Student Visa to the USA (F-1) in Italy: How to Apply and What to Consider

Applying for a student visa to the USA in Italy is one of the most convenient and logical options for those who are already in Europe and plan to study at American educational institutions. Moreover, such authorization can be obtained not only by EU citizens, but also by foreign nationals (Ukrainians, Belarusians, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Moldovans, Georgians, etc.), provided they comply with migration requirements and the rules of the United States consulate.

What Is the U.S. Student Visa F-1 Intended For?

The F-1 visa category is intended for studying at accredited U.S. educational institutions included in the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) system. In particular, it allows:

• studying at universities and colleges in the United States (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD);

• attending language courses provided they are full-time (at least 18 hours per week);

• studying at private schools, academies, business schools;

• participating in preparatory and academic programs.

Our visa agency professionally handles the selection of language schools in America and supports clients at all stages of applying for a U.S. student visa through Italy. We cooperate with trusted educational institutions in Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Boston.

The cost of education depends on the city and the program format:

1. Miami — from 150 USD per week,

2.  Los Angeles — from 250 USD per week,

3.  San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston — from 200 USD per week.

We select language courses in any U.S. state based on budget, goals, and consular requirements, which significantly increases the chances of obtaining an F-1 visa.

Who Can Apply for a U.S. Student Visa in Italy?

Documents for a U.S. student visa through Italy may be submitted not only by Italian citizens, but also by foreign nationals who legally stay in the Republic on the basis of:

• Residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) — student, work, family;

•  Long-term national visa category D;

•  Temporary protection (for example, for Ukrainian citizens);

•  Residence permit of another EU country + confirmation of legal stay in Italy.

Stages of Applying for a U.S. Student Visa through Italy

The procedure for obtaining a U.S. student visa in Italy includes several mandatory steps, namely:

1. Admission to a U.S. educational institution. The institution must have SEVP accreditation and issue Form I-20.

2.  Payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee. The amount is 350 USD.

3.  Completion of Form DS-160. The form is submitted online; the information must fully match the documents and I-20.

4.  Payment of the consular fee. The consular fee for the F-1 visa is 185 USD.

5.  Scheduling the interview. Most often the application takes place at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, less frequently in Milan or Naples (subject to available slots).

6.  Attending the interview. The main focus is the purpose of study, sources of funding, and ties to the country of residence. The decision is usually known immediately after the interview.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for a U.S. Student Visa in Italy?

To apply for a U.S. student visa in Italy, you will need the following categories of documents:

Mandatory:

• passport;

• Form I-20 signed by the applicant;

• proof of SEVIS I-901 payment;

• DS-160 confirmation;

• interview appointment confirmation;

• photo 5×5 cm (according to U.S. standards).

Depending on residence status in Italy:

• valid Permesso di Soggiorno or national visa;

• temporary protection certificate (if applicable);

• proof of address registration in Italy.

Additional documents to strengthen the case:

• bank statements (usually from 3,000–30,000 USD per academic year);

• sponsor income certificates;

• property ownership documents;

• diplomas, transcripts, certificates;

• proof of previous education or academic consistency.

Cost, Validity, and Processing of the U.S. Student Visa

Obtaining a U.S. student visa takes place under the following conditions:

Financial expenses:

• SEVIS I-901 — 350 USD;

•  Consular fee — 185 USD.

Processing times:

•  Interview appointment in Italy — from 1 to 6 weeks;

•  Visa stamping — usually 3–5 working days;

•  Administrative processing (221g) is possible.

Validity of the F-1 visa:

•  Most often issued for the entire period of study, but not more than 5 years;

•  Length of stay in the U.S. is determined by D/S (Duration of Status).

Embassy Addresses in Italy

You may apply for an F1 student visa in Italy at:

1. U.S. Embassy in Rome:
   
   

•  Address: Via Vittorio Veneto, 121, 00187 Roma RM;

•  Phone: +39 06 46741.

2. U.S. Consulate General in Milan:
    

• Address: Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10, 20121 Milano MI;

•  Phone: +39 02 290351.

Main Reasons for Refusal

The main reasons for refusal of a U.S. student visa include:

• insufficiently documented funding;

• weak logic in choosing the educational institution;

• doubts regarding non-immigrant intent;

• errors in DS-160 or inconsistencies in data;

• illegal residence status in Italy.

Why Should You Contact Us?

Our team specializes in complex and non-standard cases. In particular, we:

• analyze chances before submission, not after a refusal;

• prepare clients for the interview with real consular questions;

• review academic logic and financial model;

• support the application for a U.S. student visa through Italy from Form I-20 preparation to passport issuance.

We help avoid typical mistakes and offer solutions that correspond to the applicant’s real goals and the expectations of the U.S. consulate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you apply for an F-1 visa in Italy without a residence permit?

Yes. The key is to prove that you will return after your studies.

Can you change the educational institution after obtaining the visa?

Yes, but only through SEVIS transfer and a new Form I-20.

Can you enter the USA in advance with an F-1 visa?

 Entry is allowed no earlier than 30 days before the start of studies.

Does a previous refusal affect a new application?

Yes, but with a proper strategy and elimination of refusal reasons, the chances can be restored.