The residence permit for study purposes

All people who intend to stay in Italy for more than 90 days for study purposes need a residence permit. The process may seem daunting at first, but don't worry, we are here to guide you through every step. The permesso di soggiorno for study purposes is the title that allows non-EU citizens to pursue part of their university career in Italy. It is only fair to reiterate that among the reasons that bring droves of foreigners to Italy are not only the magnificent cities of art, breathtaking landscapes, and millennial culture. A good portion of the members of the Welcome Association Italy union are international students who choose Italian academic institutions for their education. For this reason, today we are going to talk about the residence permit for study purposes, specifically the documentation that needs to be submitted and how to obtain it.

Why study in Italy?

We have often covered the topic of academic excellence, introducing Italy's leading universities, united by a synergy with our union in order to fully protect international students. How? With the Welcome Package for non-EU citizen applicant residence permit in Italy over 90 days for study purposes. This is a set of services that allow international students to obtain a residence document for study purposes in Italy. Before understanding what this package includes and why Welcome Association Italy is so useful for non-EU citizens, let's dwell on the process for applying for a residence permit.

Who needs a residence permit for study purposes?

All non-EU/EEA citizens who wish to move to Italy to matriculate at an Italian university, or who otherwise hold a type D visa, must compulsorily apply for a residence permit for study purposes no later than 8 working days after entering Italy.

The requirements for applying for a student residence permit

Before planning your trip, it is essential to know if you meet the requirements for a study permit. Here's what you need to get started:

• You must have a letter of acceptance from an accredited Italian school, university or institution;
• Proof that you are able to support yourself financially during your stay in Italy;
• Coverage of medical expenses during the stay;
• Documentation showing that you have housing in Italy;
• A valid passport and recent passport-size photos.

How to apply for a residence permit for study purposes?

Obtaining the above permit can be summarized in five simple steps:

1. Get a student visa in your home country: to find out what documents are needed you can visit the visa page for Italy.
2. Arrival in Italy: once in Italy, the non-EU student has eight days to apply for a residence permit with study motivation.
3. Application for residence permit: The application is submitted by sending the Postal kit at the Italian Post Office. In addition to the yellow-banded form, for non-EU citizens, it is necessary to attach other documents, such as health insurance covering the stay in Italy.
4. Appointment at the Police Headquarters: once the postal kit has been forwarded, duly completed and with the required attachments, a receipt with administrative value will be issued. This receipt regularizes the non-EU citizen until the time of the appointment at the Police Headquarters for photo fingerprinting.
5. Issuance of the permit: in the weeks, following the appointment at the Questura, the residence permit card will be delivered to the declared address. Now you just have to enjoy the study experience in Italy.

The documentation for applying for a residence permit

The documentation for applying for such a permit may vary depending on several factors. Following are the standard application documents:

• Duly completed form;
• Photocopy of passport;
• Documentation proving enrollment in the activated course of study:
• Photocopy of health coverage reflecting the requirements of the Italian authorities;
• Demonstration of economic means (e.g., active checking account, credit card ownership, and others);
• Demonstration of a suitable place to place one's residence;
• 4 passport size photos;
• 16.00 euro revenue stamp;
• Receipt of contribution amounting to:
  • 80.00 Euro for residence permits longer than three months and less than or equal to one year;
  • 100.00 Euro for residence permits longer than one year and less than or equal to two years;
  • 27.50 Euro for the issuance of the residence permit in electronic format;
  • 30.00 Euro for postage.

The residence permit for study purposes may NOT be for the purpose of attending a course of study other than the one for which the entry visa was granted with the exception of a transfer to another faculty granted by the Academic Authority and access to a university-type course undertaken at the end of attendance in Italy or to a higher level course. The residence permit for study purposes authorizes the performance of part-time work for a maximum of 20 hours per week and an annual limit of 1,040 hours. If these limits are exceeded, it can be converted into a residence permit for work purposes.

How to renew a residence permit for study purposes

To obtain a renewal, the student must meet all the requirements for initial issuance. The request can be made, depending on the reasons for renewal, through post offices or at the Police Headquarters, at least 60 days before the expiration date. This deadline is indicative, and in case of non-compliance there is no immediate penalty. The following documents must be attached to the application:

• Photocopy of documentation proving the availability of adequate financial resources for the period of the duration of the residence permit.
• Photocopy of the insurance policy, valid in the national territory for the duration of the residence permit, against the risk of illness and accidents.
• Photocopy of certification that at least one proficiency exam has been passed for the 1st renewal and at least 2 exams for subsequent permit renewals, barring force majeure.

Your residence permit cannot be renewed if you have interrupted your stay in Italy, staying abroad, for a continuous period of more than 6 months, or more than half the period of validity of your residence permit, unless there are serious reasons (military service and the like). While waiting for your residence permit, you can show the receipt from the registered mail stating that you applied for renewal, along with your expired residence permit. Also remember that the residence permit for study purposes:

• It can be renewed ONLY IF the entry visa was issued to attend a multi-year course and, in any case, CANNOT be renewed for a period longer than the duration of the course of study and for a period longer than three years beyond the duration of the multi-year course of study;
• It is renewed for students who have passed one proficiency test during the first year of the course and at least two tests in subsequent years. For serious health reasons or force majeure, duly documented, it may also be renewed to a student who has passed only one verification, subject to the total number of renewals;
• It can be renewed further to pursue a postgraduate degree or Ph.D. for the total duration of the course, renewable for one year.

Can renewal of residence permit for study purposes be refused?

Yes, your study permit extension may be denied if you do not meet the necessary criteria, such as insufficient academic progress or lack of financial means. Always make sure you have all the required documents and meet the conditions for extension.

Is a student visa a residence permit?

No, the student visa allows you to enter Italy, but you must apply for a residence permit within eight days of your arrival to legally reside in the country.

How Welcome Association Italy can help you

The Welcome Association Italy union provides non-EU citizens with packages containing the health coverage required by Italian authorities to obtain a visa or residence permit. Find out all the details on the Permit to Stay for Study page If you need further information and assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us!