Hi,

I will be traveling to Italy and France this year, around the beginning of August to the first or second week of November. I am applying for E.U citizenship but awaiting for my parents' marriage certificate (long form). It looks like it will be here by Tuesday. I can then go to the Consulate by Thursday (b/c Wednesday is Canada's Day - my birthday!) and then apply. I read that it takes about 5-7 business days for the process depending on whether or not everything is in order. I want to stay in Europe for longer than 90 days hence the E.U. application. I am allowed to apply b/c both of my parents are italian and became Canadian citizens after I was born. I looked into this with someone from the Italian Embassy and Italian Consulate before deciding to further pursuing this.

My question: I have been putting off booking my flight because I want to get my E.U. citizenship first so that I can book it for longer than 90 days. I'm estimating that I will get my E.U. citizenship by July 17 and I can then book a flight. However, I'm not sure whether I should wait until then or go ahead and book something within the next week or so. I know that it's best to book within 14-21 days before your trip so with that in mind, I do have some time. I don't want to book now and then extend my trip later especially if I have to pay another flight fee. What do you suggest or recommend?

I found some information with regards to visas:

http://www.esteri.it/visti/home_eng.asp

ACCOMPANYING FAMILY MEMBER - JOINING FAMILY MEMBER
of an EU or European Economic Area citizen
1. visa application form (click here)
2. recent passport-style photo
3. passport or travel document valid for at least three months after visa expiry date
4. copy of the EU or European Economic Area citizen’s identity document or passport along with a declaration requesting the presence of the family member in Italy and swearing to be in possession of the requisites foreseen by the law.
5. administrative documentation (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) attesting to the familial relationship
6. in the case of minor children, written permission from the child's other parent for visa to be issued

Can #4 just be a letter written by one of my family member's in Italy stating that they are related to me, and then have them mail or fax it to the Consulate?

Thank you.

P.S.

In the visa application, it asks for date of departure and arrival. Does this mean that I would need to book my flight first and then apply? In some ways it doesn't make sense because if I book my flight, I will book it for the 90 days (or less) and then have to pay another fee in order to extend my trip (if my visa is approved)? I would think that they would want an estimate of your travel date and to then add the extra number of days that you want to stay so that you can book the flight once rather than having to go back and pay another booking fee or flight cost.

4 implies the person in Italy has gone to the trouble of getting you a family visa. Much more then a letter.

Are you sure you qualify for Italian citizenship? If so don't worry about the visa. If things aren't finished by the consulate by the time you leave bring the documents with you and file in Italy.

Have you explained your timeline to the consulate? They can tell you if the time line is reasonable.

You might also want to check out expatsinitaly.com they are very familiar with all kinds of visa's, citizenship questions etc etc....

Hi,

I e-mailed all of the Italian Consulates in Canada, and Italian Embassy in Ottawa with my questions and I didn't get any replies. I decided to e-mail all of them to ensure that I would at least get 1 response but to get O is surprising. I can't believe how difficult it is to get in touch with them. I have even tried calling the Italian Consulate in Toronto and it's almost impossible to talk live with anyone. I left 2 messages in the past and neither message was returned. Why even bother having an e-mail address and phone number if they are not willing to respond to your messages?!?! I'm going to call the Italian Embassy in Ottawa tomorrow. There are a few extensions that I can call so hopefully, I will be able to speak with someone who can help me.

Nickz, I do qualify for Italian citizenship. My parents were born in Italy and they became Canadian citizens after my siblings and I were born. My mom became a Cdn. citizen 3 years ago and my father became a Cdn. citizen in his 40's. I spoke with someone of the Italian Consulate about this and he reassured me that I qualified.

If so don't worry about the visa. If things aren't finished by the consulate by the time you leave bring the documents with you and file in Italy.
* I thought about doing this but wasn't sure if I could. Can I do this? I think I read something about this. I will be staying with my family during the beginning of my trip so they will be able to help me.


4. copy of the EU or European Economic Area citizen’s identity document .......OR passport along with a declaration requesting the presence of the family member in Italy and swearing to be in possession of the requisites foreseen by the law.
* I read this part again and it says a copy of the EU OR passport with declaration so if he has a copy of the EU then I wouldn't have to worry about a declaration. However, after what you suggested, I might just wait and do things there even though I would feel better doing it before I go. I will call the Embassy tomorrow just to see what I can find out with regards to #4 and also, the length of time for the visa. I read that it doesn't take that long. In some cases, 48-72 hours but if the case is difficult, it will take longer.

JilM
Thanks for the link. I have been on that site before but didn't think about it when dealing with the visa issue. Thank you.

I will let you know how things go.
Thank you all for your help.

[/QUOTE]Have you explained your timeline to the consulate? They can tell you if the time line is reasonable.[/QUOTE]
Yes, in my e-mails to them - 9 in total to different Italian Consulates (and persons) and the Italian Embassy. I stated my situation and concern with me wanting to travel at the beginning of August but I didn't hear back from them.