How to Apply for Italy Schengen Visa from Canada in 5 Easy Steps – A Complete Guide

How many Schengen countries have you been to? 1, 5 or all 26 of them? If you have never been, you may want to start with Italy. Its history spans centuries and you can see remnants of its colorful past in the hundreds of archaeological sites across the county. Not only that, you can enjoy delicious pizza washed down with a cool beer or 2 everywhere you go. If you want to go to relax, you can do that too, on its superb beaches or take a stroll through the mountains. Italy has it all! In this article, learn more about how to apply for an Italy visa at the Embassy of Italy in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Canada, Italy visa appointment booking, processing time at the Italy visa application center, flight itinerary for an Italy visa, hotel bookings for an Italy visa, Schengen travel insurance for Italy visa application, and  Italy visa application process at the Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal embassy.

Source: https://consvancouver.esteri.it/consolato_vancouver/en

Italy Schengen Visas

In 2018, there were 1,844,140 Italy Schengen visas received around the world and 135,882 (7.4%) were rejected. The visa offices in Canada dealt with:

1. Consulate General of Italy in Toronto received 1,818 and rejected 17 (0.9%)
2. Consulate General of Italy in Montreal received 851 and rejected 48 (5.6%)
3. Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver received 1,020 and rejected 7 (0.7%)
4. Embassy of Italy in Ottawa received 223 and rejected 4 (1.8%)

Applying for a Schengen Visa from Canada  

Applying for a Schengen visa from Canada is easier than ever. You just need to be aware of the rules regarding who needs one and who doesn’t. As a general rule:

1. Canadian citizens – if you are visiting Italy for up to 90 days, you do not have to apply for a visa. Please note, you must still obtain an  “Electronic Travel Authorization” (eTA) prior to departure. Further information can be found here
2. Non-Canadian citizens – if you are living in Canada permanently, but were not born there, you do require a visa for Italy regardless of the duration of the trip

Where to apply for an Italy Schengen visa

There are 4 visa offices where you can apply for an Italy Schengen visa in Canada. The correct one will depend on where you live:

1. Consulate General of Italy in Montreal – deals with applications from residents of Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nunavut
2. Embassy of Italy in Ottawa – deals with applications from residents of the City of Ottawa, the Counties of Carleton, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott, Russell, and Stormont in Ontario and the Outaouais Region of Québec
3. The Consulate General of Italy in Toronto – deals with applications of residents from the provinces of Ontario (except the part under the Embassy of Italy in Ottawa’s jurisdiction), Manitoba and the Northwest Territories
4. The Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver – deals with applications from residents from the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Yukon

You have to apply at the correct Italian visa office, so check which one is the correct one for you.

Types of Schengen visas offered by the Embassy of Italy and the Consulate Generals of Italy in Canada

There are 3 types of visas you may apply for and the one you choose will depend on the reason and duration of your trip:

1. Schengen visa: for tourism/transit, business, Autonomous work/artist, study, religious reasons, mission, sport event or visiting family or friends for a maximum of 90 days
2.  National visa: for over 90 days for employment, study, family reasons, mission, residence, religious reasons, sports

How to Apply for an Italy Schengen Visa from Canada

Processing times at the visa offices usually take between 5 and 25 days depending on the type of visa and your nationality. It is not possible to rush process an application, so you should apply in plenty of time. You may apply up to 90 days before your departure date, so don’t leave it too late.

There are 5 easy steps to follow to help you apply for your visa:

Step 1: Complete your application form

You can complete your application form online. If you are applying at the Embassy of Italy in Ottawa, go to their website and click on: “Visas”:

Then, click on the link for the visa database:

Scroll down and input your information and click on: “Go to answers”:

Scroll down again and you’ll find a list of documents you have to provide. Click on the link where it says: “Entry visa application form”:

You will be directed to the E@pplication system where you will be able to complete your application form:

If you are applying at the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto, go to their website and click on: “Visas” then scroll down and you will find the link for the E@pplication system:

Don’t forget to print the form containing the 2D barcode and your application form as you will need to provide these to the visa office when you submit your application.

