I am visiting Florence with my niece who will be starting at the NYU Campus. We plan to arrive a week early to explore. My concern is if arriving early will effect her student immigrationtion status. I would like to know how to handle this at customs. Does she register as a student at that time or as a tourist? Where would she change her status to student?
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Your niece should contact the university, they would have the most current information.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
Diane, I just visited an Italian language school an hour ago, and asked that same question. I was told that if studying for less than 90 days, the normal Schengen Visa (stamp on a Passport) was sufficient. However, I agree with the previous reply that it would be a good idea to confirm the details with the school or university where she'll be studying. Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Millington, MI, US
10 posts
Thanks for the responses. She will be there more than 90 days and we are working with NYU but keep getting bounced around. Will keep trying!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23661 posts
She has to apply for and receive a student visa Prior to leaving the US. It takes time, money, and some paper work. You do not just change your status at the border. Something else is going on if she is getting the run around. Any study abroad office at any good university knows the rules and procedures. Going early does not affect her status as long as she lists that date as her entry date on the visa application. It is her responsibility to obtain the visa, not yours. She should be asking the questions.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16235 posts
Once you enter the country she has 8 to apply for a "Permesso di Soggiorno" (Permit of stay).
The school in Italy generally has all the info and generally should take care of these bureaucratic requirements (at least Stanford University, which also has a campus in Florence) did for its students when I was there. I'll post the requirements later when I have more time
Posted by
OP
Millington, MI, US
10 posts
Yes she is working through obtaining her student visa. I was concerned as to what the requirements were if we were to arrive early which is where we both are not really getting a solid answer on.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23661 posts
I said before. On the visa application she needs to put her anticipated arrival date in Italy. That can be a week, ten days, ahead of the start of classes. That is reasonable. Very common. She cannot come six months ahead.
Posted by
OP
Millington, MI, US
10 posts
She can enter Italy as a tourist then start her student visa when her semester begins. We are all set! Thank you for everyone's input!