Austria: Red-White-Red Card Improvements Forthcoming

Effective October 1, 2022, Austrian immigration authorities will introduce numerous immigration law changes to streamline foreign workers' access to Austria and to attract skilled employees. Regarding the Red-White-Red Card, authorities will accept German and English language test certificates issued in the past five years, (which codifies and harmonizes the validity duration); and will grant credit points under the eligibility determination system for related work experience of six months (down from 12 months currently) and for experience not related to the candidate’s education. In addition, the employer will be able to file applications for dependents under the main applicant’s application, whereas currently, dependents must apply for their own visa at an Austrian consular post. Lastly, graduates of Austrian higher education institutions applying for a Red-White-Red Card will no longer be subject to a minimum salary level other than the salary determined by the applicable collective bargaining agreement. These changes are expected to streamline entry for graduates, young talent and those with professional qualifications.