Visa vs. work permit in Austria

• Hi
  
  I am an SA citizen. 14 months ago, I came to Austria with my Austrian wife. My original visa was valid for 3 months. Within 3 months, I got a work permit for Austria, and have since had it renewed, so it's valid. The people who issued the work permit told me that I did not have to renew my Austrian visa, because the work permit over-rides it, and acts as a visa.
  
  Now I hear that that might not be true - that I may be actually in the country illegally. Can anyone please fill me in on this? And if I travel outside of Austria (and outside of the EU), is this work permit valid to get back into Austria?
  
  Thanks very much.

  08 Jun 2009, 11:17 Bob

Replies

• hey....

  umm,
  
  What does your visa say on it? Unbeschränkt? Niederlassungsbewilligung by any chance? Freier zugang zum arbeitsmarkt? Would help to know what's written on there. Should be a plastic card of some sort.
  
  you can email me steve (at) md5 dot com
  
  Steve

  Steve 10 Jun 2009, 06:55 - Report