LisaRivard57

I have a very worrisome question that I hope someone can help with. My son just left for Switzerland in a 10-week course through an American university in the U.S.
He will be studying in Switzerland and was told he would not need a visa. Following this is a 16-week study abroad program in Italy with the same university. He took with him all of the paperwork to apply at the Italian Consulate in Switzerland to get a student visa for that second program in Italy. Does anyone know the likelihood that they will accept and grant a student visa under these circumstances?
Any help....?
Thanks

nytraveler

If a 10 week course it will fall within the 90 day automatic tourist visa - probably why they said not to bother with a student visa.

But usually you need to get a student visa in your home country - not sure if this can be done in Switz but I am not expert. I think he should head to the Italian embassy as soon as he gets to Switz (will he be in or near Bern?) and ask them about this so he has as much time as possible to make arrangements. But didn't the school he is working through provide this information? I would try them - or you could since he has already left the country. They should be helping with this.

LisaRivard57

Thanks, I will be calling the school first thing on Monday. Because the Italy abroad program does not start until mid September, the school has just posted instructions to students, giving them the summer to get their visas in order. Problem is, he is already there on the Swiss Study Abroad and did not know this visa info.

Alec

It is most unlikely that your son will be able to get Italian type D visa in Switzerland. As stated, you have to apply in your home country, so what it will mean is that he will have to return to US, apply for his Italian visa and return. I know it will cost money, but can't see any other way.

Alec

I have just checked Italian Embassy in DC site and it clearly states that your son has to apply in person, so he can't mail his passport home and you apply on his behalf. Also they state that those who are temporarily in US, like B2/J2 visa holder, cannot apply, so by the same logic your son cannot apply in Switzerland without valid Swiss residence permit (not Schengen visa-waiver).

LisaRivard57

Thanks for your help., I appreciate your quick response. ..I am going to suggest he try the Swiss Consulate and if that fails he will have to fly home, apply for expedited visa and return to the second program.

Alec

There is no Swiss consulate in Switzerland. There may be an Italian consulate where he is staying, but as I've said, they are most unlikely to accept his application for student (type D) visa.