Visa Support

U.S. Citizens

If you plan to study in Italy for over 90 days (e.g., semester or academic year programs), you must obtain a National (Type D) study visa. A visa is typically not required for programs shorter than 90 days, such as summer sessions. 

Dual Citizens

If you hold both U.S. and valid Italian or EU citizenship, you do not need a visa when traveling with your Italian or EU passport. 

Non-U.S., Non-EU Citizens

Visa requirements vary. Consult the Italian consulate corresponding to your jurisdiction to determine if a visa is necessary for your intended stay.

Appointment Scheduling & Visa Submission Options

Due to high demand and limited availability, if you plan to submit your visa application independently to the consulate, you must create an account via the official Prenot@mi online portal. Be sure to select the correct appointment type (in-person, physical drop-off, or mail-in) with the Chicago Consulate and schedule it well in advance.

To proceed, first register for a Prenot@mi account. Once your account is set up, schedule your appointment and upload the required documents (passport and driver’s license in PDF format). After booking, you must submit your visa application within 7 days of your scheduled appointment.

Appointments may be made now; however, they must be scheduled within the permitted timeframe, no earlier than 180 days before your program start date and no later than 30 days before your program start date.

Consular Jurisdiction

You must schedule your appointment with the Italian consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence or your home institution. Depending on your location, multiple consulate options may be available. Be prepared to travel to the designated consulate for your appointment.  Whenever possible, it's strongly encouraged that you use the Chicago consulate.  

Consular Jurisdiction Reference: For a comprehensive list of consular jurisdictions, please refer to the following link.

Visa Submission Options

1.  Group Visa Submission (Highly Encouraged)

Bring your completed student visa packet to the Study Abroad Office on February 18, 19 and 20, 2026 (sign up will be via Navigate).  This collection will include your physical passport and therefore you will be without it until the processing is complete. 

2.  In-person interview at an Italian Consulate

Appointment Required:  Book your appointment via the official online portal Prenot@mi, available at the Chicago consulate

3.  Physical drop-off 

Appointment Required:  Book your appointment via the official online portal Prenot@mi, available at the Chicago consulate

4.  Mail-In submission 

Appointment Required:  Book your appointment via the official online portal Prenot@mi, available at the Chicago consulate, this is an excellent option for our visiting students.  Certain consulates offer the option to submit applications by mail. Please consult the specific consulate's website for details.   

Timing

Appointments must be scheduled no earlier than 180 days and no later than 30 days before your program's start date. 

Booking System

Use the official Prenot@Mi system to register your appointment.  

Confirmation

Approximately 10 - 3 business days before your appointment, you'll need to confirm your appointment; failure to do so may result in cancellation. 

No Third-Party Interventions

Institutions like Loyola cannot intervene to secure appointments on your behalf. 

Each consulate may have specific requirements; always verify with your local consulate.  Please note that it will typically take around 8-10 hours of focused work to assemble the full application packet.

Note:  In our experience, Visa processing times can vary, often taking 6 - 8 weeks.  During this period, your passport will be held by the consulate, so plan accordingly and avoid international travel until your passport is returned.

For the Chicago consulate, the following documents are typically required: 

1. Visa Application Form for Long-Term Stay (91 to 365 days). 
2. Photograph: One recent passport-size photograph, on white background, full face and front view, stapled/glued to the application form. Scanned or photocopied photos will NOT be accepted. 
3. Passport: Valid passport plus one copy of the page with photograph and expiration date. The passport must be valid at least three months after the visa expiration date and have at least two blank pages. 
4. Proof of Residence: Copy of Driver’s License or State ID as proof of residence in the jurisdiction of this consulate general. Full-time students may also use a copy of Student ID. If you recently moved and have not updated your ID, you must submit another proof of current address (e.g., utility bills, bank statements, etc.). 
5. Letter of Acceptance: Originals and copies of the official letter of acceptance from an accredited academic institution in Italy. The letter must be on the institution’s letterhead, addressed to the Consulate General of Italy, and specify the period of study, full-time enrollment (at least 20 hours per week), and if tuition and room/board are covered in full. 
6. Proof of Financial Means: The six most recent bank statements or a letter from a U.S. banking institution, on the bank’s letterhead, signed by a bank official and with a recent date, indicating account balance and the average balance for the last six months (a minimum of $1,000.00 per each month of stay in Italy is required). Students who receive financial aid must present an official letter from their university stating the amount of aid and time of disbursement. 
7. Affidavit of Support: If the applicant doesn’t have their own funds because they are supported by the parents, one or both parents must submit an affidavit of support with the bank statement. The affidavit must be signed in front of the Visa Officer if the parents come with the applicant to the interview or notarized by a Notary Public. 
8. Health Insurance Coverage: Proof of health insurance coverage abroad as follows: 
   • Certificate issued by the health insurance company or by the study abroad program, stating that the student has minimum coverage of $50,000 for hospitalization, emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation. 
   • Affidavit of Overseas Health Insurance: This statement must be signed by the student in front of the Visa Officer or notarized. 
9. Proof of Lodging: If not included in the letter of acceptance from the Italian institution. 
10. Flight Reservation: Confirmed flight reservation for a round trip. If your stay is longer than six months, you can present a one-way ticket together with proof of available funds for the purchase of the return ticket. 
11. Return Envelope: Required if applicants cannot collect the passport with the visa in person. Provide a pre-paid, self-addressed, return envelope, trackable. Mailing label sections “TO” and “FROM” must BOTH contain applicant’s name and address. We recommend using FedEx or UPS. 
12. Consent to Send By Mail: A signed consent form allowing the consulate to send your passport and visa by mail. 
13. FEES  –  CHECK THE APPLICABLE CONSULAR FEES ON THE HOME PAGE UNDER CONSULAR FEES
14. If the applicant is a minor, additional documents are required. Please review the Chicago Consulate’s website for more information here.