If you are applying at the consulate in Montreal, go to their website, click on: “Visas” then “Entry visas”. You will then be directed to a document giving information on how to apply. Scroll through until you reach the link for the application form. You can download it for completion:

If you are applying at the consulate in Vancouver, go to their website, click on: “Visas” and “Visa forms required documents” and you will see the link for the application:

Step 2: Make an Appointment

Making appointments with the embassy, consulate or visa application center is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure which consulate to apply to or have no idea on how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee!

Booking a visa appointment using our services is pretty simple! All you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the link to schedule the visa appointment
2. Submit the appointment details, the visa you are applying for, consulate you need the appointment for, the country you need the appointment IN and make the payment
3. Receive appointment confirmation in email

You can also make an appointment on your own by following the steps below.

If you are applying at the Embassy of Italy in Ottawa:

1. No appointment is required. You just need to submit your paperwork between the hours of 9.00 am – 12.00 pm (Monday to Friday) and 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm (Wednesdays only)

If you are applying at the Consulate General of Montreal:

1. Go to their website and click on: “Visas”
2. Click on: “Entry Visas”
3. Scroll down and click on the link to book an appointment
4. You will be directed to Prenota OnLine
5. Register as a new user
6. Log in and complete your application

If you are applying at the Consulate General of Toronto:

1. Go to their website and click on: “Visas:
2. Click on: “How to apply for a visa (Procedures and requirements)”:
3. Click on the link to book an appointment
4. You will be directed to Prenota OnLine
5. Register as a new user
6. Log in and complete your application

If you are applying at the Consulate General of Vancouver:

1. Make a visa appointment with the visa office by emailing visa.vancouver@esteri.it. Residents of Alberta and Saskatchewan may book an appointment with the Consular Services Branch in Edmonton – Email: edmonton.vancouver@esteri.it

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Whichever office you are applying through, you will find a list of documents that you need to provide along with your visa application. Check the mandatory requirements before you begin this step.

You should also prepare photocopies as well as providing the original documents, so don’t forget to do that too!

Documents include:

1. Visa application form – completed and signed
2. Passport photographs
   
3. Passport  – must be valid for at least three months after the date of departure from Italy, have at least two empty pages and issued no more than 10 years ago
4. Proof of residence – driver’s license
5. Permanent residence card or Canada Visa valid for at least 90 days after your return date
   
6. Travel itinerary/airline reservation
7. Proof of Schengen travel medical insurance which must cover medical emergency expenses up to € 30,000, including hospital care and repatriation for medical reasons, while travelling in all of the Schengen area countries
8. Proof of financial means – last 3 months bank statements
9. Hotel reservation or an invitation letter
10. Birth certificate and letter from parents giving consent to travel. Plus, a financial affidavit must also be provided
11. Documentation of socio-professional standing – letter from employer or business license or letter from the University/School you are attending. If you are self-employed, please provide the business license for your company
12. Proof of study/work in Italy – course/enrollment details or work contract etc
13. Proof of participation in any type of event

If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
2.  Submit the travel details and make the payment online
3. Receive flight itinerary in email

Step 4: Attend your appointment

On the day of your appointment:

1. Arrive early – there are many visa applicants and if you are late, you will not be seen and you will have to make a new appointment which could take weeks to rearrange
2. Remember your paperwork – if you fail to provide everything that is required for your visa application, it may be refused
3. Dress smartly – if you want to make a good impression, don’t turn up for your appointment in jeans and a t-shirt

The visa officer will examine your application and paperwork and if he/she thinks it necessary they may question you regarding the information you have given.

Typical questions include:

1. Have you ever been to Italy or the EU before?
2. Are you meeting anyone there?
3. Where do you work in Canada?
4. Are you married?
5. Are you traveling alone?

If you are asked questions like these, just answer honestly.

Don’t jeopardize your Schengen visa interview at the last minute. Use this comprehensive and thorough visa interview guide to crack the visa interview!

