Journal

Request for improvement in NAG proceedings: respond before the application fails

How a request for improvement under section 13 para 3 AVG should be assessed in NAG proceedings and which steps matter before the deadline.

6 July 2026
Proceedings
Mag. Mirela Saric, Attorney at Law

How a request for improvement under section 13 para 3 AVG should be assessed in NAG proceedings and which steps matter before the deadline.

This article shows which points should be organised before filing or responding. It stays within positive NAG proceedings and does not make a return decision the main topic.

The information is general. The concrete permit, decision or authority request must always be reviewed individually.

Which question comes first?

The three options help use the article for preparation. They do not replace review of the individual case.

What is currently open?

Prepare application
Documents and authority competence still need clarification
Check deadline
Expiry, service or later submission are unclear
Separate risk
Entry ban or return decision may be involved

Organise documents first

Start with a list covering identity, residence purpose, accommodation, insurance and support. Then missing evidence can be identified.

  • Sort documents by evidentiary issue.
  • Check foreign certificates early.
  • Keep authority letters complete.

Secure the deadline first

Record expiry date, service and planned filing. In NAG proceedings timing can be more important than later reasoning.

  • Record service date.
  • Check permit expiry.
  • Note later submission deadlines separately.

Assess blocking effect separately

If entry ban, residence ban, SIS or return decision may matter, this should not be hidden inside the residence permit application.

  • Collect decisions.
  • Document SIS or border issues.
  • Use einreiseverbot.at for blocking effect issues.

What a request for improvement means

In administrative proceedings, a request for improvement usually asks the applicant to cure defects in the application. Section 13 para 3 AVG is a central reference point.

In NAG proceedings it may concern missing certificates, unclear information, unreadable copies or missing translations. The authority wording matters.

The request should not be treated as a mere reminder. It can decide whether the application continues or is rejected.

Check deadline, service and content

First check service date, deadline and requested documents. Without these three points no reliable response is possible.

If a deadline is short, clarify quickly what can be submitted immediately and where an understandable explanation is needed.

The response should clearly match each document to the defect it cures. Unsorted annexes make review harder.

If documents are not available in time

Sometimes apostille, legalisation or foreign certificates are not available within the deadline. Then document when they were requested and why delay occurred.

Whether an extension request or interim response is useful depends on the request and the case status. This must be assessed individually.

Think about appeal early

If the application fails despite the response, service, reasoning and appeal deadline become decisive. The response to the request should therefore be documented carefully.

Frequently asked questions on residence permits

Can I file without all documents?

This depends on permit type, deadline and the missing evidence. Some items can be submitted later. Others are central for filing or assessment.

Which authority is competent?

This depends on residence purpose, address, consular involvement and type of proceeding. Competence should be checked before filing.

What if an entry ban exists?

The blocking effect must then be assessed separately. A residence permit application does not automatically remove an active entry ban.