Study Abroad: Italy’s new student visa rules may cause delays for Indian students

NEW DELHI: Indian students aspiring to study in Italy may encounter significant challenges due to new, stricter visa requirements announced by the Italian government. Set to take effect from January 10, 2025, the new rules stipulate that applicants for the D Visa, which is required for stays of more than 90 days, must undergo fingerprinting in person at Italian consulates.

This change removes the previously available option for batch processing, which was handled by universities or study abroad agents. The shift is expected to create logistical difficulties and delays, disrupting the smooth visa application process for many students.

Italian student visa: Immediate steps

In response to these new regulations, The Forum on Education Abroad and the Association of American College and University Programs in Italy (AACUPI) have urged Italian authorities to reconsider the requirements. The Forum, which advocates for the interests of international students, has expressed concerns over the logistical difficulties these changes could create.

They have called for alternative solutions, such as allowing fingerprinting at the consulates, reinstating batch processing, or postponing the implementation to provide more time for students and universities to adapt.

The Forum has also urged the students to apply for D Visas as early as possible writing, “We strongly recommend that students apply for D Visas prior to January 10, 2025, or as early as they possibly can.”

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Italy for overseas education

Italy has seen a steady rise in the number of Indian students choosing the country for higher education. According to the ministry of external affairs (MEA), as of January 1, 2024, as many as 6,017 Indian students were studying in Italy. The latest data from a private housing survey suggests that around 5,897 Indian students are currently enrolled in various Italian institutions.

Several factors contribute to Italy’s growing popularity among Indian students, including globally recognised degrees, relatively affordable tuition fees, and a rich cultural and academic environment.

Study visa process impact

The upcoming changes to the visa application process will require all students to undergo fingerprinting in person at Italian consulates. Previously, this process was streamlined through “batch processing”, a practice that allowed universities or education agents to handle the fingerprinting for groups of students.

The Italian consulates are expected to see an increased demand for appointments, which could further strain an already overloaded system. Students applying for the D Visa will need to plan their applications well in advance to avoid last-minute complications.

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Advocacy for alternative solutions

In response, several organisations have raised concerns about the impact of the new visa requirements.

In a letter to Italian consulates, AACUPI proposed a range of suggestions, which includes allowing students to complete the fingerprinting process at consulates restoring the option for batch processing, or postponing the implementation of the new requirements to allow more time for students and universities to adjust to the changes.