Post Study Work Visa in Italy for International Students
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Indian students studying in Italy can apply for a post-study work visa in Italy only after the second stage master's or a PhD program. Indian students can apply for a post-study work permit in Italy after completing their master's or PhD. They are allowed to stay in Italy for a year till they get a full-time job opportunity. In case they do get a job opportunity in Italy, international students can then apply for a post-study work visa. International students must have a job in hand before applying for a work visa in Italy. The employer offering a job will have to apply for a work permit on the applicant’s behalf in Italy.
What is Decreto Flussi in Italy?
The Decreto Flussi is an Italian government law which sets how many non-European citizens can enter Italy for work. Specifically, the decreto flussi establishes the number of non-European citizens who can enter Italy for:
- lavoro stagionale (seasonal work)
- lavoro subordinato non stagionale (non-seasonal employed work)
- lavoro autonomo (self-employed work)
With the rate of unemployment touching 6.8% in 2024 in Italy, the Italian government sets quotas for accepting a limited number of work visas. In 2024, the Italian government announced around:
| Type of Workforce in Italy | Vacancies for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|
| Lavoratori subordinati | 25,000 vacancies |
| Lavoro autonomo |
500 vacancies |
| Lavoro stagionale | 89,500 vacancies - in the tourism and agricultural sectors |
Work visa applications are opened in certain months in a year or two. So applicants cannot just log on to the official website and apply for work visas in Italy anytime they wish to. The applications usually open in March, applicants can check the dates before applying for these jobs in Italy after graduation.
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Read more about Popular Jobs in Italy for Indian Students
Eligibility to Apply for Italy Post-Study Work Visa
There is a set of rules or eligibility criteria for international students to stay back in Italy to apply for a post-study work visa. These are different from those holding any European country's passport. The details of the eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Those holding a master's degree or PhD are eligible to stay back in Italy after they study for 12 months.
- The post-study work permit can be applied for after the applicant gets a full-time job or even an internship opportunity. Officially 'permesso di Lavoro' - a work permit/employment permit would be needed.
- While the duration of stay in Italy of master's or PhD degree holders, international students must be able to get a full-time job to convert the post-study work visa to a work visa in Italy.
How to apply for a post-study work visa in Italy?
Indian or international students applying for a post-study work permit in Italy will have to apply through the Italian Long Stay Visa Application as and when the window opens. Based on the duration of stay applicants will have to choose between Schengen Visa (which is for a shorter stay) or National Visa (intended for a longer stay). The steps for applying for a post-study work visa in Italy are as follows:
- Personal details - name, sex, marital status, contact details.
- National identity number - the Adhaar Card number or Voter ID number for Indian applicants or any other identity card number issued by GOI.
- The passport is current and valid and the identification number is printed on it, with its validity and expiration details.
- Residence in a country other than that mentioned in the application.
- Profession or education-related details - past/current employers or educational institution details (whichever is applicable).
- Purpose of applying for a post-study work visa in Italy, duration of stay and those applying for a National Visa should select the city they would stay in.
- Details of a Schengen Visa if obtained previously for stay or vacation purposes.
- Complete the application with a fee of €90 and submit the signatures.
Converting a Student Visa to Work Permit in Italy
Students who already have a residence permit while studying and working in Italy, have an option to convert their student visa to a post-study work permit. For international students or non-EU nationals, obtaining a post-study work visa in Italy involves three major steps. These steps are as follows.
- The employer that wishes to employ the applicant (non-EU national) has to apply for a work permit for their employee called Nulla Osta al Lavoro at their respective province of functioning.
- After the employer receives the work permit from the Italian Immigration Office, then can the employee begin his/her post-study work visa application process.
- If the applicant successfully obtains permission for a post-study work visa in Italy, only then can they apply for a residence permit.
There is no exception to the rule that the student who already holds a residence permit while studying and working part-time in Italy would surely get a permanent residence permit to work full-time in Italy.
Check out: International Student Guide for Italy
Eligibility Criteria for International Students
The student must also meet all the following requirements to apply for a post-study work visa in Italy:
Resources & Accommodation:
- Sufficient financial resources based on the activity to be carried out - especially for those who are self-employed.
- Licence and/or membership to local associations if holding any, then must be reported.
- A housing or residence permit is mandatory.
- Annual income higher than €8,500 to support the cost of living in Italy.
