ITALY
The Italian Senate recently approved a Legislative Decree introducing key changes that will significantly impact the visa application process for students planning to study abroad in Italy for longer than 90 days. Students must now appear in person at their consulate for fingerprinting. Because of this new requirement, batch processing through your provider will no longer be possible and you will need to navigate the visa process yourself. In addition to collecting all of the required documents and information, you will now have to:

• Secure an individual appointment at your designated consulate (schedule as early as possible)
• Travel to the consulate on your scheduled appointment date. 
• Ensure you allow ample time for processing, as delays are expected. 

This is the first term these changes are in effect, and consulates are stressing the urgency of applying as soon as possible. As we approach the busy summer departure months, visa processing times are expected to increase significantly due to high demand. 
SPAIN
We have heard from our providers that the visa processing time for the Spanish visa has increased. If your provider offers batch processing do what you need to do to take advantage of this service. It will save you stress, time, and money and could be the difference between you getting your visa and going to Spain and not getting a visa. If your provider does not offer batch processing, please follow the suggestions below under "Takeaway" to give you the best chance of securing your visa in a timely manner. 

TAKEAWAY
Start your application to your provider as soon as you are approved to do so by the Center for Global Programs (i.e., as soon as you receive your OCS Decision Letter). The sooner you are approved to your program, the sooner you will receive instructions to apply for your visa and can start the visa application process. DO NOT WAIT. 
Your program provider is your contact for information and questions about the visa application process, so if you have questions contact them early and often!
 

Please see our Visa FAQ page for additional (general) information about the visa application process.