Request a consultation on migration and refugee issues

Migration and asylum counseling is comprehensive legal support for foreigners or persons seeking international protection in order to obtain refugee status, temporary protection, asylum, or other residence permits. Such counseling includes an analysis of your situation, legal options, risks, and ways to legalize your status. The service is intended for those who need not only information, but also a clear strategy for action, legal expertise, and the ability to appeal to administrative or judicial authorities.
 

Who can seek advice and when is it needed?

Migration and refugee counseling is relevant if you are:

• a person who has fled or plans to flee the country due to a threat to life, persecution, war, or other extraordinary circumstances;
• a person who is already returning or under protection but has doubts about their status or rights;
• a foreigner who has been denied a permit, asylum, or other form of protection;
• a person returning to their home country but in need of international protection or legalization;
• a family member of a refugee or person under protection who is entitled to reunification;
• an organization or volunteer working with refugees and in need of legal support.

It is advisable to seek advice as early as possible — at the stage of crossing the border, filing an application for protection, or at the first signs of danger — in order to avoid losing your rights or encountering difficulties.

Procedures for international protection and refugee status in Poland

In Poland, there are several forms of international protection: refugee status, subsidiary protection, and temporary protection. The procedure for obtaining such protection begins with submitting an application to the Office for Foreigners (Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców) or another authorized body, which includes completing the appropriate form and justifying the reasons for the request.

The next step is an assessment of the applicant’s circumstances, including verification of the existence of threats of persecution, human rights violations, or involvement in armed conflicts. During the review process, an interview is conducted, evidence is collected, and if necessary, medical or psychological examinations are performed.

Based on the review results, a decision is made: if positive — the relevant status is granted; if negative — there is the possibility to file an appeal or apply to the administrative court. Upon receiving the status, the person gains certain rights, including residence, employment, access to healthcare and education, and assumes corresponding obligations, with the possibility to change the status or apply for additional forms of protection.

How to prepare documents: important requirements and common mistakes

To reduce the risk of rejection:

1. collect clear, reliable data on the circumstances for which you are seeking protection (persecution, threat, war, deterioration of the situation);
2. provide documents confirming your identity, origin, marital status, history of residence in case of change of country of origin or transit;
3. translations into Polish (or the language required by the authority), apostille, if necessary;
4. describe in detail all events that may be relevant to the protection case;
5. pay attention to deadlines, application form requirements, and correct completion;
6. keep copies of all documents, correspondence, letters, and responses from the authorities.

Common mistakes: unclear justification of the reasons for protection, insufficient or inaccurate evidence, missed deadlines or incorrect choice of status, inattention to details in forms.

What an experienced lawyer/attorney does in refugee cases?

• Conducts an in-depth analysis of the case: whether there are grounds for refugee status or other protection, which laws/international conventions apply;
• Draws up an action plan: what documents to collect, what evidence needs attention;
• Prepares and helps fill out the application, accompanies you during interviews and interactions with protection authorities;
• Will assist in establishing contact with NGOs/international organizations, if necessary;
• Will represent your interests in case of refusal — appeal procedures, administrative courts;
• Will monitor changes in legislation and practice to ensure that your case is up to date and protected.

Why turning to a specialist is a worthwhile investment?

1. Reduced risk of refusal and undesirable consequences, which can be very serious: deportation, loss of the opportunity to apply for other statuses;
2. Time savings: a specialist knows how to fill out the paperwork correctly, where to apply, and how to respond to requests;
3. Peace of mind and confidence: you know for sure that all deadlines have been met, documents have been prepared, and decisions are legally sound;
4. Access to rights and protection: after obtaining status, you receive rights that may be denied without proper legal support;
5. Representation in complex cases: appeals, court proceedings, where without a specialist your chances may be minimal.