape, including universities, universities of applied sciences, and university colleges of teacher education. The majority of students attend one of the 22 public universities, while others pursue studies at universities of applied sciences, teacher education colleges, or private universities. The universities of applied sciences have contributed to improving tertiary entry and graduation rates. About 87% of the approximately 106,000 foreign university students in Austria are citizens of European countries.

Study Abroad

International study is an important aspect of the Austrian education system, with many students and professionals participating in short-term and year-long study abroad programs. The United States is a top study-abroad destination for Austrian students, particularly in states like New York, California, and Massachusetts. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted study abroad programs, but it also encouraged the development of digital education solutions and distance learning opportunities.

shunculture

Job market

Austria has a stable and prosperous job market with opportunities across a range of industries. The country is known for its robust economy and emphasis on innovation, with many roles in sectors such as technology, engineering, tourism, and healthcare. International companies and startups in Austria increasingly value English-speaking professionals and actively hire foreign talent.

The Austrian job market offers a diverse range of positions, particularly in industries such as technology, engineering, and healthcare, making it an attractive destination for professionals seeking career growth. The country has a strong service sector, which provides 71% of the jobs. About 4% of the jobs are in agriculture and forestry, and roughly 25% of the employed work in the production sector.

If you are a native English speaker, teaching English is always an option, although it is not a huge market in Austria. If you are a teacher or are having difficulty finding an English-speaking position, you can look into getting TEFL certification.

The Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS) helps foreign workers integrate into the Austrian job market through various targeted initiatives. These include personalized career counseling to help individuals navigate the local job market and tailor their applications to Austrian standards. AMS also provides access to subsidized German language courses, which are essential for many jobs, and assists in assessing and validating foreign qualifications to align with local standards.

To work in Austria, non-EU/EEA citizens will need a visa and a work permit. The type of visa and work permit you need will depend on your situation. You can apply for a restricted work permit, which lasts for a year, a work permit, which lasts for two years, or an unrestricted work permit, which lasts for five years.

Frequently asked questions

The cheapest way to travel from the USA to Austria is by plane, with prices ranging from $240 to $390.

The fastest way to travel from the USA to Austria is by plane, with the average flight time being 10 hours and 48 minutes.

Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Virgin, British Airways, KLM, and Emirates all offer flights from the USA to Austria.

Austrian citizens can reside in Austria without restriction, but they need a valid travel document to enter. For U.S. citizens, a visa is required if staying longer than 90 days or for employment purposes. To obtain a visa, you must submit a police record certificate and proof of health insurance.

Austria collects the fingerprints of all visa applicants. Additionally, the Austrian Medicine Import Act prohibits the import of most prescription drugs.

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment