Austria: integration agreements.
In accordance with the Law on Integration adopted in October 2017, Austria introduced an integration exam for third-country nationals (non-EU countries) applying for a residence permit (permanent residence) in the country. It was added to module 1 and module 2 of the requirements of the integration agreement. In fact, an exam is a test of basic knowledge of the legal and social systems of Austria, corresponding to a certain level of the German language.
Most third-country nationals who are not EU members who apply for a residence permit with the intention of residing in Austria for more than 24 months must sign an integration agreement, according to which they must acquire basic German language skills that allow them to integrate into social , economic and cultural life in Austria.
Fulfillment of the requirements of Module 1 is mandatory for those who are provided with Red-White-Red and RWR + cards, as well as several categories of permits for permanent residence (residence permit) and residence permit for family members. Module 2 is intended for resident applicants applying for a permanent residence and citizenship.
Knowledge of the language, within the framework of Module 1, corresponds to the level of knowledge of the A2 language; Module 2 - level B1.
The following groups of persons do not have to sign an integration agreement:
- under 14 years of age by the time the agreement is completed;
- third-country nationals who cannot fulfill the integration agreement due to age or health status. This fact must be established (confirmed) by an employee of the public health system;
- persons who have signed a declaration that they will not stay in Austria for more than 12 months for two years, and that they will not apply for a residence permit.
The Austrian Integration Fund, whose centers are located in Vienna, Upper Austria, Tyrol, Styria, Carinthia, Salzburg, Lower Austria, Vorarlberg and Burgenland, is responsible for working with immigrants as part of integration agreements.
Acting on behalf of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the Fund is responsible for the implementation of Integration Agreements. In particular, the foundation certifies and evaluates the organizers of German language courses and reimburses part of the course fee when the language exams are passed. The foundation is developing tests for the exam.
Immigrants have two years to demonstrate compliance with the terms of the integration agreement. Persons who have not fulfilled their obligations are subject to fines of up to 500 euros, imprisonment for two weeks and loss of social benefits, but cannot be deported from the country.