Holding any of the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree - 180 university credits
- Special bachelor’s degree
- Specialisation degree like Diploma di Specializzazione - of a minimum of two years
- Doctorate - of a minimum of at least three years
- First-level University Master’s degree - one year long and 60 credits completion
- Second-level University Master’s degree - second-year completion with 60 credits
- Certificate of perfection - one year long, completing 60 credit points
Documents Required to Convert a Student Visa to Work Permit in Italy
The following documents are required while applying for a post-study work permit in Italy from India:
- Copy of the signed work contract from the official letterhead of the company
- Original plus a copy of your Nulla Osta - which is official permission from the Italian government for foreigners to live and work for three months in Italy.
- Completed Italian Long-Stay Visa Application form.
- Passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least three months after the duration of your visa.
- Passport pictures.
- Proof of accommodation in Italy.
- Health insurance covers all major expenses up to €30,000.
- Proof of paid visa fee.
- Diplomas/other certificates.
Read: Part-Time Work Options in Italy for International Students
Transferring Student Permit to Employee Permit
The only option to obtain this permit conversion is to meet the education requirement given in the eligibility criteria in the above section and have an offer for employment or a trainee position in a related sector to the degree obtained in Italy. Additionally, the following requirements must be met:
- Employment terms are written in the letter of employment by the employer.
- Employer’s most recent tax return, business balance sheet, company record, filed VAT tax return and contact details.
- Letter from the authorized departments of the employing company sharing the invoices issued during the current year.
- Housing compliance
- Housing availability
Getting a PR in Italy
Those applicants who are non-EU nationals and already hold a temporary residence permit in Italy plus have stayed for up to five years too are only then eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit in Italy. Those applicants who come for shorter stays may be for protection based on humanitarian grounds or international students who come for a year or two cannot apply for a PR in Italy. Applicants can apply for a PR in Italy if they fall into any of these categories:
- They are working full-time with an Italian employer and are required to stay in Italy.
- Foreign entrepreneurs start their businesses in Italy and invest their money.
- Those investing in the Italian government in terms of business are also eligible to apply for a PR in Italy.
- Sole traders in Italy coming with a visa to be self-employed can also apply for permanent residence in Italy.
Documents Required
- Proof of holding a temporary residence permit and living for at least five years.
- Registered certificate issued by the local police upon entering Italy.
- Proof of having a legal address in Italy (through a rental contract or a recent utility bill).
- Proof of means of self-sustenance (bank statements, tax returns, payslips issued by the employer), if applicable.
- Criminal record if any and the application form issued by the Italian authorities.
To conclude, applicants or students applying for an Italian post-study work visa should know when to apply. They must apply only when they have a guaranteed job in Italy. Secondly, applicants must adhere to the time limits since application windows open for restricted time limits and not a lot of applications are accepted.
Also, the applicants must check the number of applications that would be accepted by the Italian Immigration Office from international applicants for a full-time job opportunity and work permit.
Italy Post Study Work Visa FAQs
Q. For how long is the post study work visa valid in Italy for Indian students?
A. Usually a post study work visa in Italy is valid for two years and is extendable for another five years. But in majority of the cases students can stay for upto 6 months to 1 year to look for a full-time job opportunity.
Q. Are documents for post study work visas in Italy similar to those which are to be sent to the employer by the applicant?
A. As per the general rule, it's not mandatory that documents may be similar for a post-study work visa application in Italy or the ones that are to be sent to an employer.
Q. What are the different types of long stay visas in Italy?
A. There are various types of long stay visas in Italy that foreigners with a Schengen Visa or without one can apply. These are - Italy work visa, Italy study visa, Italy family visa, Italy self-employed visa, Italy working holiday visa and Italian retirement visa.
Q. Is there a difference between a Schengen Visa and National Visa in Italy for those applying for a post-study work visa?
A. Yes, there is a difference between a Schengen Visa and National Visa for those applying for Italy post-study work visa. The Schengen visa is basically for the purpose of a shorter stay or tourism purpose. But the National Visa is for a longer stay in Italy intended for studying and working purposes. Hence, those applying for a post-study work visa in Italy should go for a National Visa.
Q. What to do after getting a post-study work visa in Italy?
A. Within eight days of receiving the post-study work visa, applicants should apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno card (residence permit) at the respective Italian city’s local post office. The work visa and permit along with other supporting documents are also required to be presented.
