Poland language course visa: national D visa for language students

People accepted for a language course of more than 90 days at a university, language school or other institution in Poland. Shorter courses can be attended on a Schengen visa. Consulates publish a separate checklist for this visa.

Besides identity, insurance and civil documents, you need the original invitation letter from the school or institution, the diploma of the last school you completed, proof of accommodation, and confirmation of the course payment if the course is paid. If you have attended a preparatory or language course abroad before, bring proof that you completed it.

For money, consulates typically accept your own bank statement for the last 3 months, or a notarised sponsor letter with the sponsor's statement, or a grant letter.

Fill in the form in e-Konsulat, book the appointment and apply in person at the consulate or the visa centre it uses. The national visa fee is EUR 135, collected as the consulate directs. Applications can be made up to 6 months before the course; leave at least 2 weeks, and more in the summer before the academic year.

The temporary residence permit for a preparatory course leading to full-time studies is available only to citizens of Belarus. Other course students who want to continue in Poland after the course need another legal basis, for example admission to full-time studies and a residence permit for studies.

A refused D visa can be reconsidered by the consul on request within 14 days, for a fee set by the consulate. A voivode's refusal of a residence permit can be appealed to the Head of the Office for Foreigners within 14 days of delivery, in writing through the voivode; the appeal should be decided within 90 days.

If the permit is finally refused and you have no other basis to stay, you must leave Poland within 30 days.