As a rule, a visa application should be filed at least 15 calendar days before the intended travel date and up to six months before the start of travel. In case of justified urgency, Consulates may accept applications filed later than the deadline. Where there’s no justified reason, applications lodged less than 15 days from intended travel date may be accepted, however applicants should be informed that the decision on the visa may be taken after the intended date of departure
From the time an application is considered admissible, it may take up to 15 calendar days for the Consulate to take a decision. An application is considered admissible when the deadlines for submission have been met – at least 15 calendar days before the intended visit and up to six months before departure – and the basic elements for an application have been submitted – filled in and signed application form, valid travel document, a photograph, paid visa fee and – where applicable – collection of biometric data.
Admissibility of an application can only be verified by the consulate, and the deadline start running not when the application is submitted but only after the Consulate has established that the admissibility criteria have been met.
As a rule, decisions on visa applications should be taken as soon as possible, even if this should not compromise the assessment of whether an applicant fulfils the entry conditions or presents an immigration risk.
In order to keep processing times short, the Consulates should make sure detailed information on the requirements is clearly available so that all relevant information and documents are submitted correctly.
In cases where a deeper scrutiny of the application is necessary, the deadline may be extended up to a maximum of 45 calendar days.
Giuditta Petreni has over 10 years of experience in assisting companies and business investors with relocation of managers and staff to Italy. Giuditta has extensive experience advising corporate and private clients on a full range of Italian immigration categories. She is fluent in Italian and English.
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