Job Discussion Forums

Michael Gaylord · Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Kalisz, Poland

I hate to "beat a dead horse" on the previously discussed visa issue, but since I recently read about an Australian getting stuck outside of Poland because he/she didn't obtain residency status while they had been IN Poland: even though his/her belongings were all back in Poland and needed to be retrieved.
My question is, I'm planning on going over to Germany this long weekend, and am concerned about my own ability to get back into Poland. I have a work permit which expires in June, BUT: I didn't get residency status (and I have been in Poland for MORE THAN 6 MONTHS). Will I be stuck in Germany until I get the short-term visa?

Mike

tbiehl2000 · Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 87

Man you're screwed. Actually I have no idea Smile

. Good luck Michael.

Alex Shulgin · Joined: 20 Jul 2003 Posts: 553

Alex Shulgin · Joined: 20 Jul 2003 Posts: 553

Did you make it back into the country Michael?

Alex Shulgin · Joined: 20 Jul 2003 Posts: 553

Anybody know what happened to Michael? Did he make it back or is he stuck in Germany?

Michael Gaylord · Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Kalisz, Poland

Hey Alex, "tbhiel2001",

Just kidding! I did go to Germany last weekend, and had NO problems coming back into Poland. The customs officer didn't even blink. I considered getting a tourist visa at the consulate while I was in Hamburg, but it was the weekend and they were closed.
By the way, Alex, I do have the 1-year work permit stamped into my visa; I haven't been teaching "on a tourist visa". I have worked for 2 schools here so far, and both assured me that I am working legally now. However, looks like it's too late to try to get the residency permit now. I'll have to wait until I get another work permit for September, I guess.
Well, I guess I'm good for the summer (in Poland, now). I wasn't sure that Canadians can enter Poland without a tourist visa (it says they CAN'T in Lonely Planet), but I think that's changed since joining the E.U.
And by the way, I couldn't wait to get "out of here" and see another European country, especially one as beautiful (and clean!) as Germany--but, after the weekend there I sure do appreciate Polish prices! (among other things)...

Alex Shulgin · Joined: 20 Jul 2003 Posts: 553

^ I'm pretty sure that the stamp/sticker in your passport is actually a visa with the right to work when accompanied by a work permit (issued by the local labour office). Work permits are specific to one job with one company. The visa with the right to work gives you the ability to get a work permit for any job (provided the local labour office issue you with the work permit!)

Are you sure that it is too late to extend the stamp/sticker into a TRC (temporary card)? You might find it is possible to make the application now and then designate somebody to collect the decision and card for you when they are ready. That way you could leave Poland the day your current visa expires, spend a couple of weeks travelling round Europe and then have the decision DHLed to you when it is ready and you're able to come back into Poland. Would certainly be cheaper than having to fly back home and stay there until the process of getting the promise of a work permit (which you need to have the stamp put in your passport) is completed and paying for the stamp again.

You didn't need a tourist visa because your current visa with the right to work is still good (it expires in June right?). Once it has expired then you will have problems. I'm not sure if you can get a tourist visa immediately after a visa with the right to work. Would probably be a good idea to contact your local immigration office and foreigners office to see what they have to say.

Michael Gaylord · Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Kalisz, Poland

Alex,

I'll try to get the temporary (extension) card; that WOULD be easier than flying back home, for sure. I guess I should try to apply on line on the Polish gov't's website, right? Or, would this involve a necessary trip to Warsaw?
As for the tourist visa, I appreciate your advice, but I am almost certain that Canadians don't need one to spend ninety days in Poland. We used to, but don't appear to need it now. (Are you Australian, by the way?).
Thanks again for your help. Jestem (bardzo) wdzięczny!
Mike

Alex Shulgin · Joined: 20 Jul 2003 Posts: 553

Michael Gaylord · Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Kalisz, Poland

Alex,

Ha, ya, that was a good one about the on-line application I guess (any idea about the website address of the immigration/foreigner's offices?).
I will contact the foreigner's office in Poznan. I DID talk to my school, too, and they may help me. Thanks again for the advice. I'm actually not staying in Kalisz next year, even though it's an incredibly beautiful, dynamic, and open-minded place (lol)...oh well, maybe I can find a nice building or two to look at in Krak�w or Gdansk...
Mike

blaz44 · Joined: 03 Jan 2005 Posts: 32 Location: wroclaw, poland

Hi Mike, its jay from Leszno. My situation is not good as I have been hear working for 10 months on the illegal tourist visa , boss of the school lied to me from the begining, however he still wants me to work for him next year. What is your experience with the school, you know which school. I am worried about getting into trouble with this matter. So much info regarding visas, work permits and residency permits, what is the real deal as I want to stay in Poland for a long time but would like to return home for a visit back in CANADA.

Michael Gaylord · Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Kalisz, Poland

Hi there,
Oh, that is you. I just posted another e-mail asking about your identity. Crap, that's too bad that the boss lied to you. I thought he had more integrity than that.
I've had a pretty shitty experience at this school, too (for the most part). They promised me 20 hours a week, most weeks I have gotten only 13-14 (sometimes less...). It's ironic, management at these schools in small cities seem to wonder why they have difficulty finding/ keeping qualified native speakers, when they treat us the way they do. Next year I'm heading for Poznan/ Gdansk, where I've had nothing but GOOD experiences. Please write to me off-line at my e-mail address, or SMS me (663-024-327) and we can talk about this visa thing, staying in Poland, etc. ( I plan on going back to Canada in Aug/ Sept too, then returning) Sorry we lost touch, but I've been really busy lately.
Mike

blaz44 · Joined: 03 Jan 2005 Posts: 32 Location: wroclaw, poland

Hi MIKE , ok I will sms u , I can tell u all kinds of sorys about the boss as I have had close contact with him on several occasions and that makes it even worse. Here is a guy who lets me take his kid into the tatras and then hangs me out to dry. THE whole town has the same opinion about this guy, its funny actually because there is not a single person who I have spoken to in this town that would have anything good to say about him. The teaching environment is terrible because all the Polish teachers are so stressed out .

Anyway , I have the same situation as u in regards to hours but really I HATE the Callan method and outright refused all hours with begining callan classes .I hooked up with a company which has nothing to do with teaching and that is what allows me to travel and have fun more days than I don't.

The Berlitz school in Poznan interviewed me 4 times and on the last interview they finally told me how much I would be paid , only 18 zloty an hour, I told them it was a waste of my time and money, all the train and taxi rides. They did tell me that THEY would mail my passport to Canada with their letter and thats how we would correct the visa situation.

food for thought
J

blaz44 · Joined: 03 Jan 2005 Posts: 32 Location: wroclaw, poland

Hi MIKE , ok I will sms u , I can tell u all kinds of sorys about the boss as I have had close contact with him on several occasions and that makes it even worse. Here is a guy who lets me take his kid into the tatras and then hangs me out to dry. THE whole town has the same opinion about this guy, its funny actually because there is not a single person who I have spoken to in this town that would have anything good to say about him. The teaching environment is terrible because all the Polish teachers are so stressed out .

Anyway , I have the same situation as u in regards to hours but really I HATE the Callan method and outright refused all hours with begining callan classes .I hooked up with a company which has nothing to do with teaching and that is what allows me to travel and have fun more days than I don't.

The Berlitz school in Poznan interviewed me 4 times and on the last interview they finally told me how much I would be paid , only 18 zloty an hour, I told them it was a waste of my time and money, all the train and taxi rides. They did tell me that THEY would mail my passport to Canada with their letter and thats how we would correct the visa situation.

food for thought
J