Italy will make biometric data collection mandatory for all long-term visa applicants for the first time, shifting its immigration procedures more in line with other countries that require fingerprint data for approval of visa applications.
Long-term visas will be applicable to the immigration policy, which previously stated only short-term Schengen visa applicants needed to provide their biometrics.
This includes work, family reunification, and study-related visas over 90 days, which will be decided during mandatory in-person biometric appointments. The process will be longer and may create delays, although strengthen security to ensure visas are issued correctly. This may impact foreign students having to spare time to attend their appointments.
Peak application seasons may see backlogs in appointment availability, further complicating the process.
The data will be valid and collected for 59 months.
Italy follows a global trend of biometric security measures but is unique in applying it to all long-term visa types. Educational institutions and student organisations are concerned about the impact on Italy’s appeal as a study destination, calling for the government to reduce the expenses or additional steps for students which may discourage them.
By adopting these measures, Italy aims to strengthen its immigration system, but the country will need to balance security enhancements with the operational and financial realities faced by visa applicants.