Be aware that Consulates may change their rules, fees, and regulations at any time.  Be advised that Loyola does not have any control over consular procedures, and requirements vary greatly between consulates. 

In our experience, Visa processing times can vary, taking 6 - 8 weeks or longer.  During this period, your passport will be held by the Italian Consulate, so plan accordingly and avoid international travel until your passport is returned.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official website of the Italian consulate corresponding to your jurisdiction.

Consulate General of Italy Chicago
Visa Office
500 North Michigan Ave, Suite 1850
Chicago, IL 60611

For questions, feel free to contact the Consulate General of Italy in Chicago directly:  

visti.chicago@esteri.it or call 312-995-5487.  Loyola University Chicago cannot intervene on your behalf. 

Permission to Reside & Inoculation Certificate

Under Italian law, students who are staying between 90 and 150 days must complete a "declaration of presence" for the local police station within eight days of arrival, including a copy of the page of their passport with the visa stamp.  The Rome Center staff will assist students in the application process upon their arrival at the Rome Center. 

Note: You must take with you the Italian-Consulate stamped copy of your acceptance letter when traveling to Italy. 

Year-long Students Additional Requirements 

Students who are staying for more than 150 days must obtain permission to live in Rome (the permesso di soggiorno) within eight days of arrival. The Rome Center staff will assist students in the application process upon their arrival at the Rome Center. Upon arrival at the Rome Center, be sure to have this documentation with you to apply for your permesso di soggiorno: 

• Three (3) legible copies of the data (photo) page of your passport.  Be sure to include the page above with your signature.
• Three (3) copies of the page of your passport with the visa stamp.
• Three (3) copies of the entry stamp in your passport issued by Passport Control upon entry into Europe (these you will make at the Rome Center after your arrival).
• Three (3) copies of the official letter of enrollment (lettera d'iscrizione); this is written in Italian, imprinted with the seal, and notarized by the Italian Consulate.  Two copies of the official letter are initially provided to each student to submit with the visa application (Students who apply for their visa through the Italian Consulate of Boston will receive this letter in both English and Italian and should bring copies of both).  The Italian Consulate will notarize one and return it with the student's passport and visa stamp.  Make photocopies of this notorized letter.  Failure to bring this notarized letter may result in dismissal from the program. 
• Four (4) passport-sized photos.
• Three (3) copies of your LUC CISI study abroad insurance proof of enrollment.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official website of the Italian consulate corresponding to your jurisdiction. 

U.S. Citizens

As of June 2025, student visas are required for stays of more than 90 days in Spain. If you plan to spend at least one full semester in Spain, you are required to apply for a student visa before at least 180 days prior to the start date of your program, and no later than two months before its start date. 

If you are participating on a summer or faculty-led program that is less than 90 days, you currently do not need a student visa to legally reside in Spain.  

Dual Citizens

If you are a dual citizen of the U.S. and one of the countries located within the European Union, you do not need a student visa, as long as you hold a valid EU passport.  

Non-U.S., Non-EU Citizens

Visa requirements vary. Consult the Spanish consulate corresponding to your jurisdiction to determine if a visa is necessary for your intended stay. 

For further information, please visit the U.S. Department of State website for Spain.

In-Person Appointments

All visa applicants must apply in person for their student visa at one of the 8 BLS International locations.  

Limited Appointment Availability

Due to high demand and limited slots, it's crucial to schedule your student visa appointment as early as possible. You are able to schedule your in-person appointment at least 180 days prior to the start date of your program, and no later than two months before the start date. 

Consulate Jurisdiction

You may have your in-person student visa appointment at any of the BLS International locations as long as you have proof of residency for the location. BLS International operates in 8 major U.S cities: Chicago, New York, Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. All Loyola students are eligible and encouraged to apply for their student visa with BLS International Chicago. Depending on your location, you may have one or multiple consulate options. Please note that attending an appointment may require travel to the respective BLS International location.   

Timing

Appointments must be scheduled no earlier than 180 days before the start date of your program and no later than two months before the start date of your program. 

Booking System

Use the appropriate BLS International website to book your appointment. When booking your appointment, for passport type, select “ordinary.” For visa type, select “national visa/long term visa.” For visa sub type, select “general student visa.” For appointment category, select “normal.” 

