It seems mostly we just hear about unsuccessful applications for Elective Residence Visa's. I thought I would post my successful story and list what I all provided as a frame of reference for others.
We went to the Chicago Consulate. 11AM appointment. It was not particularly busy.
First - We made two mistakes, that were overcome in typical Italian fashion. When one person says "Not possible", quietly see if someone else says "Possible"
If applying as a couple, make two appointments. This was not at all obvious from the application instructions on the form or the Consultate website. The person at the first check in window said "Not possible" I figured I might as well have mine processed as long as we where there. The gentleman behind the Visa window carefully went over my package which had documentation for both myself and my wife. He nodded and circled things. Then he pushed my wifes application from the packet through the slot and said she should sign and asked for her passport. Then he pushed mine through.
Second, even though the Consulate site says Cash or Money Order, take only money order. Again we lucked out. I had only one money order (which I had to run to the 7-11 to get) But when I said I had cash for a second, he gave a little Italian shrug and said, ok, it is the end of the month, it will be fine.
Dress nice, smile. If they like you, no's can end up as sure, it's ok.
Our package.
We wrote a nice cover letter. We avoided cliche reasons such as lifestyle and wanting to learn Italian. We focused on our existing connections to Italy. We had and exchange student 20 years ago and have remained close friends with him and his family. We went to his wedding, they made sure we sat in the family section. We wrote not about desire for lifestyle, but embrace of the challenge a new life in Italy will present.
In my financial section I began with a summary of sources of income. I had a spread sheet showing how those sources would provide a monthly income (combined) of $6300 for a 20 year window, and a second senario showing $7000 a month for the first 5 years. I then had my backup showing sources and balances. My wifes pension has an accelerated feature until she is eligible for social security. I highlighted the accelerated early retirement amount. No need to make it complicated unless they ask for detail. I included my 401K Statement showing 310K balance. Straightforward. Printouts from Social Security showing our monthly benefit. I highlighted the big number of the front page which is the age 65 benefit. Again, no need to make it complicated, if they ask, I will freely volunteer that I intend to take it at 62 and will get a different amount. Then bank statements. They were from the end of August statements and showed 90K in the bank. My house purchase documents show that our house purchase was final on September 16th. Again, if they asked if that changed my bank balance, I would be truthful and indicate that 60K has been used for final payment on the house.
Lastly, I had a final section showing my airline reservations, health insurance confirmation, copy of marriage license.
Our total time was just about 40 min. He asked a few details about arrival date in Schengen zone as he was putting in effective dates. Then he started to tell me that when we arrived in Italy we need to make sure we register at the Questura within 8 days, and then begin our Permisso process. Finally a bit of small talk. Aburzzo? Belissimo. If I ever pass by Casalanguida I will ask where the Americani live. I am sure everyone will know.
Other than a little hiccup thinking we would have to come back a second time because we needed two appointments, it was routine. We organized our documents with tabs between sections, and high lighted all pertinent information. We had slightly more than what the Consulate checklist showed, but not too much more. There is a fine line between the Italian love of documents and just throwing paper around. I had, in reserve in my briefcase additional documents such as full health insurance policy, three years of tax returns. Just in case. None were needed.
So, in summary.
Dress nice, good into letter (He did spend time reading this very carefully) and organized documents. There was no hesitation at all regarding our showing a sustained $6300 a month income for two people. It seemed like we were well in excess of what his minimum expectation. I did not ask for detail. When a bureaucrat says yes, one questions the wisdom of asking them to explain their decision. Your mileage may vary, but I post this to give others some kind of frame of reference.
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