Poland Student Visa - Definitive Guide

Among the many formalities to be completed by Indians at the time of travelling to Poland for pursuing an education, a necessary one is obtaining a Poland student visa for Indian candidates. The holder of this visa is then allowed to acquire any kind of said course in Poland. At the same time, tourism and other leisure activities are also permitted to the holder.

Before you carry on to the Poland student visa process, make sure whether you are an eligible candidate for the same. This can be done by going through the eligibility criteria put forth by the Embassy. Once you know you are eligible, you can now carry on to the Poland student visa process. It is as follows:

1. You can start by visiting the official website of e-konsulat.
2. Fill out the application form online and take a print out.
3. Collect all the required documents as per the requirement of your case.
4. Attach recent photographs.
5. Book an appointment for the submission of the documents and the interview.
6. Submit the application and pay the required fees to the Poland Embassy.

When you are filling out the application form, there are several guidelines that you need to follow. The application form must have details that are correct and are verifiable. These details should match the information in the passport and other kinds of documentary proof that is being provided. If there is any kind of information that is incorrect or false, or if there is no way to prove the genuineness of the same, there are chances that the visa will get rejected. When there’s a visa rejection, it can significantly affect future applications for the same. There are several other causes for a visa rejection as well. Therefore, it is recommended that you acquire visa consultation.

Eligibility criteria are the parameters that are to be met at the time of applying for a visa. There are certain such criteria that are to be met by the applicant when obtaining a Poland study visa. These are listed as follows:

• You must have confirmed admission in Poland
1. You must have applied to the institution or the university you are looking forward to acquiring the course.
2. Your admission must be confirmed and you must have the necessary documentary proof of the same.
3. Other valid documents, educational and others should be made available.
4. The educational documents must be verifiable.
5. You should have proof of your previous highest education degree.

• You must meet the health requirements
1. You must be healthy enough to travel to Poland.
2. You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide relevant documentary proof.

• You must meet the character requirements
1. You must be visiting with education as your primary purpose.
2. You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind studying in Poland.
3. You need to provide relevant documentary proof for the same as well in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).

• You must have sufficient funds
1. You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Poland.
2. Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.
3. If you have a sponsor, evidence of their financial stability must be made available and should be sufficient to support your education.
4. The guarantor documents should also be legitimate and submitted at the time of application.

The documents required at the time of obtaining a Poland student permit may differ as per the case. Listed below is a Poland student visa checklist that is to be met when applying for one:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
• Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
• Appointment confirmation page
• Signed print out of the completed online application form
• A covering letter signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of Poland.
• Flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation - rental agreement, hostel fee receipt, etc.
• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of admission
• Financial documents of the sponsor -
1. Personal bank statements for the last 3 months or copy of passbook showing recent funds, or
2. Income tax papers/salary slips (If employed). 
3. Income tax statement (ITR) for the last 3 years or form no. 16 ( if self-employed).

• Two copies must be provided
• 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

The validity of a Poland study permit is up to 1 year maximum. The visa can be extended as per the course that is being acquired by the applicant. For short term courses, the validity varies from 3 months to 6 months.

The Poland student visa cost is variable and can change as per the type of visa and the kinds of services availed. It also varies according to the changes in the currency exchange rates. As a result, you are expected to check the exact amount while applying. It is to be paid to the embassy at the time of submission of the documents and the application form.

The processing time required for the issuance of a Poland study visa is about 60 days. There are certain factors that can change the required processing time including the workload at the embassy, the available staff at the embassy office, the validity required and other such reasons. At times, the processing time may even go up to 90 days in such cases.

When the documents have been submitted, there are a few things that you need to note -

• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the embassy/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application. The visa is fee is non-refundable.
• When the form is submitted along with the fees, the visa will be mailed to you on your registered address or can be collected by yourself from the embassy or the respective Consular section.
• When you have the visa, make sure to understand that having a visa does not guarantee you an entry into the country. If the border control finds an issue with your student permit or yourself, there are chances that you may be asked to return to your native country.

In order to check the status of your Poland study visa, you can contact the embassy. Else, if you have applied through a visa agency, you can also check the status on their website or by calling them.

After you have received the visa, there are a few things that you need to note. Some of the pointers are as follows:

• Before you travel
1. Note the visa expiry date as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
2. You should travel to Poland within the validity of your visa.
3. Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
4. Issue health insurance and travel insurance from a certified company.

• At the Border
1. Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
2. Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
3. Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
4. Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.

• When you enter Poland
1. Ensure not to get involved in any kind of activities that are not permitted to a non-Polish resident. You may get into trouble otherwise.
2. You can study, work as well as tour the country on this visa.
3. The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
4. Apply for an extension within the validity of the permit.