Visas are stamped notarizations in a passport authorizing entry to a specific country for a stated purpose. Any student who is in Italy over 90 days, is required to have a student visa which allows one to remain in Italy. No fee is required. Students whose legal residence is in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming can apply to the consulate General in Chicago:

Consulate General of Italy
500 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1850
Chicago, IL 60611
312-467-1550
visti.chicago@esteri.it
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. M-F

If you are not from a location under the jurisdiction of Chicago, you will need to contact the consulate for your area and obtain the forms as visa application processes can vary from consulate to consulate. In some cases, you may need to send the consulate a copy of your program approval letter in order to have an application sent to you.

You need the following to apply for a study visa.

1. Passport (plus copy): must be valid at least (3) months after the visa expiration date.

2. One recent passport-size/type photograph - full face and front view.

3. Visa Application Form (plus copy): (may be downloaded from www.italconschicago.org). Must be filled out completely and signed by the applicant in the presence of a consular official. Be sure you use capital letters, black ink, and print clearly.  For "References in the USA," indicate your U.S. university/college and address; for "References in Italy," indicate the study program and address in Italy.

Example:

USA - Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights, Winona, MN 55987
Italy - Villa Bonelli, Via F. Poeti 1, 50014, Fiesole Firenze, Italia

4. Letter from the Study Abroad Office (plus copy): verifies your status as a program participant and lodging accommodations.

5. Affidavit of Health Insurance Coverage (plus copy):  You must be covered by insurance for medical emergencies and hospitalization while you are studying in Italy. Your signature or a parent/guardian’s signature must be notarized on the affidavit.

6. Affidavit of Support. (plus copy): This must be notarized and signed by your parents/guardians or by you if you are self-supported.

7. Proof of financial means (plus copy): The person who signs the affidavit must submit either a recent bank statement or a bank letter on official original letterhead attesting to adequate financial means (amount of funds must be specified). Students who have financial aid must present documented proof of aid.

8. Proof of residence in the jurisdiction of the Consulate General in Chicago (plus copy).  This must be in the form of a notarized copy of your drivers license or school ID.

9. Flight itinerary (plus copy).

10. Return envelope: self-addressed and prepaid UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE Express Mail envelope, if the applicant is not going to Chicago to collect the passport in person. No other mail courier will be accepted.

If you encounter problems and need guidance, feel free to contact us at (507) 457-1447 or (507) 457-6996. We will do all we can to assist you.