Visa Guidelines for Austria
Students from the U.S. and Canada participating on an academic exchange program for 90 days up to 6 months will require the Austrian National Visa D (residence visa) to enter Austria. If you will be studying in Austria for a period of longer than 6 months, you may need a residence permit, which is different from the Austrian National Visa D.The guidelines below apply to U.S. citizens studying in Austria for a period of a semester up to a total of 6 months on the Austrian National Visa D (residence visa). If you are studying in Austria for more than 6 months or are not a U.S. citizen, your visa requirements and application process may be different. Please contact Education Abroad if you have any questions.
You may also reference additional information at: Austria Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
Important Notes about the Austria National Visa D
- 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”.
- You should apply for your visa no later than 4 weeks prior to your departure date to ensure that you receive your visa. You may not apply any earlier than 3 months prior to departure. The processing time generally takes about 15 calendar days and the embassy will not answer inquiries during this time frame.
- You will be leaving all application documents (including your passport) at the Embassy for processing. You will not be able to leave the country during this time.
- Effective May 15, 2014 all applicants applying for a Visa to enter Austria must submit biometric data (ten fingerprints). This means that all applicants need to schedule an appointment at the Austrian Embassy and must appear in person. Biometric data, along with the data provided in the visa application form, is stored in the IT - Visa Information System (VIS) and allows Schengen States to exchange data (for more information please visit: www.ec.europa.eu).
- You will be required to present your application in person at the local Embassy of Austria in Washington D.C.. If you are a resident of another jurisdiction area and will be applying for your visa over winter or summer break, check with the local Austrian embassy/consular authority to determine if you are able to make an appointment with that office.
For more information, reference: Austria Visa Homepage
The list below includes the standard requirements for U.S. passport holders applying for a student visa. Always review the student visa requirements on the Austrian Embassy website for up to date information as requirements are subject to change.
- a valid and signed passport or travel document
- (Passport/travel document must be valid for at least three months after the date of departure from Austria or the Schengen zone. Further, the first issue date of your passport must not be more than 10 years ago, and it must provide at least two empty pages. In the case of minors, a notarized signature of parent or guardian is required.)
- Travel documents must have been issued within the previous 10 years
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your last day of stay in Austria
- visa D application form, completed and signed
- two recent passport pictures. They strictly have to meet the following criteria: Max. head size 1.4 inch (36 mm), min. eye distance 0.3 inch (8mm)
- travel itinerary/ airline reservation (showing dates of travel) for entire journey
- proof of lodging in Austria (hotel reservation, student accommodations – see below)
- proof of travel insurance or health/accident insurance providing coverage in the Schengen countries: stating name of insurance company, type of coverage (medical emergencies including repatriation) and amount of coverage (minimum USD 50,000)
- copy of the following: passport and "Green Card" or US visa
- Consular fee: payment must be made in US$ per money order (payable to Embassy of Austria) or cash (exact change only please). This fee is non-refundable if the Visa application has been accepted.
- proof of financial means (e.g. scholarship, letter of grants, bank statement of last two months, other proof of income)
- if not U.S. citizen, a original U.S. residence permit "Green Card" (notarized copy not accepted) or US visa valid for at least three more months after the applicant's last day in the Schengen state.
- visas of countries you intend to visit after your stay in Austria
- If you wish to have your documents returned by U.S. mail (you may also pick it up in person), please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope (including the Certified Mail Receipt) with your application. The Austrian Embassy or Consulate General will not be responsible for documents after they were mailed.
- original letter issued by your educational institution
- original proof of registration
- proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. scholarship, letter of grants, bank statement of last two months [parent's account accepted including supporting letter], other proof of income)
- proof of lodging in Austria (e.g. lease contract, ownership papers)
- If sponsored by a private host, you will need an electronic declaration of liability: Elektronische Verpflichtungserklaerung*
Further documentation may be required on a case by case basis.
Application process
- Review all visa requirements
- Gather required materials
- Schedule an appointment with the embassy (required)
- Appear in person at the Austrian Embassy/Consulate (required) – see address below.
- Pick up your visa when notified it is available. If you wish to have your documents returned by U.S. mail, you may enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope (including the Certified Mail Receipt) with your application. The Austrian Embassy or Consulate General will not be responsible for documents after they were mailed.
You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service.
The Embassy will not provide any information about the status of your application via phone or e-mail. A consular officer will let you know as soon as your visa is issued. Otherwise, the Embassy will contact you if additional documentation is required.
Contact Information
Embassy of Austria
Consular Section
3524 International Court, NW
Washington, D.C., 20008
Consulate Office Hours:
Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m (noon) - Appointment Only.
(except Austrian and U.S. holidays )
E-mail: washington-ka@bmeia.gv.at or consularsection@austria.org