HOW TO APPLY FOR A VISA? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Do I have to apply in person, or can I apply by mail?
Schengen Visas
All applicants must have their fingerprints captured when asking for their first Schengen Visa (Type C – Up to 90 days)
Physical presence at this Consulate General is not required if:
- they have already applied for a visa and their fingerprints were taken by a Schengen Consulate (including this one) within the last five years. For this case, kindly provide to this Visa Section a photocopy of the previous visa sticker, if not longer present in applicant’s passport.
Please, note that we might lose previously stored fingerprints: should this occur, you will be called again.
National Visas
Applicants for a National Visa (Type D – from 91 to 365 days) are not requested to come to this Consulate General in order to apply for a Visa. They can send all needed documents by mail.
How to collect the passport once the Visa application has been processed
Please provide with a self-addressed, prepaid envelope. The Visa Team will accept only Xpress prepaid priority envelopes from Canada Post (no FedEx, no UPS).
Applicants must duly fill out the Declaration for Mailing Passports.
Can I provide copies of my passport?
We do not accept passport photocopies. Applications be send/presented in person with the original valid passport plus photocopies of it. All the documentation must be submitted in original and photocopy.
Can I pay with a personal cheque?
No. Visa fees are payable only by cash or money order.
Payable to: Consulate General of Italy – Montreal.
Fees must be paid when submitting the application. They are non-refundable regardless if the Visa is issued or not.
Do I have to provide a photo?
Yes. You have to provide at least 1 recent passport size photo (European size passport photo).
The photo must:
– show you looking facing-forward directly at the camera;
– be taken professionally, in high quality colour and printed on photo- quality paper;
– show the applicant alone (no other people or other objects in the background).
How can I prove my residency?
You can show your driver’s license or a utility bill with your name and address written on it.
How long will it take to get my visa?
Processing time generally varies from 15 to 90 days depending on the type of visa and citizenship of the applicant.
When can I apply for my visa?
Not earlier than 6 months before the date of departure. Schengen rules impose visa requests to be scheduled not earlier than six months before the planned departure date.
How can I check the status of my visa application?
Due to the reduced presence of staff at the Office we suggest that you contact the Visa Section by email: visti.montreal@esteri.it
My daughter/son is a minor travelling with her/his school. What is she/he required to bring?
For minor applicants (under 18 years of age), the following documentation is to be submitted in addition to that requested for a Schengen Visa:
- letter signed by both parents, granting permission to travel;
- Is needed of the one who is assuming financial responsibility for the entire trip, a Financial Affidavit.
- The authorization to travel must be signed by both parents who should arrange an appointment through our Prenot@mi system, in order to appear in person at this Consulate General or, if they reside abroad, have their signature legalized by the competent Italian Consular Office;
- Birth certificate, original or a legalized copy of all foreign documents must be translated into Italian and the translations must be legalized by the Consulate General of the Country which issued the Certificate.
Can I use my visa to make a side trip to another European country?
Yes, you can provided that your stay does not exceed 90 days in a semester (180 days). According to the present rules a uniform Schengen Visa is valid for the following countries which are part of the Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Can I extend my VISA once I am in Italy?
A Schengen visa allows stays in Italy, or another country within the Schengen area for a period of time not to exceed the length of the visa, except in the case of proven inability to leave or in other adequately justified special cases (e.g. business visa extension for negotiations, supplier contacts, etc.).
In such cases only the Italian Local Police Authority “Questura” may decide on visa extensions.
The long-stay visa permits entry into Italy, but once in Italy a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) is required. This is the only document that allows aliens to reside legally in Italy.
For more information visit the website of “Polizia di Stato”: (http://www.poliziadistato.it/)
Be aware that this Consulate General cannot issue visas or extension to previously issued visas to foreign citizens who are already on Italian soil.
My flight itinerary requires an overnight stay at an Italian airport. Do I have to apply for an airport transit visa or a regular visa?
Citizens of some nationalities may require a transit visa if they are planning a short stopover, waiting a few hours for their onward flight at the airport’s international transit area. It is therefore advisable to check with us if you are required or not to have a visa.
In order to apply for a visa how long should my passport be valid?
For at least 3 months upon conclusion of your trip.
I cannot get a national passport from my country of origin. Can I use the “Refugee Travel Document (Document de Voyage pour refugee) to travel to Italy?
Yes. Before applying kindly check, the expiration of the said document. It should be valid at least 3 months upon conclusion of your trip. The use of a Travel Document instead of a regular passport may delay the issuance of your visa. Please take this into consideration and apply with due advance.
I plan to visit my family or my friends in Italy and I cannot provide a hotel reservation what should I do?
Your family or friends can write a “Letter of Invitation”.
The completed host’s declaration (emailed directly to the applicant) is required along with a copy of the host’s ID and Residence (Permit of stay for non-European Union citizens).
What do I need in order to apply for a visa as a family member of an Italian or EU and EEA citizen?
Family members of EU and EEA citizens can apply for visas in accordance with Italian legislative decree 30/2007, art. 2.
The required documentation includes:
- Visa application
- A recent photograph
- A valid travel document (passport) with expiration date of at least 3 months beyond that of the visa requested
- A marriage certificate or other adequate documentation proving familial relationship
In the case of minors, written consent to the issuance of the visa by the other parent.
I have my own business and therefore cannot bring an employment letter. What documents should I submit?
Your business registration, your latest tax return and a recent company bank statement to complete your application.
I am a student and the tourist visa requires proof of documentation of socio-professional standing. What should I bring?
A verification of enrolment provided by your school.
My wife/husband and I are planning to travel together and she/he’s not working. I will provide my bank statement as proof of financial good standing, but my wife/husband’s name is not mentioned in the bank account. What document should I provide with her/his application?
A marriage certificate. All foreign documents must be translated into Italian and the translations legalized by the Consulate General of the Country which issued the Certificate.
I wish to enrol at an Italian university: where do I find out what documents I need to do so?
Kindly check the website Study in Italy (https://studyinitaly.esteri.it) which gives a wide range of information to international students wishing to study in Italy.
Besides, visit the section “Study Visa” on our site to find all practical info in order to obtain such a Visa.
Why am I required to have health insurance coverage for Italy?
Schengen rules require each applicant to have a health insurance coverage before departing. This is necessary in case anything happens to you during your stay in Italy (or in the Schengen area).
Please check carefully whether your medical insurance cover, costs for medical treatment abroad, including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of mortal remains; If that is not the case, you need to submit a health insurance covering the whole length your stay in the Schengen area.
The minimum amount covered must be of 30.000 EUR. This must be clearly stated in your Insurance Contract.
My Canadian visa has expired. Can I apply for a Schengen visa?
No, you cannot. Visa request can be processed only when submitted by legal residents of Canada.
Where can I ask more questions/clarification?
For any information or clarifications of issues remained unanswered after reading our website visa section or these FAQ, you may write an email to our Team: montreal.visti@esteri.it