NEW IMMIGRATION RULES

Regulations Regarding Immigration Procedures

After Poland’s joining Schengen Zone , since September 2008 additional regulations regarding foreigners arriving to Poland with the purpose of starting or continuation of studies have been introduced.

Foreign students are obligated to possess quoted below minimum amounts of money to cover living expenses on the territory of Poland and return fares:

800 PLN/or equivalent in foreign currency for each month of stay
450 PLN/or equivalent for each family member 
500 PLN/ or equivalent to cover return fares if a student arrives from an European third country
2500PLN/or equivalent to cover return fares if a student arrives from a country outside Europe.

(foreign currencies are converted into PLN using average rate of exchange announced by NBP (National Bank of Poland) on the last working day preceding foreigner’s entry into Polish territory.

“Wiza pobytowa krajowa” (code D 09) – allows for entry and continuous stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland or several stays lasting together more than 3 months but not exceeding together a year within visa validity. This type of a visa is valid only in the country of studies and doesn’t allow trips to other countries.

“Wiza pobytowa jednolita” – allows for single or multiple entries on the condition that neither length of continuous stay nor total amount of consecutive stays in Schengen territory do not exceed 3 months during each 6 month period counting from the first entry to its territory. The visa indicates the number of entries to the county within its validity, e.g. 01 – one entry, multiple – unlimited number of entries. In practice a bearer of such a visa should start application procedures to obtain Karta Tymczasowego Pobytu ( Temporary Stay Card) right after arrival but not later than 45 days before its expiry.
Both types of visas are granted by Polish Consulates abroad.

Immigration Rules

In order to legalize the stay with the purpose to study in Poland each student, who doesn't have a 1-year student visa, has to apply for the Temporary Stay Card in the local Immigration Office. In order to follow the procedure a student has to submit:

- valid passport( 2 photocopies)
- travel documents (air tickets/boarding cards
- filled in application form - 4 copies (available from the Immigration Office) 
- 4 color photographs 4,5x3,5 cm (left profile) 
- confirmation of local accommodation registration (from dorm or other address, where a student will be accommodated) 
- state loan proof or bank statement confirming financial means for stay and study
- Dean's certificate confirming student's status. 
- Insurance Policy covering travel insurance and first months of stay in Poland.

Documents necessary for the application procedure should be submitted not later than 45 days prior the expiration of current visa or permission. Temporary stay card is valid for 1 year and has to be extended. The cost of temporary stay card and procedure is 350 PLN.