The interview with an official is a key moment in the process of legalising a stay in Poland. For many foreigners, this is the most stressful stage, as the decision to issue a residence permit or a residence card often depends on this meeting. However, it is worth knowing that a good knowledge of the procedures and adequate preparation can make the interview go smoothly and successfully.

Why is it important to talk to an official?

The case officer has the task of confirming that the information provided in the application for legalisation of stay is correct. During the interview, he/she may ask about the purpose of stay, source of income, professional plans, family situation or address of residence. This is the moment when the office verifies whether the foreigner actually meets the conditions set out in the Act on foreigners.

The interview is not an interrogation - it is more of a formal data verification. Nevertheless, it is worth taking it seriously and preparing for it as you would for a job interview or business meeting.

What does the interview look like when legalising residency?

Depending on the type of case, the interview with the official may last from a few to several tens of minutes. The official will ask questions about documents, family relations, work, business activities or studies in Poland. If the foreigner is applying for a residence on the grounds of running a business, he or she may be asked to provide basic information about the business - e.g. what it does, how many employees it has, its expansion plans.

The purpose of the interview is to confirm the credibility of the foreigner and to check that the details in the documents do not contradict reality. It is therefore a good idea to prepare copies of all applications and attachments and to know what is in them.

How do I prepare for an interview with an official?

First of all, it is worth reading your application for legalisation of residence carefully. All the information you have provided in it may become the subject of an interview. Check that your address, work or company information is up-to-date and correct.

Have your original documents ready - passport, residence card, employment contracts, proof of registration and health insurance. Make sure you also have copies of all attachments with you.

If you do not speak Polish well, you can request the presence of an interpreter or use the support of a legalisation advisor. This is perfectly acceptable and often makes the interview process easier. W ID Poland we assist clients in preparing for meetings and accompany them to the offices when the situation requires it.

What questions can the official ask?

The most common questions during the interviews concern:

• because of their residence in Poland,
• sources of income,
• places of residence,
• professional and family plans,
• form of employment or activity.

The official may also ask for clarification of ambiguities in the documents, e.g. differences in addresses, dates or signatures. In such cases, it is important to respond calmly and factually - the office is not looking for an excuse to refuse, but to confirm the reliability of the data.

What to avoid during the interview?

The most common mistake foreigners make is to stress and rush. It is a good idea to speak slowly, clearly and according to the facts. Avoid contradictory answers and don't try to 'guess' - if you don't know something, you can say that you need to look it up in the documents.

It is also not worth hiding information or presenting the situation in a better light - the office will verify the data on the basis of records, contracts and registration anyway. It is far better to be honest and open than to risk losing the confidence of an official.

How can a counsellor help you prepare for the interview?

A professional residence legalisation advisor will help you prepare substantively for the interview. He or she will make probing enquiries, check the complete set of documents and suggest what to pay attention to. The counsellor can also attend the interview or accompany you to the office.

Such support significantly increases confidence and reduces stress. An expert with experience knows how interviews at the various provincial offices go and what issues are most frequently raised.

If you would like to prepare for an interview with an official, please contact us via ID Poland - Contact.

Summary

The interview with the official is not a cause for concern, but an opportunity to confirm the accuracy of the information submitted and speed up the decision to legalise your stay. Good preparation, a calm attitude and knowledge of the documents are the keys to success.

If you don't know what to expect or want to prepare professionally, get expert support. W ID Poland For years, we have been helping foreigners through the process of legalising their stay in Poland, taking care of every detail - from documents to the interview with the official.