No Third-Party Interventions

Institutions like Loyola cannot intervene to secure appointments on your behalf. 

Each Spanish consulate may have different requirements; always verify with your local consulate. It can take up to six weeks to collect all your visa paperwork, so plan accordingly.   

As of June 2025, for the Chicago consulate, the following documents are required. *Requirements with an asterisk must also be presented in Spanish. The Spanish consulate in Chicago recommends the American Translators Association. 

1. National Visa Application Form: Fill out the national visa application form electronically or by hand and print the application. Feel free to reference this example application. Make sure to sign and date it. 
2. Passport-Size Photograph: An updated passport size photo, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the oval of the face. Glue the photo to the top right corner of the visa application. The photo must be official passport photos—no photocopies or cropped/scanned photos from another source. We recommend having your photo taken at Loyola’s Campus Card Office—first floor of Sullivan. 
3. Valid, Unexpired Passport: Valid passport plus one copy of the page with photograph and signature. The passport must be valid at least six months after the end date of your program 
4. Proof of Residence: If attending BLS International Chicago, full time Loyola students can utilize a copy of their Student ID (front and back on the same sheet of paper). If attending any of the other BLS International locations, a copy of your Driver’s License or State ID as proof of residence in the jurisdiction of the BLS International location will suffice.  
5. For Non-U.S. Passport Holders: You must present one of the below documents: 
   • Original and copy of Permanent Resident Card (Green card).  
   • Valid US Immigrant visa.  
   • Copy of the I-20 document.   
   • Holders of B-1/B-2 visas cannot apply in the United States; they must apply in their country of permanent residence.  
6.  Visa Fee: If applying with a U.S. passport, it is around $200 for your visa (including fees). If you apply with a non-U.S. passport, it is approximately $113 (including fees). You must pay with cash or with debit card at the time of your appointment. 
7. Acceptance Letter from Spanish University*: The acceptance letter must contain: your full name as it appears on your passport, passport number, start/end date of program, minimum 20 hours per week, and contact info of staff in Spain. Email the school in Spain directly to obtain this. 
8. Proof of Payment of Enrollment Fees*: Loyola’s Study Abroad Office will provide you with this letter upon acceptance.  
9. For Current College Students*: Letter from Loyola explaining that credits obtained in Spain will be transferred back and used towards your degree plan. Loyola’s Study Abroad Office will provide you with this letter upon acceptance.  
10. Proof of Financial Means: While in Spain under a student visa, you need to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your studies. One of the three options below is required. 
    • Option 1: You can present your latest three bank statements that demonstrate the most recent IPREM amount multiplied by the number of months of your program. For semester students, this is currently approximately $2,800. For yearlong students, this is usually approximately $5,600.  
    • Option 2*: Have a parent/guardian print their three most recent bank statements that demonstrate the current IPREM amount multiplied by the number of months of the program. They will also need to fill out and attach a notarized declaration of financial support. For notary services, feel free to contact the Hub in Sullivan M-F 8:30am-5pm. 
    • Option 3*: Proof of financial aid or scholarship letter of at least 100% of the most recent IPREM. Email lufinaid@luc.edu to receive this (please allow up to two weeks for processing time). 
11. Proof of Health Insurance Coverage*: Proof of health insurance coverage abroad. Loyola’s Study Abroad Office will provide you with this letter upon acceptance, in addition to your university in Spain. Bring both policies to your visa appointment.  
12. Proof of Accommodation*: You will need to have your housing abroad established prior to your visa appointment. You need one of the options below:  
    • Option 1*: Lease (minimum of three months), signed by the two parts of the lease.   
    • Option 2*: If you are staying with a Spanish host family, present an official letter with all the details (Spanish university will provide this letter upon request)
      
      For exchange programs, consult the Study Abroad Office as to which options are viable for proof of accommodation.  
13. Bilingual Medical certificate* accrediting student’s good health pursuant to the 2005 International Health Regulations. It must have the doctor’s stamp or can be printed on medical center’s letterhead; it must not be older than 3 months. It is recommended to use this template.
14. Criminal Record Check Certificate – only for stays more than 180 days*: Students must present original and copy of the criminal record check certificate issued by the FBI and then legalized with the Federal Apostille of the Hague Convention requested to the Department of State in Washington D.C.
    • You must present criminal record certificates from countries of residence from the last five years.  
    • Local State apostille is not valid. It must be from D.C.

Visa processing times can vary, often taking 5-6 weeks. During this period, your passport will be held by the Spanish consulate, so plan accordingly and avoid international travel until your passport is returned. If you would like to see if BLS International can return your visa by U.S. mail, you will need to contact BLS International directly.  

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official website of the Spanish consulate corresponding to your jurisdiction. 

BLS International Chicago Address:

Spain Visa Application Center
Chicago 121 Wacker Dr, St 1307,
Chicago IL 60601, USA

For questions, feel free to contact BLS International Chicago directly: info.chies@blsinternational.net or call 312-929-2695.