Work and travel in Austria: International Experience Canada
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What Austria offers
While most of Austria is mountainous, the landscape offers a lot of variety with snowy peaks, glaciers, many lakes and rivers, wide basins, vineyards and green hills and plains. Because of this, Austrians, like Canadians, embrace an outdoor lifestyle that includes hiking, mountain climbing and water sports and, of course, some of the best skiing in the world.
Austria is rich with tradition and culture. It’s common for many Austrians to wear traditional dress, such as a Dirndl (dress with apron) or Lederhosen (short leather pants), when the occasion is right. Food is a big part of Austrian culture. If you’re a fan of desserts, make sure to try a piece of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel. Austria’s history in music is as impressive as any. Names like Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert are just a few famous composers connected to Austrian music.
Who can apply?
To work in Austria through a bilateral Youth Mobility program, you must:
- be a Canadian citizen
- be 18-30 years old (inclusive) for the Working Holiday Programme, or
- be 18-35 years old (inclusive) for the Intra- and Partner-Company Training Program or the Young Workers Exchange Program, and
- have a Canadian passport that’s valid for at least 3 months more than the length of your stay
- for example, if you’re staying in Austria for 6 months, your passport must be valid for at least 9 months
Other requirements may apply. Check Austria’s website for more details.
What type of work visa do I need?
If you’re staying:
- between three to six months, you need to apply for an entry permit (Visa D)
- more than six months, you need to apply for a residence permit
Eligible applicants can apply for one of three Youth Mobility programs:
Intra- and Partner-Company Training Program
Young professionals employed in Canada who want to travel to receive or provide training from a partner company in Austria.
Young Workers Exchange Program
Post-secondary graduates who want professional training in tourism, agriculture or forestry. Participants must have a degree or diploma in at least one of the three fields.
Working Holiday Programme
Canadian youth looking to travel to Austria and work temporarily to fund your trip.
Do I need a formal job or internship offer?
Yes, you need a job offer (pre-arranged contract of employment) or a formal internship offer if you apply to the:
- Intra- and Partner-Company Training Program
- Young Workers Exchange Program
No, you don’t need one if you apply to the Working Holiday Programme.
How long can I stay and work?
If you are taking part in the:
- Intra-and Partner Company Training Program, you can stay up to 12 months
- Young Workers Exchange Program, you can stay up to 6 months
- Working Holiday Programme, you can stay up to 12 months with an entry permit (Visa D).
How do I apply?
You can apply in person, by appointment, at the Austrian embassy in Ottawa.
Plan your trip
The best way to make sure your trip is the experience of a lifetime is to plan. Review our travel checklist to find out what you should know or do before travelling to and working in a foreign country.
Need help planning? One of IEC’s recognized organizations (ROs) might be able to help you find a job, transportation, and provide travel advice.
Most ROs charge a fee for their services.
More resources
- Tourism Austria
- Cultural information
- Check for travel advisories
- Find a job
- Living and working in Austria
- Safety and travel advice for LGBTQ2 travellers
Need more help planning? Contact a recognized organization.
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