How to obtain an Italian job-seeking visa (attesa per occupazione)

Let’s face it, Italy is great an all but living here as a foreigner is a challenge that no amount of pasta or pizza (or gelato) can compensate. Especially when it comes to the visa process that is lengthy and complicated.

(TLDR below)

I faced the same problems prior to graduating from my masters and even with the help of the school, there was a lot of misinformation that created more complications and doubts.

At first, the problem was simple.

My permesso di sogiorno expires in September while the program ends in November, so I had to apply to extend my student visa and then apply again for the job-seeking visa.

Annoying to have to go through the process twice and pay for the amazing experience. So, after consulting with my school, they suggested me to strategically apply for the visa renewal so that when the questura calls me for an interview, it will be when I have graduated (or close to that).

It was still a gamble at that point since I got a lot of information from different people that their interview date can be either 3–4 months from the time they sent the application to a week after.

So, I applied as close to the expiry date as possible and got the interview date a week before I officially graduate.

First hurdle: DONE

The next step was to ask the school for something called Certificate of Achievement. This is basically a piece of paper saying that I have completed all exams and have successfully graduated from the program.

Once you get this, the school will tell you to bring your financial statement, insurance, etc.

DO NOT DO THIS!

SIMPLY DON'T!

Just bring your certificate to centro per l’impiego (I suggest coming very early), get your number for the queue and say that you want to obtain your Dichiarazione Immediata Disponibilità lavoro (DID). An officer will help you and this will show that you are ready to get a job.

Keep these two documents for dear life and bring this to your questura meeting. If you applied for the extension for student visa previously, explain how you have graduated by showing them the certificate and the DID and they will proceed.

Again, no need for bank account bullshit or insurance.

Don’t even think or worry about it!

You might be thinking, why the saltiness on insurance?

I made the mistake of purchasing insurance for a year from WaItaly (a company my school recommended). Terrible service (no one responds to your email, only on Facebook and the person doesn’t know anything, also the office is hard to reach). On top of that, the insurance doesn’t even work if you are not a student (something the school didn’t tell me until too late) and now I’m still trying to refund it. So, save yourself the trouble!

And after all the shithole, I got my attesa per occupazione!

So, here’s a TLDR on what to do:

1. Send your application to the nearest post office containing the copies of all the documents that you need to bring for the questura meeting (documents differ depending on the visa you apply for).
2. If you graduated from a program (bachelor or masters) in Italy and would like to get your job-seeking visa, get your Certificate of Achievement, which is basically a paper that says that you have graduated together with your exam scores.
3. DO NOT BUY ANY INSURANCE cause you don’t need it
4. Bring that piece of paper to Centro per l’impiego where you will get a Dichiarazione Immediata Disponibilità lavoro (DID) to show that you are ready to get a job.
5. Bring both documents from point 2 and 4 to your questura meeting.
6. Wait for a text from them once it’s done (or check online)
7. Ready to find a job in Italy.

I hope you find this helpful.

Good luck!