The Italian Embassy in Pakistan has issued fresh instructions for people seeking short-term, family reunion, work and study visas. It also warned applicants not to pay agents for appointments.
In a notice published on July 25, the embassy said applications for short-term Schengen, family reunion and work visas must go through BLS Visa Application Centres. The designated centres are in Islamabad, Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad.
Applicants must reserve slots through www.intianaitalyvisa.com, the portal named in the announcement. The embassy advised people to use only the correct channel, not intermediaries or unofficial websites.
High demand has led officials to maintain a waiting list for family reunion and work visas. “All those who are registered in the waiting list will be granted an appointment,” the embassy said.
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Earlier official notices said family reunion appointments follow chronological order and daily availability. Work visa slots also depend on registration order and the Visa Section’s capacity.
The work waiting list covers seasonal employment, employed or highly skilled work, and self-employment or artist visas. Applicants cannot visit the service provider’s office without an appointment.
Separate Process for Family Reunion and Study Visas
People applying to reunite with an Italian or European Union citizen can contact the embassy directly. They must send an Italian certified email, known as PEC, to amb.islamabad.consolare@cert.esteri.it.
The embassy’s website provides the required documentation for this category. This route differs from the standard family reunion process handled through BLS.
Students seeking admission to an Italian university must first complete pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal. BLS will contact them to arrange an appointment after their university confirms the application.
The embassy’s May guidance for the 2026-2027 academic year says validated students will receive appointment details through their registered email. Officials will assign appointments by the university validation date.
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The guidance sets November 30, 2026, as the visa application deadline for that academic year. Students remain responsible for complete documents and meeting eligibility conditions.
“If you follow these instructions and use the correct booking channel, you will receive an appointment,” the embassy said.
Embassy Warns Applicants Against Appointment Fraud
The embassy said intermediaries and agencies were illegally offering visa appointments in return for money. It said authorities were taking steps to counter the practice.
“Visa appointments should never be purchased,” the warning said. “If you are approached by anyone offering an appointment for payment, please report it to the Embassy immediately.”
Separate student visa guidance says the embassy and BLS-Intiana have no official WhatsApp or mobile number for contacting applicants. They also do not demand deposits, commissions or extra payments for securing study visa appointments.
Applicants should rely on official embassy and service provider channels, check the correct visa category and follow the stated procedure.