Q: What is the acceptance rate for Istituto Marangoni Italy?
According to a few unofficial sources, Istituto Marangoni acceptance rate is around 80%. This means that the institute is not too selective at the time of granting admissions. As per an unofficial source, about 67% of BA students at Istituto Marangoni are international. If the acceptance rate is considered to be around 80%, then it means that students having a good academic background and meeting all the requirements have a higher chance of getting admission.
Q: Why do Indian students choose to study at Istituto Marangoni - Italy?
Indian students choose to study at Istituto Marangoni in Italy for several reasons. With a broad choice of undergraduate and graduate executive programs in business, fashion, and design offered by Istituto Marangoni, students have the chance to collaborate on industry projects with renowned businesses and establish high-level connections with the fashion and luxury sectors. Students who wish to work in the fashion and design industries find the school's approach appealing as it combines the newest trends, industry advancements, and practical skills. The possibility to work on real-life industrial projects and the association with the prominent fashion company N21 are other factors that make Istituto Marangoni a desirable option for Indian students.
Q: How can I get admission to the Sapienza University of Rome?
Sapienza University of Rome offers a number of certificates, diplomas and degree programmes at the undergradaute and postgradaute levels .To get Sapienza University, international students must meet the course-specific and general admission requirements. Check below the general admission requirements for international students are:
- International applicants must have a high schoolDiplomaearned after at least 12 years of study for a Bachelor’s program
- International applicants must have at least a 3-year bachelor’s degree from arecogniseduniversity in a relevant discipline for a Master’s program
- Students must have at least an upper-intermediate knowledge of English or Italian (B2 level), depending on their chosen program
- Proficiency in the English language
Q: Is the Sapienza University of Rome good?
Yes, the Sapienza University of Rome is one of the finest and among the best universities in the world. Sapienza University of Rome rankings consistently puts Sapienza University among the top universities globally and nationally. The QS World University Rankings 2024 ranked the Sapienza University of Rome #134 in the world. Meanwhile, the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024 ranked the Sapienza University of Rome in the range of #181 in the world. Also, the U.S. News and World Report 2023 ranked the university #125 among the global universities
Q: What is the ranking of the Sapienza University of Rome for MBA?
The Sapienza University of Rome offers a variety of MBA programs to international students. Sapienza University of Rome programmes in the business and management are recognised all over the world. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023 ranked Sapienza University in the range of #201-250 for its business and economics programmess. Sapienza University has improved its rankings significantly from last year’s #251-300 in the same category.
Q: Which university is better to study as an international student in Italy, University of Pavia or the University of Bologna?
University of Pavia or the University of Bologna offer unique campus cultures and academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rates of University of Pavia or the University of Bologna . Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.
Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:
Name of The University | Ranking | Acceptance Rate | 1st Year Tuition Fee |
University of Pavia | #469 | 50% | INR 36K |
University of Bologna | #154 | 73% | INR 54K- 1L |
Q: What are the documents required at Milano?
International students who wish to study Masters Programs at MFI must submit the below documents:
· Application form
· Copy of degree certificate
· Copy of ID card or Passport
· A CV in European format
· Passport-size photos
· Motivation letter
· Copy of official transcript
Q: What are the documents required in the visa process for indian students at Bocconi University, Italy?
The documents required for Indian students in the visa process for Bocconi University, Italy, include the following:
- Original certificate of high school/bachelor's degree
- Documented guarantees regarding the applicant's study curriculum
- Acceptance of enrollment by Bocconi University
- Receipt of full payment of the first part of tuition fees
- Application form downloaded from the Italian Consulate Webpage
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Passport with a validity of 90 days from the date of expiry of the visa and at least 1 blank page
- "Dichiarazione di Valore" (Declaration of Value) of the applicant's educational certificates
- Permit of Stay for study purposes, once in Italy
The official Acceptance Letter issued by Bocconi University is also required for the visa application. The visa application process involves completing a 2-step application, pre-registering, and submitting the application on the Universitaly portal. Once in Italy, all non-EU students will have to obtain a "Permesso di Soggiorno" (Permit of Stay). It is important to apply for the appropriate visa at the Italian diplomatic authority of the country of residence and to follow the instructions provided on the website of the relevant consulate.
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