Important notice regarding visa applications and timely arrival at the University
Dear International Students,
Over the past weeks, the University has received an increasing number of emails from international students informing us that, due to visa-related issues, they may be unable to return to Poland and arrive at the University on time for the beginning of the academic term.
We fully understand the circumstances behind these concerns. We are aware that the waiting period for appointments and decisions related to Temporary Residence Cards in Warsaw can be lengthy and may cause considerable difficulties for students. We also recognize that these delays can make it difficult to travel to your home countries, visit your families or attend important personal and family events.
However, we would like to draw your attention to an important issue before you make the decision to leave Poland and apply for a new visa in your home country. While applying for a visa may appear to be an alternative to waiting for the Temporary Residence Card procedure, it may also involve its own processing time, additional requirements and uncertainty regarding the date of visa issuance. As a result, there is a risk that a student may not be able to return to Poland within the timeframe necessary to begin or continue their studies without interruption.
A delayed return may affect your academic obligations, including class attendance, registration, examinations, assessments and other activities that require your presence at the University.
For this reason, we strongly encourage you to carefully consider the potential academic consequences of any decision to leave Poland in order to apply for a new visa. Please consider not only the difficulties associated with the current waiting period for the Temporary Residence Card, but also the possibility that a new visa application may result in an even longer absence from the University.
We are aware that this is a difficult situation. We understand that spending an extended period away from your family is not easy, especially for students who have travelled a long distance to study in Poland. We do not underestimate the personal and emotional challenges involved, and we genuinely sympathize with students who are placed in this position.
At the same time, we would like to emphasize that regular and timely presence at the University is of great importance. As an academic institution, we have an obligation to ensure the continuity and quality of education for all students. Classes, academic activities, examinations and other University requirements are organized according to an established academic schedule and apply to the student community as a whole.
Students should therefore not assume that visa-related delays will automatically result in individual exceptions to attendance or other academic requirements. The University cannot make institutional decisions or create individual exceptions simply because a student has chosen to leave Poland in order to pursue a new visa application. Any academic arrangements or exemptions, where applicable under University regulations, must be considered within the existing institutional framework and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
We therefore strongly encourage you to plan your immigration and travel arrangements with your academic responsibilities in mind and to take all reasonable steps to ensure that your studies can continue without unnecessary interruption.
Our intention is not to discourage you from visiting your families. We understand how important this is. Rather, this notice is intended to ensure that you are fully aware of the possible consequences of your immigration and travel decisions before making them.
We value our international students and remain committed to supporting you throughout your studies. At the same time, we ask you to recognize that timely arrival, regular presence and active participation in your studies are fundamental expectations of the University.
We sincerely hope that you will take these considerations into account when making decisions concerning your visa and residence status, and that you will prioritize the continuity of your education while managing these challenging circumstances.
