READ CAREFULLY!
Visa Applicants for SHORT term stay (from 1 to 90 days).
Students attending a program for less than 90 days and requiring a Schengen visa for the first time will have to book an appointment here [PRENOT@MI]. US citizens do not need a visa for short term study stays.
For short term stay the [SCHENGEN APPLICATION FORM] or [eApplication] MUST be used.
The SHORT TERM STUDY VISA fee is FREE.
For any additional question please contact us at [visas.houston@esteri.it]
Visa Applicants for LONG TERM STAY (from 91 to 365 days) who are currently enrolled in a school within our jurisdiction (TX, LA, AR, OK) MUST apply by MAIL or DROP OFF. Appointment is not necessary so please do not book one!
Those who are NOT currently enrolled in a school within our jurisdiction MUST BOOK AN APPOINTMENT HERE [PRENOT@MI]
Please see the required documents checklist: STUDIO. This is a general list of requirements, some STUDY programs may need additional documentation. The office will provide the proper list in cases where your programs warrant a different process. Please do not overlook the requirements and make sure you have each of it prior to applying.
Visa Application available here: NATIONAL VISA APPLICATION FORM
If you do not intend to obtain a valid health insurance policy prior to your departure, then you must provide present an AFFIDAVIT FOR MEDICAL INSURANCE stating that you will purchase an Italian insurance policy upon your arrival in Italy, before registering with the local police headquarters (Questura).
Students attending a program in Italy at a foreign University for less than 150 days are not required to apply for an Italian Residence Permit. In place of it, they will have to present a Declaration of Presence in the country at the closest local police headquarters (Questura).
Processing can take up to 90 days. Before scheduling other trips that may come in conflict with your application, please be aware of the processing time. We urge you not to request expedited processing of your VISA on the basis of other trips.
The Visa office handles many thousands of requests each year and we strive to process every application in time for the departure date, which means that applicants might receive their passports just few days before their departure. Please do not ask for updates about your visa status and do not inquire about the delivery of the envelope. This sort of inquiries will be disregarded.
The LONG TERM STUDY VISA fee is $ 54.90 Visa Fee (esteri.it). We accept ONLY CASH. Please provide the exact change. We do not accept cards.
Students will have to notarize their signature in the Visa application form before a US Notary Public.
Affidavit of support available here: AFFIDAVIT OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT
If you would like the passport/visa returned by mail you will need to provide a UPS or USPS EXPRESS PRIORITY prepaid mail envelope with tracking along with the application. Other form of mailing will be rejected. Please take note of the tracking number before shipping it. If the application is missing the return envelope, the passport will not be shipped back but it will be picked up in person. Please provide the declaration for mailing your passport: Declaration for mailing.
There have been several issues with the mail service in the past, thus it is strongly recommended to pick up your passport in person when it is ready. In case of impossibility, please provide not less than a priority EXPRESS prepaid mail label, which is more trustworthy.
If the passport gets lost in the mail, please do not inquire about it with the visa office but rely on the mail service that you used.
Do not mail the physical Driver license and/or US resident Card.
Mail the Visa request package to the following address:
Consulate General of Italy
Att. Visa Office
1330 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1950
Houston, TX 77056
DO NOT USE FEDEX as mail service.
Please address any question regarding the Declaration of Value to houston.education@esteri.it
Please check the General information page for other useful information.