Background
In May 2023, Angelina reached out to Your Italian Life for consultation with a surprising statement: “I applied for political asylum.” Unlike many who make such decisions out of ignorance, she had done so on the advice of a lawyer. However, this choice entangled her in Italy’s complex bureaucracy, putting her at risk of never obtaining a residence permit. This case underscores the importance of consulting multiple specialists before making life-changing immigration decisions.

Finding the Right Path
During our consultation, we explored all the possible legal pathways for Angelina to relocate to Italy. Given her situation and goals, we decided that long-term language courses would be the best solution, as they allow for flexible entry throughout the year. Following our guidance, Angelina withdrew her asylum application, retrieved her passport, and returned to Minsk. From there, we applied for a National Student Visa based on her enrollment in language courses.

Visa and Relocation Process
Angelina’s journey was not without obstacles. In June 2023, she finally received her long-awaited visa—though only after overcoming an initial refusal. By July, she had arrived in Italy to begin her language studies at Dante Alighieri University. Within two months, she successfully obtained her student residence permit, securing her legal stay in Italy.

Transitioning to Higher Education
Since Angelina had completed only 11 years of schooling, she needed additional qualifications to pursue higher education in Italy. In November 2023, after completing her language courses, we helped her enroll in a Foundation Year program to bridge the educational gap. By May 2024, she received her new student residence permit, allowing her to continue her studies.

Building a Future in Italy
While studying, Angelina took additional steps to establish herself in Italy. We assisted her in:

• Opening a partita IVA (legal entrepreneur status)
• Obtaining her tessera sanitaria (Italian health insurance)
• Securing her carta d’identità (Italian ID card)

With these essential documents in place, Angelina is now preparing for the next step: converting her student residence permit into a work permit (Lavoro Autonomo). We are currently handing her case over to an experienced immigration lawyer to facilitate this transition.

The Result
Angelina’s story is a testament to resilience and the importance of making informed decisions when relocating abroad. By choosing the right path and seeking expert guidance, she successfully transitioned from an asylum seeker to a legally residing student with a clear roadmap for securing long-term residency in Italy.

With the continued support of Your Italian Life, Angelina is on track to building a successful future in Italy, turning a difficult start into a promising new chapter.