There is no strict age limit for bringing children under the Family Reunion Visa in Italy, but they must be financially dependent on you.
There is no strict age limit for bringing children under the Family Reunion Visa in Italy, but there are conditions regarding their dependency on the sponsor. The main requirement is that the children must be financially dependent on the sponsor and unable to support themselves. Here’s what you need to know about applying for a Family Reunion Visa for children:
1. Definition of "Children" for Family Reunion Visa:
Under the Family Reunion Visa provisions in Italy, children are typically defined as:
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Minor Children:
Children under the age of 18 are generally eligible to be included in a Family Reunion Visa application as long as they are financially dependent on the sponsor. -
Adult Children:
Children above the age of 18 can also be included if they are financially dependent on the sponsor due to special circumstances, such as being full-time students or having physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from supporting themselves.
2. Financial Dependency Requirement:
To bring children under the Family Reunion Visa, you must demonstrate that they are financially dependent on you. The Italian authorities want to ensure that children are not self-sufficient and that they rely on the sponsor for support. This is typically proven through:
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Proof of Financial Support:
Submit documents such as bank statements, income statements, or affidavits proving that you financially support your children, even if they are over the age of 18. -
Dependency Due to Disability or Education:
For children over the age of 18, you must provide additional documentation, such as proof of enrollment in school or university, or medical records showing that the child has a disability preventing them from working or supporting themselves.
3. Required Documents for Children:
To include your children in your Family Reunion Visa application, you will need to provide the following documents:
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Birth Certificates:
Provide official copies of birth certificates to prove the relationship between you and your children. These must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Italian. -
Proof of Dependency:
Submit evidence that your children are dependent on you, such as financial records, medical documents, or proof of enrollment in educational institutions. -
Proof of Accommodation:
Show that you have suitable housing in Italy for your children, such as a lease agreement or property ownership documents. -
Proof of Health Insurance:
Provide proof of health insurance for your children, either through Italy’s public healthcare system (SSN) or private insurance.
4. Age Considerations for Minor and Adult Children:
For minor children, there is no age limit as long as they are financially dependent on the sponsor and are included in the family reunification process. For adult children, they must be:
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Under 21 Years Old:
In some cases, children under the age of 21 may qualify for family reunification, provided they are still financially dependent. -
Disabled or Studying Full-Time:
If your children are over 21, they may still be eligible if they are unable to support themselves due to a disability or if they are full-time students. Proof of disability or full-time education is required in these cases.
5. Application Process:
The application process for bringing children under the Family Reunion Visa involves submitting all required documents to the Italian consulate or embassy in your family members’ home country. The visa process typically takes several weeks to months, depending on the consulate’s workload and the completeness of the application.
6. Conclusion:
There is no specific age limit for bringing children under the Family Reunion Visa in Italy, but they must be financially dependent on you. Minor children are typically eligible, while adult children can also qualify if they are disabled or financially dependent on you for education or other reasons. By providing the required documentation, you can include your children in the Family Reunion Visa application and reunite with them in Italy.