Processing Time
Up to 8 Weeks
Applicants should therefore submit their application sufficiently in advance whenever possible.
🇦🇹 Austria
Graduates of Austrian Universities
Red-White-Red Card for International Graduates
← Back to Austria
Austria offers international graduates of Austrian higher-education institutions a pathway to remain in the country and transition from study to qualified employment.
Eligible third-country nationals who successfully complete qualifying studies in Austria and secure employment corresponding to their level of education may apply for a Red-White-Red Card for Graduates of Austrian Universities.
CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assists graduates in understanding their available immigration options and coordinates the application process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.
Who Can Apply?
This pathway is designed for third-country nationals who have successfully completed qualifying higher education in Austria.
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Diploma Degree
- Doctoral / PhD Degree
The qualifying studies must have been completed at an Austrian university, university of applied sciences or accredited private university.
No Points System
Unlike several other Red-White-Red Card categories, graduates of Austrian universities do not need to reach a minimum number of points. Eligibility is instead primarily based on:
- Successful completion of qualifying studies in Austria
- A suitable Austrian employment position
- Employment corresponding to the graduate's level of qualification
- Appropriate remuneration
- Compliance with the applicable residence requirements
12-Month Job Search Period
Stay in Austria After Graduation
Graduates who have not yet found suitable employment may apply for a one-time extension of their Residence Permit – Student for up to 12 months in order to search for suitable employment or start a business in Austria.
The extension should be applied for before the existing Student Residence Permit expires.
Up to 12 Months
Already Found a Job?
Graduates who already have suitable employment do not necessarily need to use the full 12-month job-search period.
A direct transition from the Residence Permit – Student to an appropriate Red-White-Red Card category may be possible when the relevant requirements are satisfied.
Employment Requirements
To qualify, the applicant must have a fixed employment position. The employment should:
- Correspond to the applicant's level of education
- Be appropriate to the graduate's qualifications
- Provide remuneration customary in Austria for comparable graduates performing comparable work with similar professional experience
Unlike some other Red-White-Red Card categories, there is no separate fixed annual minimum salary threshold specifically stated for this graduate pathway.
AMS Assessment
The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) assesses whether the employment-related requirements for the Red-White-Red Card are fulfilled. The AMS examines whether:
- The applicant has completed qualifying Austrian studies
- The proposed employment corresponds to the applicant's qualification
- The remuneration is appropriate for comparable Austrian graduates
- The relevant employment requirements are satisfied
Who May Benefit From This Pathway?
- Engineering
- Technology
- Information Technology
- Business & Economics
- Finance
- Sciences
- Research
- Management
- Architecture
- Healthcare
- Other Qualified Professional Fields
Application Timing & Where to Apply
Applicants should ideally apply while their Residence Permit – Student is still valid. This helps maintain continuous lawful residence in Austria. An application may also be possible after completing studies and temporarily leaving Austria, subject to the applicable immigration rules.
In many cases, the application is submitted in Austria as a change-of-purpose application to the competent residence authority. The prospective Austrian employer may also submit the application on behalf of the graduate, and an application through the competent Austrian embassy or consulate abroad may be possible.
For applicants residing in Vienna, the competent residence authority is generally MA 35.
Required Documents
- Valid Passport
- Recent Passport Photograph
- Evidence of Completed Austrian Studies
- Degree Certificate
- Academic Records where required
- Employer Declaration
- Employment Documentation
- Additional Evidence Requested by the Authorities
Foreign-language documents may require certified translations and, where applicable, legalization or an apostille.
Application Process
- 01
Initial Consultation
We review your Austrian education, current residence status and professional objectives.
- 02
Employment Assessment
Your employment offer is reviewed to determine whether it corresponds to your qualifications and level of education.
- 03
Documentation
The necessary academic, employment and immigration documents are prepared and coordinated.
- 04
AMS Assessment
The competent residence authority forwards the employment-related aspects of the application to the AMS.
- 05
Residence Authority Decision
If the relevant requirements are fulfilled, the competent Austrian residence authority can issue the Red-White-Red Card.
Processing, Fees & Validity
Government Application Fee
€218
Additional costs may arise for translations, certifications, legalization and professional services.
Validity
Up to 2 Years
Temporary settlement and employment authorization for the employer specified in the application.
Changing Employers
The initial Red-White-Red Card is generally linked to the employment stated in the application. If the holder changes employer, immigration procedures may need to be completed for the new position.
Under the current Austrian rules, where a complete application for an appropriate new residence title with labour-market access has been submitted, employment with the new employer may in certain cases begin after a 45-day waiting period.
From Study to a Long-Term Future in Austria
Eligible graduates holding a Red-White-Red Card may later transition to a Red-White-Red Card Plus, which provides unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.
Periods spent in Austria with a Student Residence Permit can also be relevant when assessing future eligibility for Long-Term Residence – EU, although student residence periods are subject to specific rules regarding how they are counted.
Related Pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need points?
No. The Red-White-Red Card for Austrian graduates does not use the points system applicable to several other RWR categories.
Do I need a job offer?
Yes. You need qualifying employment corresponding to your level of education.
What if I do not yet have a job?
Eligible graduates can apply for a one-time extension of their Student Residence Permit for up to 12 months to search for employment or start a business.
Is there a fixed minimum salary?
There is no separate fixed salary threshold stated specifically for this graduate category. The remuneration must correspond to the customary salary for comparable Austrian graduates carrying out comparable work with similar experience.
Can I apply directly after graduation?
Yes. If you already satisfy the requirements, a direct transition from Student Residence to an appropriate Red-White-Red Card is possible.
How long is the card valid?
It is generally issued for up to two years.
Can my family join me?
Eligible family members may have access to Austrian family reunification pathways.
Start Your Career in Austria
Turn Your Austrian Education Into Your Professional Future
If you have completed your studies in Austria and want to continue your career in the country, CETO can help you understand your residence and employment options.