Italy Updates Long-Term Visa Process: Fingerprinting Now Mandatory

Italy has announced significant changes to its visa application process for international students and other long-term visa (D Visa) applicants planning to stay in the country for over 90 days.

These new visa rules, effective from January 10, 2025, aim to streamline the administrative process but may present additional challenges for applicants.

Mandatory Individual Appointments and Fingerprinting

Under the new policy, international students must schedule and attend individual appointments at Italian consulates, where their fingerprints will be collected. This move eliminates the previously available “batch processing” option, commonly used by U.S. institutions to facilitate timely visa approvals for groups of students.

This change has raised concerns among education experts about its potential impact on study-abroad programs. Travelling to consulates for fingerprinting is expected to increase expenses for students and make the visa application process more challenging and stressful.

Rising Costs and Administrative Challenges

The new requirement adds to the financial burden of studying abroad in Italy. Students will now face higher travel costs to attend consulate appointments, and longer wait times for visa processing are anticipated.

Impact on American Students

Italy is currently the top choice for American students studying abroad, with a 37% increase in U.S. students pursuing academic programs in the country over the past year. However, education providers are worried that these new rules could reduce enrollment.

Some organizations are already considering shorter study-abroad programs to mitigate the challenges posed by the updated visa process.

Also Read: Italy Cracks Down on Self-Check-in: Key Box Ban for Holiday Rentals

Challenges for Students from Iran and Afghanistan

The new measures are likely to exacerbate existing frustrations among international students. Iranian students, for example, have faced months-long delays in obtaining Italian student visas, with around 1,000 applicants still awaiting appointments.

Similarly, Afghan students, many of whom must travel to embassies in Pakistan or Iran, report significant delays. Over 150 Afghan students have been waiting for visa appointments since July. These delays have sparked protests from Iranian students, highlighting the ongoing dissatisfaction with the Italian visa system.

Potential Consequences

The stricter requirements could discourage international students from selecting Italy as their academic destination, affecting the country’s popularity among foreign students. Education experts also fear these changes may strain the resources of study-abroad organizations, forcing them to reevaluate their offerings.

Also Read: Italy Increases Work Visa Quotas for 2025, Introduces Stricter Rules

Conclusion

Italy’s new visa rules mark a significant shift in its approach to long-term visa applications. While the government aims to enhance administrative efficiency, the added costs and challenges may deter many international students, potentially impacting Italy’s position as a top study destination.

For those planning to study in Italy, it’s crucial to stay informed about these changes and prepare early to navigate the updated application process.