You will also pay the fee for your visa. You can pay in cash of money order payable to:

1. Consulate General of Italy – Montreal
2. Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver
3. Consulate General of Italy in Toronto

You can also pay by certified cheque at the consulate in Toronto. If you are applying at the embassy in Ottawa, you should check the payment methods available.

You will also provide biometric data if this is your first time applying for a visa. If you have applied before, your fingerprint scan and photograph can be reused if it is within 5 years.

Step 5: Receive your visa

Once your application has been processed, you can either collect your passport from the visa office or it will be returned to you by mail for which you must provide a self-addressed, prepaid Canada XPresspost envelope. Check with the office if they offer the mailing service.

The decision will be either:

1. Approved – your visa will be inside your passport
2. Rejected – this would have been for a specific reason. You can usually appeal the decision, but check with the visa office for more information regarding this

Common rejection reasons include:

1. Lack of funds – you must be able to afford your trip and the documents you provide, such as bank statements, must prove that you can do this
2. No hotel booking – it is a mandatory requirement that you provide information about the accommodation where you will be staying when you are in Italy
3. No proof of residence in Canada – if you are a non-Canadian citizen, you must provide proof that you have a legal right to stay in the country
4. Invalid passport – your passport must be valid (see above requirements). If not, you must obtain a new one before applying for your visa

Contact details of the Embassy of Italy in Ottawa

Address: 275, Slater Street, 21st Floor – Ottawa (Ontario) K1P 5H9

Telephone:  0016132322401

Fax: +1-613-233-1484

Email: consolare.ottawa@esteri.it

Hours: Monday: 09:00 am – 12:00 pm; Tuesday: 09:00 am – 12:00 pm; Wednesday: 09:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm; Thursday: 09:00 am – 12:00 pm; Friday: 09:00 am – 12:00 pm

Contact details for the Consulate General of Italy in Montreal

Address: 3489 Drummond, Montréal, Quebec H3G 1X6

Telephone: +1 514-849-8351

Fax: +1 514-499-9471

E-mail: consolato.montreal@esteri.it

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm;  Tuesday (only in the afternoon): 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Visa Office hours: (By appointment only) Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 am-12:00 pm
(Only for visa pick up) Tuesday 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm and Thursday 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Contact details for the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto

Address: 136 Beverley Street – Toronto (Ontario) M5T 1Y5

Telephone: 001 – 416-977-1566

Fax: 001 – 416-977-1119

E-mail: visti.toronto@esteri.it

Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 09.00 am – 12.00 pm; Wednesdays: 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Wednesdays: 09.00 am – 12.00 pm (only by appointment)

Contact details for the Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver

Address: 510 West Hastings Street – Suite 1100 (11th floor), Vancouver, B.C. – V6B 1L8

Telephone: +1 604 684 7288

Fax: +1 604 685 4263

E-mail: visa.vancouver@esteri.it

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm; Wednesday (only in the afternoon): 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Conclusion

To apply for a Schengen visa for Italy, follow these simple steps:

1. Complete your application online or download it
2. Make an appointment
3. Prepare your documents
4. Attend your appointment
5. Receive your visa

At Visa Reservation, we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no objection letter templates for our clients from US, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and globally. We also offer flight itinerary for visa, travel medical insurance, hotel reservations for visa , Book Visa Appointment, Travel Guides, Visa Interview Guides and many more. To learn more about how we can help you with our visa services, please feel free to contact us today.

See Also

Apply for Schengen Visa from Canada

Apply for Austria Schengen Visa from Ottawa, Canada

Apply for Belgium Schengen Visa from Montreal, Canada

Apply for Czech Republic Schengen Visa from Ottawa, Canada

Apply for Denmark Schengen Visa from Ottawa, Canada

Apply for Estonia Schengen Visa from Ottawa, Canada

Apply for Finland Schengen Visa from Canada

Apply for France Schengen Visa from Canada

Apply for Germany Schengen Visa from Canada

Apply for Greece Schengen Visa from Canada

Apply for Hungary Schengen Visa from Canada

Apply for Iceland Schengen Visa from Canada