What exactly do I need?
Here is a checklist of documents you will need just to apply for your residency permit.
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How much will this cost?
Check out my blog post Price Check for a comprehensive breakdown of pre-departure and post-arrival costs, including the cost of these documents.
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Where can I get passport photos and fingerprints?
While I got both my passport photos and my fingerprints taken at the post office this is far from the only place to obtain these. Most pharmacies like Walgreens and Rite Aid will also offer passport photos, however, beware Walgreen my curly haired friends. I chose the post office after Walgreens tried to digitally “white out” the background. Since I have curly hair the background was clearly not white in certain sections and this gave the photo a very sketchy quality overall. I admit though I can’t speak for Rite Aid, as they didn’t have a working camera at the time. Two post offices later I was able to get pictures.
As for fingerprinting, the situation is similar, go wherever is available to you. My fellow scholarship awardee went to a place called Indetigo, but there was nothing like that in my area, so I went to the post office. A few notes about the post office: you must fill out a form online before you go, always confirm their hours as many close for lunch, and remember that you do not need an appointment. Also remember all of these things may be post office dependent.
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Where can I get an Apostille?
You can get an apostille in the state you were born in. Therefore, where you need to go will depend on your circumstances. Google is your best friend.
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Why can’t I use my original birth certificate for the Apostille?
Chances are your original birth certificate is only certified at the county level. This means that it is not eligible for an apostille. I’m not a government employee but here’s the link from the US government for some clarity on why you probably need a new birth certificate to get your apostille. Not to mention, it’s probably for the best that you don’t take the only copy of your birth certificate abroad with you.
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Why get documents in duplicate?
Not required of course, but better be safe than sorry especially with documents so vital to your stay. Now, this is not to say you should bring both copies with you (ever heard don’t put all your eggs in one basket?). I have one birth certificate with an apostille with me and the other is safely at home. That way, should anything happen to mine here for whatever reason, I still have a copy and I know where it is.
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How do I apply for my residency Permit when I get to Graz?
You will learn about this during the required welcome week. The International Relations Office at University Graz has resources for students and here are their instructions. However, before you apply you need to make sure you have all of your documents in order, have registered with the city (Meldezettel), and have applied for the Austrian Health Insurance.
BND ABROAD 