Integration Agreement 2011
As of July 1 there are several legal changes for immigrants to Austria. The Austrian Integration Fund has summarized the most important questions and answers.
What German skills will immigrants need to have in the future?
New immigrants will have to start learning German before their arrival. Language skills have to be at level A1 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages. That means that you can communicate at a very basic level. After two years (previously five years) immigrants have to prove that they have reached level A2 in order to have the residence permit renewed. With this language level you can communicate in everyday situations.
Another change is that immigrants have to prove that they have reached level B1 in German for permanent residency and for Austrian citizenship. With this language level you can easily talk about familiar and everyday topics. These provisions are regulated in the new Integration Agreement (IV). The Integration Agreement is aimed at the linguistic integration of migrants from so-called third countries (non-EU countries or EEA countries), who settle permanently in Austria.
What will the new regulations accomplish?
Migrants should learn German at a considerably faster pace in order to be able to participate in Austrian society and get settled at work quicker. A minimum of level A2 in German is necessary to do this. Other countries, like Germany, have already successfully adjusted the linguistic requirements.
Are migrants reimbursed for the expenses associated with fulfilling the requirements of the Integration Agreement?
Yes. If migrants have completed a German Integration Course at a certified institute and can prove that they have reached level A2 after 18 months, they will receive a refund of up to €750. Proof of the language level must be provided through an ÖIF test. The ÖIF offers two test formats: ÖIF Test and German Test for Austria. Other recognized tests, such as the ÖSD, can be used to fulfill Integration Agreement requirements but not the refund requirements.
What happens if someone does not fulfill the Integration Agreement requirements?
If there are serious grounds (ex. serious illness), the time period to fulfill the Integration Agreement can be extended. However, if the Integration Agreement is not fulfilled, there are penalties ranging from fines to not being granted the residence permit in Austria, unless there are human rights issues.
What are the Austrian Integration Fund's (ÖIF) responsibilities in the Integration Agreement?
The ÖIF is responsible for certifying the educational institutes, processing the federal refund, evaluating the Integration Agreement, and testing. More information and a list of certified course providers can be found at www.integrationsfonds.at
An overview of certified course providers in Austria is available here.
