Hi, my name is Nicole Iturralde P.

Today I turn 18.

I always imagined this day would feel happy… but instead, I feel nervous, anxious, and deeply sad, because I might have to leave my family, my school, and everything I’ve been building.

I am currently in Year 12 in Melbourne Australia, just a few months away from graduating. I’ve worked so hard to get here, and my dream is to finish school and continue at a university.

But right now, I may not be able to.

This situation began because of a migration process that was mishandled by an Australian migration agent who misled our family and did not return the money we paid.

The consequences have been devastating.

My older sister already had to leave Australia after a visa refusal, and now I am at risk of the same thing happening to me.

My visa is valid until July 2026, and my high school until December 2026; and now that I have turned 18, I can no longer remain under my mum’s visa — even though I still depend on my family completely.

If I have to leave, I won’t be able to finish school, I will be separated from my family, and I will lose the future I’ve been working towards.

What hurts the most is leaving my family.

My little sister Luciana is my best friend, and I don’t want to miss seeing her grow up.

My mum is my biggest support, always there for me.

My dad is my hero, the one who makes me feel safe.

And I don’t want to go through what my sister is living now — being far from us and struggling emotionally.

I wish she could come back, because her life is here with us.

As a family, we have tried everything we can to solve this situation, but we haven’t been able to gather what is required.

To give me a real chance to stay, we need to:

* Apply for a new visa as an international student (AUD 2,000)

* Medical exams for the new visa application (approximately AUD 1,000)

* OSHC health insurance for international students (AUD 1,500)

* Hire a lawyer or immigration agent (AUD 500)

* Cover application fees and legal fees

* Pay for half of my final year of high school (Year 12) (AUD 10,000)

* Prove that I have the necessary financial means to cover one year of living expenses (AUD 20,000)

* Fundraising for my first year of university, scheduled for 2027 (approximately 37,000 AUD)

About this fundraiser

This fundraiser has been created by my mum, Lilian, on my behalf. She will receive and manage the funds, and use them directly to cover my visa, legal, and education expenses, including the payment of half year of my high school, require financial evidence and fundraiser university fees.

From my heart, I’m not asking for something extra. I am asking for the chance to stay with my family, finish school, and continue my life in a place where I feel safe.

Your support — even sharing this — means more than you can imagine. Thank you for reading and for caring.

With all my heart ♥️,

Nicole Iturralde Peralta