From Global Fairfield: Important Update on Changes to Italian Visa Regulations for Students with US Passports
Due to the recent changes to Italian visa regulations Fairfield students planning on studying for a full semester in Florence will have a different process to follow to apply for a student visa then in previous semesters. These new laws went into effect January 11, 2025, and soon after we reached out to all Fall Florence applicants with detailed information about the changes and presented several options for them to consider. Global Fairfield wanted to share this information with our campus partners as well to keep everyone “in the know”.
Key Changes to Italian Visa Policy:
• Fingerprinting Requirement: Starting this year, for full-term study programs (15 weeks or longer), students will need to be fingerprinted at the Italian consulate as part of their visa application. Unfortunately, due to this new requirement, we will no longer be able to submit visa applications on behalf of the students (batch processing). This means students will need to attend the consulate in person to complete the fingerprinting process.
• Visa Process Updates: We are actively working with consulates to stay updated on any further developments and will share new information as it becomes available. Students have been advised to watch for email communications from Global Fairfield with “Visa Updates” in the subject line.
Florence Applicants have several options to consider moving forward. Once the student selects their preferred option, they will be presented to the Global Center Program, FUA, for final acceptance. The options are as follows:
1. Switch to the Less Than 90-Day Program: Change their study program to one that lasts less than 90 days, as this does not require a student visa. Please visit the Less Than 90 Day Brochure Page to learn more about this option. This is an outstanding academic opportunity that deeply connects students to Florence and Italy, while providing a simpler option that avoids the new visa requirements.
2. Remain in the 15-Week Program: If students wish to continue with their original 15-week program, they can still proceed with the visa application. However, they will need to set up a visa appointment directly with the consulate, attend the interview, and complete the fingerprinting process. While we will guide students through the application process, students will be responsible for scheduling and attending the consulate appointment. Fairfield students may attend a visa appointment at the NYC Italian Consulate during the Spring semester, or may choose to make an appointment at the Italian Consulate that corresponds with their home jurisdiction during the summer.
3. Explore Alternative Locations: If the new Italian visa requirements are not suitable for their plans, students may choose to consider studying in a different country that is a strong fit for your academic interests and does not have visa restrictions.
4. Cancel Their Program: If the changes to the visa process create challenges for the student, they may decide to cancel their participation in the study abroad program with no penalty before the commitment deadline.
Global Fairfield has asked students to take time to consider these options and discuss with their family. Once a program decision is made and they commit to the program, they will be taking immediate next steps to register for classes, book airfare, and get reserved into housing. Therefore, program decisions are final and no further changes will be possible.
Students should not hesitate to reach out to our office either by coming to our Office Hours each weekday at 3pm or by emailing to request an appointment to globalfairfield@fairfield.edu. Additionally, we will be holding several Visa Workshops via Zoom to assist students in gathering all the necessary documents for their visa appointment.
Visa Appointment and Program Commitment Timeline:
• February 1: Program decisions must be communicated to Global Fairfield in writing by emailing globalfairfield@fairfield.edu.
• February 15: Notification of approval to study abroad will be sent to all students.
• March 1: Students must commit to their intended program.
• February 28: Students can begin booking an appointment for the Fall 2025 Florence program. We encourage students to visit the Italian Consulate website (https://consnewyork.esteri.it/it/) to book an available visa appointment slot. We recommend scheduling appointments between April 1 to May 31 to allow enough time for visa processing before your August departure. This step should be completed by April 1st.
• First Week of March: Zoom workshops will be held to assist students in preparing for their visa appointments, including guidance on the necessary documents.
• The last two weeks in March: Students will have the opportunity to have their materials reviewed and receive necessary documentation for their visa application from the Global Fairfield’s office.
• April 1 – May 31: Students attend individual consulate appointments.
Global Fairfield appreciates the support our faculty and staff provide to our students and our office to make study abroad a successful opportunity to all students.
Related Web Site : https://studyabroad.fairfield.edu/
For more information, contact Patricia Pivarnik / 4332 / ppivarnik@fairfield.edu