FAQ - Questions and Answers

When is the 2011 IA considered fulfilled?

Module 1 of the 2011 IA is fulfilled when the migrant can demonstrate German skills at level A2 with a recognized test certificate. Module 1 of the 2011 IA must be fulfilled within two years. Module 2 of the IA is fulfilled when the migrant can demonstrate German skills at level B1.

What kinds of courses are available to fulfill the 2011 Integration Agreement?

Module 1 of the 2011 Integration Agreement is aimed at achieving level A2. The list of certified course providers offering integration courses at level A2 can be found on our website under Find Your Institute.

Do I have to take a German course in order to fulfill the 2011 IA?

If your German skills are sufficient, you do not have to attend a German integration course. If you wish, you can also choose a German class with less than 300 hours or not take a class at all. The only requirement to fulfill Module 1 of the 2011 IA is to pass the test at level A2.

Is the German test for the 2011 IA the same as the test for citizenship?

No. As part of the Integration Agreement, migrants have to pass a German integration test at level A2, such as the 2011 ÖIF Test developed by the Austrian Integration Fund. Those who have passed this test have demonstrated sufficient German skills and receive a course certificate. Module 1 of the Integration Agreement is fulfilled after successful completion of the level A2 test. To acquire Austrian citizenship, you have to demonstrate sufficient German skills at level B1. The ÖIF offers the scaled German Test for Austria (DTÖ) for this purpose. However, to obtain citizenship you also have to pass a test on Austrian history, the democratic system, and the history of the state in which you live. This test can be taken at the responsible authority (municipal authority or administrative district authority) in your city or state.

Who is exempt from the IA?    

• Underage minors: Children and youths who are still underage (under 14) two years after the residence permit was issued.
  

Examples: A nine year old receives a residence permit. After two years she is eleven years old. Therefore, she does not have to fulfill the IA. A twelve year old receives a residence permit. After two years he is fourteen years old. He has to fulfill the IA.    

• Poor health: In this case an official medical opinion is required at your own expense.

Who receives a blue ÖIF voucher?

The blue federal voucher is issued to migrants by the office where they signed the Integration Agreement. The following people qualify for a voucher for the German integration course: Family members of 1. Austrians 2. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens and third country nationals with a longer residence permit (Ex. EC Permanent Residence Permit, Unrestricted Residence Permit, Recognized Refugee Status). Family members include spouses and underage, unmarried children.

What is the maximum financial support?     

• Valid yellow voucher: You can receive up to a 100% refund of course costs, maximum of €375 for 75 course units, for a literacy course. For the German integration course you receive 50% of the course costs as long as the voucher is valid; however, the maximum amount is €750 and a maximum hourly rate of €2.50.    
• Valid blue voucher: For a German integration course at level A2 you receive 50% of the course costs as long as the voucher is valid; however, the maximum amount is €750 and a maximum hourly rate of €2.50.

What are the time limits?    

• Yellow voucher: If the authorities have also identified a need for a literacy course, the voucher is valid for 3 years after the date it was issued, as long as the literacy course is completed within one year of issuance. The voucher is valid for two years for German integration courses. In order to claim a refund of costs, you have to pass a recognized test at level A2 within this time period.    
• Blue voucher: In order to claim a refund of costs, you have to pass the course with an ÖIF test (2011 ÖIF Test, DTÖ) at level A2 within a maximum of 18 months after being issued a residence permit or receiving an extension.

It is impossible for me to take the course/test within the voucher's validity period. What can I do?

According to § 14 par. 8 of the Settlement and Residence Act, the authorities – municipal authority or administrative district authority – can grant an extension for the IA "in consideration of personal circumstances." "Personal circumstances" are, for example:    

• Problems during pregnancy    
• Serious illness or    
• A lack of courses.    
• In each case the extension can be issued for a maximum of 1 year. This also extends the validity period of the voucher (see below).

Can the expiration date of the blue voucher be extended?

When you are issued an extension to the IA, the expiration date of the voucher is automatically extended. IMPORTANT: You must apply for the extension of the IA when the voucher is still valid. It is also important that the authorities agree to the extension before the voucher expires. Make sure that you apply for the extension early enough, as the authorities have up to six months to give their answer. Example: Your voucher expires on May 31, 2012. On May 20th you apply for an extension to the IA. The authorities approve it immediately and issue a 12 month extension. Now your voucher is valid until May 31, 2013.

I lost my voucher. How can I get a new voucher?

Duplicate vouchers are issued by ÖIF. In order to do this we need a notice of loss from the police and confirmation from the authorities that the lost voucher was issued (ex. a photocopy of the voucher). Fax or mail both confirmations to the ÖIF or bring them in personally. In order to mail you a duplicate of the voucher, we also require a current address.

Where can I take a course?

At the menu item Find Your Institute you will find all certified course institutes in Austria arranged according to state. Click on Downloads for a PDF list of all institutes.

Where can I take the old ÖIF test?

You can take the old ÖIF Test (with the yellow voucher) at all certified course institutes. At the menu item Find Your Institute you will find all certified course institutes in Austria arranged according to state. Click on Downloads for a PDF list of all institutes.

Where can I take the new ÖIF Test/DTÖ Test?

The new ÖIF Test (yellow/blue voucher) and the DTÖ Test can be taken at certified course institutes if they offer these tests. At the menu item Find Your Institute you will find all certified course institutes in Austria arranged according to state. The ÖIF also offers its own test dates; you can register for these on our website.

I would like to take the old ÖIF test.What does this test look like?

The old ÖIF Test is a level A2 test. It consists of the modules listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The test takes approx. 90 minutes. The practice test for the old ÖIF Test can be found here.

I would like to take the new ÖIF test. What does this test look like?

The new ÖIF Test is a level A2 test. It consists of the modules listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The written test takes approx. 85 minutes, the oral test 10 minutes per person. ÖIF Modelltest neu

I would like to take the DTÖ test. What does this test look like?

The DTÖ tests listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in German. The entire test consists of a 100 minute written section and an oral section of around 16 minutes, which can either be done alone or in pairs. The test takers do not need to reach B1 in all areas (listening/reading, writing, and speaking) to get a B1 certificate. That means that the test takers will receive a B1 certificate if they reach level B1 in the speaking module as well as one of the other two modules (either listening/reading or writing). In order to receive a test certificate for level A2, this level has to be reached in both speaking and one of the other modules (listening/reading or writing). Deutsch-Test für Österreich

How often can the DTÖ or ÖIF test be repeated?

You can repeat these tests as often as you wish. You can take it again immediately. There are no time restrictions between test dates. But please be aware that your institute may charge you a fee for each attempt. If you take the test directly at ÖIF, there is also a test fee.

How much does the DTÖ/ÖIF test cost?

Directly at ÖIF, the DTÖ or new ÖIF test costs €130 per person. If you would like to take the tests at a certified course institute, please inquire directly at the institute.