Frequently asked questions
The most important information about costs, timing, requirements and your pathway to Austria.
Nurses do not pay recruitment or placement fees. You organise and pay for your own documents and apostille — keep all invoices and receipts. Once you are in Austria, your documented expenses are reimbursed. Your investment is commitment: remain reachable, learn German, complete tasks and show progress. Participation may be ended after repeated inactivity without communication.
There is no fixed duration. Your existing German level and prepared documents are decisive. If you start from zero, around 10–12 months can serve as an orientation to reach B1 and complete the essential documentation and recognition steps through consistent participation. Existing German knowledge and prepared documents can accelerate the process.
A Bachelor of Nursing is the minimum requirement. The current focus is on nurses from the Philippines. NOVA ACCESS deliberately offers limited places instead of mass recruitment. You may still apply when no place is currently available.
An application without German knowledge is generally possible. At present, however, many applicants already have German skills. Dedicated A1 entry pathways with Deutsch Talk are planned from 2027.
During A1, commitment and document preparation move forward. During A2, the application for Austrian professional recognition can be submitted. With complete documents, around three months is an average orientation, depending on authorities and timing. The recognition decision is required for the next visa steps.
NOVA ACCESS coordinates the visa process with Bona Dea Care. The nurse's two main responsibilities are obtaining personal documents and learning German. You receive a clear document list tailored to your country and guidance through the rest of the process.
Family reunification is generally possible and planned individually. It can often be sensible to arrive in Austria first and bring the family after several months. A1 German and a state-recognised marriage certificate may be required for spouses. Dedicated German preparation for spouses is planned. NOVA ACCESS and Bona Dea Care support the process.
A dedicated accommodation concept has been developed with Bona Dea Care. Initial accommodation is organised, and the nurse has no accommodation costs at the beginning. Details are explained during the personal process.
A rejection due to missing formal requirements, limited capacity or understandable external circumstances does not have to be final. You may remain on file and be contacted later. If participation is ended because of repeated lack of cooperation, unreachability or missing commitment, later readmission is generally not provided for.
We handle the process. You bring the commitment.
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