Italy has introduced a new policy requiring international students applying for Type D visas to schedule individual fingerprinting appointments at Italian consulates starting January 10, 2025. This change applies to students enrolling in programs longer than 90 days and aims to enhance the visa processing system.
The move replaces the existing batch processing method, where institutions could assist students in securing visas collectively. Now, students will need to handle the process individually, raising concerns among education experts and institutions about the additional challenges this may pose.
Melissa Torres, CEO of the Forum on Education Abroad, highlighted potential difficulties, stating that the increased costs of travel to consulates and potential delays in appointment availability might discourage students from pursuing semester-long programs in Italy.
Similarly, Jill Allen Murray, deputy executive director of public policy at NAFSA, pointed out that the change would place greater administrative demands on Italian consulates while creating logistical hurdles for universities supporting their students.
Italy remains a popular destination for international education, but experts warn that these new requirements may impact student interest in the long term. As the policy takes effect in 2025, its full impact on study abroad programs and student mobility will become evident over time.
