Get A Us Visa In Austria: A Simple Guide

how to get us visa from austria

If you are planning to travel from Austria to the US, you will need to apply for a US visa. The type of visa you will need depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. For example, citizens of Canada and Mexico can enter the US under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in a trade NAFTA or TN category for certain types of professional employment. Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas are issued to spouses and children accompanying or following the principal alien. Additionally, Austria has implemented the Schengen Agreement, which allows individuals to transit and stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days. It is important to note that visa processing times may vary, and applications should be submitted early to ensure timely issuance.

Characteristics Values
Visa Application Submission Time Not more than 6 months prior to departure and not later than 15 calendar days before the intended start of the trip
Visa Application Processing Time 15 business days from receipt by the Embassy of a complete application. May increase to 45 calendar days if further checks are necessary
Visa Application Submission Locations VFS Visa Application Centers in Houston, Miami, Washington, DC, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco
Visa Application Requirements Registration, completed application form, recent photograph, travel insurance
Student Visa Requirements Available on the Study in Austria webpage
Visa Types E-1, E-2, E-2C, H-2A, H-2B, J, L-2, O-3, P-4, TD, TN

shunculture

Application process and timing

The application process and timing for a US visa from Austria depend on several factors, including the type of visa, your nationality, and your district. Here is a step-by-step guide:

  • Determine Your Visa Type: The type of US visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit. Common visa types include tourist visas, student visas, and business visas. Each type has its own requirements and application process.
  • Check Your Eligibility: Different visas have different eligibility requirements. Ensure you meet the necessary criteria, such as having a valid passport, proof of financial support, and any other specific documents.
  • Complete the Registration Process: Before submitting your application, you must complete the registration process. Carefully review the steps to ensure you submit a complete application package.
  • Prepare Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, such as a completed application form, recent photographs that meet the specified requirements, and any supporting documents like birth certificates.
  • Submit Your Application: Visa applications can be submitted at designated VFS Visa Application Centers depending on your consular district. For example, if you reside in the consular district of the Austrian Consulate General Los Angeles, you must submit your application in Los Angeles or San Francisco.
  • Allow for Processing Time: Visa processing times may vary. Typically, processing takes around 15 business days for a complete application. However, if further checks are necessary, this may extend to 45 calendar days or more. You can submit your application up to 6 months before your planned travel date to ensure timely issuance.
  • Wait for Notification: Once your application has been processed, you will be notified. If approved, you will receive your visa and further instructions. If additional information or clarification is required, the embassy or consulate will contact you.

It is important to start the process early, as delays may occur, and to carefully follow the instructions provided by the relevant authorities.

shunculture

Photograph requirements

When applying for a US visa from Austria, you must submit a photograph that meets certain criteria. The photograph must be recent, taken within the last six months, and in colour, with a plain light (white or off-white) background so that your features are distinguishable and in contrast with the background. The photo must be a full-face image, with no sunglasses, hats/caps, or head coverings (unless for religious or ethnic reasons). Starting from November 1, 2016, eyeglasses are no longer allowed in visa photos.

The photo must show your entire head, from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin, and your head should fill between 50%-70% of the photo. Centre your head within the frame and ensure your eyes are open, with the height between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo. The acceptable formats for the photo are 2"x2" (51 x 51 mm) and 1.57"x1.57" (40 mm x 40 mm).

The US Embassy or Consulate will take your fingerprints during the visa interview. This will be an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan. You will also be photographed at the interview, and your photo must meet the requirements outlined above. If your photo does not meet the criteria, you will be required to submit a new photo before your visa application can be processed.

shunculture

Where to apply

To obtain a US visa from Austria, you must submit your application at a VFS Visa Application Centre. The specific centre you need to visit depends on your place of residence.

If you reside in the consular district of the Austrian Consulate General Los Angeles, you must submit your application at the VFS Visa Application Centres in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The consular district covers the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. It also covers the US Pacific Islands.

If you reside in the consular district of the Austrian Consulate General New York, you must submit your application at the VFS Visa Application Centres in Chicago and New York City. The consular district covers the following states: Bermudas, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont, as well as Wisconsin.

If you reside in the consular district of the Consular Section of the Embassy of Austria in Washington, DC, you must submit your application at the VFS Visa Application Centres in Houston, Miami, and Washington, DC.

