Austrian citizens enjoy visa-free access to the US through Austria’s participation in the visa waiver program. However, they must complete ESTA registration, the US electronic travel authorization system, before their trip.
ESTA
A valid ESTA is only good for two years from the date of authorization or until the day that your passport expires, whichever occurs first. Once your ESTA application has been filed, the authorization date will be shown on the Authorization Approved page. However, if it is revoked, your ESTA’s validity ends. It’s vital to print your ESTA after you’ve received authorization. It is essential for preserving records even if it is not required upon arrival in the United States. Your entrance authorization will be verified by the US immigration authorities who will have a copy of their electronic copy. Your ESTA is good for use on a variety of trips over the whole two-year validity period. Based on this information, there’s no need to submit a new ESTA application presently. An expired ESTA won’t hinder your departure from the US, permitting your return home. However, remember that even a two-year-valid ESTA doesn’t grant a stay exceeding 90 days to adhere to VWP rules. Don’t forget that altering any of the data on your passport, including your name, gender, or nation of citizenship, would make your current ESTA invalid. You must thus pay a fee to submit a fresh ESTA application.
Travel requiring visa
There are various situations in which Austrian nationals might need a visa (travel pass) to enter the United States. Here are a few frequent scenarios:
Longer stays
Austrian citizens staying in the United States for over 90 days must apply for a B-1 pass for business or a B-2 pass for tourism, medical care, or family visits.
Employment or education
A particular travel pass is normally needed if an Austrian citizen wishes to work or study in the United States. For example, a temporary H-1B pass is designed for skilled employees, whereas an F-1 pass is for foreign students.
Immigration
Austrian nationals seeking permanent relocation to the United States require an immigrant pass. This often entails sponsoring family members, employment-based immigration, or other particular categories.
Non-tourism activities
Even for brief stays, a pass could be needed for several occupations, including journalism, serving on the crew of a private or commercial aircraft, or doing some kind of research.
Ineligibility or a criminal record
If an Austrian citizen has a criminal record or other circumstances that exclude them from the Visa Waiver Program, they may need to apply for a travel pass.
Travel for diplomatic or official business
Depending on their circumstances, Austrian government officials and representatives may need a visa.
Getting a visa
To get a US travel pass as a citizen of Austria:
Determine the visa type
Choose the U.S. travel pass type that aligns with your trip’s purpose. Common visa categories encompass business and tourism (B-1/B-2), education (F-1), employment (H-1B), and family-sponsored immigrant visas (e.g., IR-1, CR-1).
Fill out the DS-160 online form for a pass
Complete the DS-160 form by going to the website of the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). Information about your identity, plans for travel, and visa eligibility are all gathered on this form. After finishing, a DS-160 confirmation barcode will be sent to you.
Payment of the visa application fee
The non-refundable visa application cost must be paid. The cost varies according to the kind of visa. On the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you want to apply, you may find payment alternatives and instructions.
Plan a visa interview
To book a visa interview appointment, create an account on the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate. To accomplish this, you will need the DS-160 confirmation barcode, the receipt for the travel pass application fee, and information from your passport.
Collect the necessary paperwork
Create a thorough collection of supporting documentation, which generally consists of:
- A passport valid for at least six more months beyond the desired stay length.
- images that are the minimum size required for US visas.
- DS-160 acknowledgment page.
- A receipt for the visa application cost.
- Confirmation of a visa appointment.
- Visa-specific paperwork, such as an I-20 for students or a letter of employment for workers.
- Evidence of connections to Austria, such as jobs, property, and family.
- Anything else the American embassy or consulate requests in writing.
Take part in the visa interview
Attend the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in Austria on the day specified. Be ready to discuss your trip objectives, links to Austria, and visa eligibility. Your fingertips may also be taken.
Pay the visa issuance fee
Depending on your travel pass category, you may need to pay an extra charge for the issuing of your pass after it has been granted.
Wait for the visa
The consular official will decide on the approval or denial of your travel pass application after the interview. If granted, they will provide you instructions on how and when to pick up your visa.
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