Visa Instructions (for stays longer than 3 months)

Basic visa info:

• American citizens need a visa to stay in the Schengen Zone (the blue countries in the image) for longer than 90 days in a 180-day period
  • If you exceed 90 days in the Schengen illegally, you may have serious consequences (a fine, deportation, and/or ban) so don’t do this
• Having a student visa is the best way to stay in the Schengen for longer than 90 days
• In order to qualify for the student visa, you’ll attend an Italian language course for usually about 20 hours per week
• You need to have the student visa valid for your entire stay in the Schengen area
• Double check all this info online for the country you’re applying to
  

  Student visa costs:

•  The student visa costs about $60 (slightly more or less depending on exchange rates)
• Tuition cost varies based on how many months you plan to stay
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  • You’ll also need to pay at least 50% of tuition (percentage depends on the host family)
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    • You’ll pay this to the school nearest your host family (we work with a couple schools to get you a good deal)​
    • Total tuition in Milan is about €250/month
    • Total tuition in Rome ranges from €136 to €250/month
      • The host families are usually happy to pay half of this cost
    •  You’ll need $1000 in your bank for each month you plan to have the student visa for OR someone who can vouch for you for this amount

  Other visa considerations:

• The visas are issued in about 30 days
• You will send out your visa application by mail with your passport
• You will receive your passport back and your visa by mail
• Your passport must be valid at least 3-6 months beyond the date of your return to the U.S. and must have at least 2 blank pages. It also must have been issued within the last 10 years
• After you arrive in Italy, you’ll need to apply for a “permesso di soggiorno” (residency permit) from the local Questura (police department) within 8 days of your arrival in Italy
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  • You might not be able to travel to other countries until you get this permit

   

  Note: When asked by the consulate or at customs or in the airport, remember you are NOT working nor being paid — you are a student who is being hosted by an Italian family while you attend Italian classes 

   

  Instructions for applying for the student visa:

  • • 1. Fill out all the paperwork you can (we’ve uploaded all the forms into a folder)
         1. Start with school application
         2. Then visa application
      2. Get an official statement from your bank
      3. Print a transcript or other proof that you’ve taken basic Italian courses
      4. Gather all documents
      5. Coordinate with host to have them send the invitation letter ASAP
      6. Pay tuition
      7. Call the Italian Consulate to make an appointment
         1. TALK TO ROME ABROAD’S MANAGING DIRECTOR BEFORE YOU CALL
         2. You will need to know exactly what to say so you need to rehearse this before you call the Consulate to make an appointment. You are NOT an au pair, you are not working. You are studying abroad with a host family arranged by the school and you have paid rent (technically your program fee).
         3. Call 3 weeks before you need to meet with them
         4. They will only meet with you if you have completed the application and all required documentation
         5. Salt Lake City Consulate
            1. 801-532-7300
            2. italianconsul@sautah.com
            3. Hours: Tuesday, 9 am – 11 am and Thursday, 2 pm – 4 pm
      8. After the Consulate gives you approval, you’ll mail all the documents to the Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco
         1. You’ll receive the visa via mail
         2. You’ll show the visa with your passport upon entering and leaving Italy

  Remember!

  • • • Mail or submit all required documents in a timely manner
      • If you fail to do so, it may result in delayed visa approval or refusal by the Consulate
      • The Consulate has the final decision on issuing a visa
      • They might ask for further documents
      • Mail your package of documents with a secured and trackable service such as FedEx, UPS, USPS Express, or DHL

Note: The sooner you gather this paperwork, the easier it will be to apply for a visa!