It is important to note that visa applications can be submitted no earlier than 6 months before your planned travel date. Additionally, applications must be lodged no later than 15 calendar days before your intended trip to ensure admissibility. Processing times may vary, typically taking 15 business days for a complete application. However, processing times may be longer, and further checks may increase the processing time to up to 45 calendar days.

shunculture

Student visas

To obtain a student visa to enter Austria, you must first determine which application centre serves your jurisdiction. In the United States, you can apply through one of VFS Global's locations in Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Washington, D.C. Each location serves a specific geographic region, and some students may have multiple options, while others will have only one.

The type of visa you need depends on the length of your stay. If you are staying for less than 90 days, you do not need a visa and fall under the "visa waiver program". For stays of up to 90 days, you can apply for a Visa C, and for stays of 91 days up to a maximum of 6 months, you will need a Visa D. If you intend to stay for longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for a residence permit.

The application process for a student visa can take up to 8 weeks, and you cannot apply until you have received your acceptance letter from your program. The earliest you can apply for your visa is 180 days before your program starts, and the latest you can apply is 6 weeks before. It is recommended that you apply for the visa at least four weeks before your intended entry into Austria.

The documents you will need to submit with your application include:

  • A valid passport with at least two blank pages, issued in the last 10 years
  • Two recent passport-sized photos with specific dimension requirements
  • Confirmation of acceptance from an Austrian higher education institution
  • Proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement or booking confirmation
  • Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000-€50,000 in the Schengen countries
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover your monthly cost of living in Austria for two years, deposited in a bank account in your name
  • A police record certificate
  • Proof of enrolment in an academic exchange program or a Fulbright program, if applicable

All documents must be translated into German and legalised before submission. Once your application has been processed, you will be contacted to pick up your visa. You can also track your application status online using the Reference Number on your invoice.

shunculture

Visa fees

When applying for a US visa from Austria, there are several types of visas and associated fees to consider. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose and duration of your stay in the US, and the fees may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your application. Here is an overview of the visa fees for obtaining a US visa from Austria:

  • Nonimmigrant Visa (DS-160): The fee for the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application is not explicitly stated, but there may be associated costs for processing and appointment scheduling. It is recommended to contact the US Embassy in Austria or refer to their website for detailed information on visa fees.
  • Immigrant Visa (USCIS): The fee for immigrant visa applications through the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) may vary depending on the specific type of immigrant visa. It is advised to consult the USCIS website or the US Embassy in Austria for precise fee information.
  • Schengen Visa (Visa C): If you are transiting through or staying overnight in another Schengen country, such as Austria, you will need a Schengen Visa (Visa C). The fee for this visa is not explicitly mentioned, but it typically includes administrative costs and may vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check with the Austrian Embassy or Consulate for detailed fee information.
  • National Austrian Visa (Visa D): For stays in Austria exceeding 90 days and up to 6 months, non-EU and non-EFTA citizens need a Visa D. The fee for this visa type is not specified, but it may include administrative charges. Contact the Austrian Embassy or Consulate for detailed information on fees and payment methods.
  • Student Visa: Students planning to stay in Austria for less than six months can apply for a Visa C or Visa D, depending on the duration of their stay. Austrian student visas are typically free of charge. However, students are required to obtain travel health insurance for the entire duration of their stay.
  • Exchange Students and Scholars: Exchange students and visiting scholars from the US or Canada may have specific visa requirements and fees. It is recommended to check the website of the Embassy of Austria for detailed information on visa fees and requirements for this category.

Please note that visa fees are subject to change, and it is always advisable to refer to the official websites of the US Embassy in Austria and the Austrian Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa fees and application procedures.

Frequently asked questions

You can submit your application as early as 6 months before your planned travel date. However, the application cannot be submitted more than 6 months prior to departure.

If you're in Austria, you can submit your US visa application at the VFS Visa Application Centers in Houston, Miami, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, depending on your consular district.

The requirements for a US visa application from Austria include:

- A completed application form

- A recent photograph (taken within the last 6 months) against a plain light background

- A valid passport

- Proof of sufficient funds

- A return plane ticket

- Other specific requirements depending on the type of visa

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment