Italy Nulla Osta and VFS Bangladesh are separate parts of the work-visa journey. A Nulla Osta is an Italian work authorisation, not a visa. It allows the named worker to apply in the relevant category. The Italian visa authority still assesses the application. VFS receives applications as a service provider and does not approve, refuse or guarantee visas.
Who applies for the Nulla Osta?
Under an ordinary sponsored-work route, the employer in Italy or an authorised representative starts the application through the relevant Italian portal and Sportello Unico. A worker in Bangladesh cannot independently generate a valid work authorisation. The employer, worker identity, authorised job and address must be consistent throughout the case.
Why 22 October 2024 matters
The Italian Embassy in Dhaka states that work-visa applicants with a valid Nulla Osta issued on or after 22 October 2024 can begin through the dedicated VFS webform. Certain authorisations issued up to 21 October 2024 fall under enhanced verification arrangements introduced by Decree-Law 145/2024 and can follow a different contact or submission process. Check the issue date before doing anything.
What the webform does
The webform collects applicant and authorisation information so the Bangladesh visa process can begin through the designated channel. It is not a new work-permit application, is not the final national visa application and does not guarantee an appointment. Use only the link published by the Embassy or VFS; copycat forms can collect passport data and payments.
Step-by-step Bangladesh process
- Check the issue date, name, employer and job on the Nulla Osta.
- Read the current work-visa notice on the Embassy website.
- If applicable, complete the published VFS webform accurately.
- Keep the official acknowledgement and reference details.
- Wait for the authorised verification or appointment communication.
- Prepare the current long-term work-visa checklist in the requested format.
- Submit the application and biometrics at the specified centre and time.
- Ensure the employer responds to any SUI reconfirmation request.
- Track the passport only with the official reference.
Appointment and centre warnings
Availability at Dhaka, Chattogram or Sylhet can depend on category and the current notice. Do not buy a social-media appointment slot. The Embassy has clarified that VFS does not independently control appointment allocation or visa decisions. Verify the email domain, applicant name, reference and centre address before attending.
Final submission checklist
- Official appointment or instruction evidence;
- current national visa form;
- passport and requested photocopies;
- photographs meeting the current specification;
- Nulla Osta and applicable employment papers;
- Bangladesh documents required by the category checklist;
- fee and service-charge payment evidence;
- required translation or apostille;
- a personal scan of every document and receipt.
Employer confirmation deadline
After the visa application, the SUI can ask the employer to confirm that the offer remains valid. Official page versions have contained seven- and fifteen-day references. The employer should not guess or rely on an old blog: respond immediately within the exact deadline stated in the SUI request.
Status and processing time
VFS tracking generally shows movement of the visa application, not the complete internal status of the Nulla Osta in Italy. “Under processing” is neither approval nor refusal. SUI verification, document checks, employer response and Embassy workload can affect timing. Do not buy a non-refundable ticket until the passport and issued visa are in hand.
Limits of visual verification
A realistic seal, protocol number or QR code can still be forged. Do not edit the document or upload it to an unknown public checker. Confirm the employer by direct communication, compare identity and job details, and rely on SUI, Embassy and VFS communications. Bangladesh-related authorisations have received enhanced checks because of counterfeit documents.
Payments to avoid
- A private fee for a guaranteed Embassy appointment;
- cash for ownership of a quota slot;
- a visa-approval guarantee charge;
- VFS fees sent to a personal mobile wallet;
- payment to convert a tourist visa into a work visa;
- large recruitment payments without a contract and receipt.
FAQ
Should I visit VFS immediately after the webform?
No. Follow the current instruction and wait for the required official communication.
Is there one public checker for every Nulla Osta?
Do not assume there is. Use the employer/SUI relationship and official visa channel.
Can VFS refuse a visa?
VFS is a service provider; the competent Italian authority makes the decision.
Verification note: Immigration rules, fees and submission channels can change. Before applying or paying, check the current Embassy instructions, the authorised application-centre notices and the official Flussi information. No agent or service centre can guarantee a visa decision.