Studying in Poland is becoming increasingly popular among Ukrainian students. However, to legally stay in the country while studying, you need to obtain an appropriate residence permit. This process may seem complicated, but with the right approach and legal support, it becomes much easier. In this article, we will look at step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a residence permit to study in Poland and the importance of legal assistance at each stage.
Step 1: Receiving an invitation from a Polish educational institution
The first step on the way to obtaining a residence permit for studies is to receive an official invitation from a Polish university or other educational institution. This document is the key to the entire process, so it is important that it is executed correctly. To check the correctness and completeness of the invitation, it is recommended to conduct a legal analysis of the documents.
What the invitation from the university should contain:
- Full name of the educational institution
- Your personal data
- Information about the chosen course of study
- The duration of your studies
- Information on tuition fees
After receiving the invitation, it is important to carefully check all the data. If you have any doubts or questions, it is recommended to seek legal advice from a lawyer who can conduct a detailed legal analysis of the document and help you avoid potential problems in the following stages.
Step 2: Applying for a national visa
The next step is to obtain a type D national visa, which will allow you to enter Poland for the purpose of studying. To do this, you need to prepare a package of documents and submit an application to a Polish consulate or visa center. Before submitting the documents, it is recommended to have them checked by a lawyer to avoid possible mistakes or shortcomings.
Basic documents for obtaining a national visa:
- Completed visa application form
- A valid foreign passport
- Photos of the appropriate format
- Invitation letter from the educational institution
- Proof of payment of tuition fees or scholarships
- Confirmation of the availability of funds for accommodation
- Proof of medical insurance
It is important to note that the requirements for documents may change, so it is recommended to regularly conduct a legal analysis of the situation. An online lawyer can provide you with up-to-date information and help you prepare all the necessary documents correctly.
Question
Is it possible to apply for a residence permit while already in Poland on a student visa?
Answer
Yes, you can apply for a residence permit (residence card) for studying while already in Poland on a student visa. Moreover, this is the recommended way as it allows you to start the process while already familiarizing yourself with local procedures. It is important to submit your application at least 45 days before your visa expires. To get detailed advice on your specific situation, it is recommended to apply for a legal analysis of the situation by a specialist.
Step 3: Preparing documents for the residence permit application
After arriving in Poland, the next important step is to prepare documents for applying for a residence permit (karta pobytu). This process requires thoroughness and attention to detail. Before submitting the application, it is recommended to obtain a legal opinion of a lawyer on the completeness and correctness of your package of documents.
The main documents for applying for a residence permit are:
- A completed application in the prescribed form
- 4 current photos
- A copy of all pages of the passport
- Confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution
- Confirmation of payment of tuition fees
- A document confirming the availability of funds for accommodation
- Proof of residence in Poland
- Proof of health insurance
It is important that all documents are properly executed and translated into Polish. To ensure that all documents meet the requirements, it is recommended to apply for a legal analysis of documents by a specialist.
Step 4: Submitting the application to the voivodeship office
The next step is to directly submit the application and all required documents to the relevant voivodeship office. This step requires the applicant's personal presence. Before submitting the application, it is recommended to consult a lawyer, who can provide important advice on the procedure and possible questions from the office staff.
Important aspects when submitting the application:
- Check that the address of the voivodeship office is up to date
- Make an appointment in advance (if possible)
- Prepare copies of all documents
- Be prepared for possible additional questions from the office staff
After submitting your application, you will receive a temporary residence permit confirming the legality of your stay in Poland for the duration of your case. A lawyer in Poland can provide you with additional support and represent your interests in case of any difficulties during the process.
Step 5: Waiting for the decision and receiving the residence card
After submitting all the necessary documents, the waiting period for the decision on your application begins. This process may take several months, and it is important to be prepared for possible additional requests from the Voivodeship Office. At this stage, written advice from a lawyer may be useful to help you respond to any requests and avoid delays in the processing of your case.
Check your mailbox for letters from the Voivodeship Office
Respond to any requests for additional documents in a timely manner
Do not leave Poland while your application is being processed
Inform the Voivodeship Office of any changes in your situation (e.g. change of address)
In case of a positive decision, you will receive a notification to appear at the Voivodeship Office to receive the residence card. A legal opinion from a lawyer may be useful for understanding your rights and obligations as a residence permit holder.
Peculiarities of extending a residence permit for studies
It is important to remember that a residence permit for studies is issued for a limited period of time and may require extension. The process of extension has its own peculiarities, and for its successful completion, it is recommended to conduct a legal analysis of your situation in advance.
Key points when extending a residence permit:
- Apply for an extension no later than 45 days before the expiration of the current permit
- Prepare documents confirming the continuation of your studies
- Provide information on academic achievements
- Confirm the availability of funds for further living and studying
For detailed information on the process of extending your residence permit, it is recommended to seek legal advice from an online lawyer who can conduct a legal analysis of your specific situation and provide personalized advice.
Obtaining a residence permit for studying in Poland is a multi-stage process that requires attention to detail, knowledge of Polish law, and correct execution of numerous documents. From receiving an invitation from an educational institution to submitting an application and waiting for a decision, each step has its own peculiarities and potential difficulties.
Given the importance of each stage and the possible consequences of mistakes, it is recommended to seek professional legal assistance. Specialists can conduct a detailed analysis of documents, provide a legal opinion on your situation, and help you at all stages of the residence permit process. This will not only save you time and effort, but also significantly increase the chances of a positive decision.
If you are planning to study in Poland and need assistance in obtaining a residence permit, we recommend that you contact the legal marketplace KONSULTANT. Our experienced lawyers and attorneys will provide you with qualified assistance, conduct a detailed legal analysis of your situation, and offer the best solutions. Do not risk your opportunity to study in Poland - entrust the solution of legal issues to professionals with experience in the field of migration law and assistance to foreign students. Contact KONSULTANT today and take the first step towards successfully obtaining a residence permit to study in Poland!