Italy to apply new visa rules on international students from January 2025

Rome: The Italian government has announced changes to visa regulations for international students and others applying for long-term visas (D Visa) for stays exceeding 90 days.

Starting January 10, 2025, applicants must book and attend individual appointments at Italian consulates, where their fingerprints will be collected, according to Schengen.News.

The new policy eliminates the option for batch processing, a system previously used by many U.S. institutions to expedite visa applications. This shift increases the administrative burden on Italian consulates and complicates the process for students.

Jill Allen Murray, Deputy Executive Director of Public Policy at NAFSA, expressed concern about the additional costs and stress this policy will impose on students, particularly those traveling long distances to consulates for appointments.

Melissa Torres, CEO of the Forum on Education Abroad, highlighted potential repercussions for Italy’s popularity as a study destination for U.S. students, noting that the number of American students choosing Italy has risen by 37% in the past year. She also warned that increased costs and administrative hurdles could deter students from pursuing semester-long programs in Italy, with some U.S.-based providers considering shortening their programs due to the stricter requirements.

The new rules may exacerbate frustrations among international students, particularly those already facing challenges in securing visa appointments. Iranian students have been protesting lengthy processing times for Italian visas, with around 1,000 still awaiting responses. Similarly, over 150 Afghan students are waiting for appointments, some since July, with many needing to travel to Pakistan or Iran for their applications.

These measures could lead to greater dissatisfaction among international students, potentially deterring them from choosing Italy as a study destination and increasing the financial and logistical strain on study abroad providers and students alike.