Waiting for Your TRC Case Number in Warsaw? Here's What You Need to Know

TRC (temporary residence card) processing in Warsaw currently takes 8+ months due to 70,000+ annual applications, you can find your case number through the INPOL platform or by contacting kontaktwsc.mazowieckie.pl, and your application receipt provides legal status while waiting. If you submitted documents at Mazowiecki Urząd Wojewódzki and haven't received your case number, this is unfortunately normal. Some applicants from late 2023 were still waiting for final decisions in late 2024. Patience is essential.

The Reality of TRC Processing Times

Based on recent experiences from the expat community in Warsaw, processing times have significantly increased over the past few years. The Mazowiecki Urząd Wojewódzki reportedly received around 70,000 applications last year alone, leading to waiting periods of approximately 8 months or more for many applicants.

Some applicants have been waiting since late 2023 and still haven't received their final decisions as of late 2024. This is unfortunately "normal" in the current climate, so patience is essential, even though that's frustrating to hear when your legal status feels uncertain.

The good news is that while your application is pending, you have legal status to remain in Poland. Your application receipt (with the stamp) serves as proof that you're in the system and waiting for a decision.

How to Get Your Case Number

If you haven't received your case number via SMS or official letter, here are the steps you can take to track it down:

1. Check the INPOL Platform

Your case number should be available on the INPOL platform along with your application history. When you submitted your documents, you should have received a form with a barcode at the header. This form connects your case in INPOL and allows you to track your status online.

The INPOL system can be a bit clunky, but it's the official way to monitor your application progress. Log in periodically to check for updates, as the system doesn't always send notifications when status changes occur.

2. Contact the Office Directly

You can send a message through the official contact form at kontaktwsc.mazowieckie.pl. Many expats have successfully received their case numbers by reaching out through this channel. It may take a couple of tries and some patience, but they typically respond with your case number within a few days to a week.

When writing your inquiry, include your full name, date of birth, passport number, and approximate date of application submission. This helps them locate your file faster.

3. Wait for Official Communication

In some cases, you simply need to wait until you receive a letter or SMS from the office. This is the standard process, though it can take several weeks or even months depending on workload. The office sends communications to the address you provided on your application, so make sure that information is current.

Important Tips for TRC Applicants

• Keep all documents: Make sure you have copies of everything you submitted, including the stamped receipt showing your application date. This receipt is crucial proof of your pending status.
• Use INPOL correctly: To start the process properly, you need to complete the official form from INPOL and MOS (Mazowiecki Ośrodek Szkoleniowy). The online system guides you through the required documentation.
• Be patient: The high volume of applications means delays are expected. Plan accordingly and make sure your current visa status remains valid while waiting.
• Check regularly: Keep checking the INPOL platform for updates on your application status, even if you haven't received notifications.
• Don't travel unnecessarily: While your application is pending, traveling outside the Schengen zone can complicate your return. If you must travel, ensure you have all documentation proving your pending application status.
• Keep your employer informed: If you're working in Poland, your employer needs to know your application status for their own compliance requirements.

What to Expect During the Process

At some point during the process, you will be called in for fingerprinting at the office. This is a standard part of the TRC application and usually happens several months after initial submission. You'll receive a letter with your appointment date and time, don't miss this appointment, as rescheduling can add significant delays.

After fingerprinting, the waiting continues until you receive your decision. Some applicants report receiving decisions within weeks of fingerprinting, while others wait months longer. There's no reliable way to predict the timeline for individual cases.

The timeline from application to decision can vary significantly, from several months to over a year in some cases. Factors that affect processing time include the complexity of your case, the completeness of your documentation, and simply how backed up the office is at any given time.

If You Need to Update Information

If your circumstances change during the waiting period, new job, new address, change in relationship status, you should inform the office in writing. Changes to your employment situation are particularly important, as your TRC is often tied to specific work authorization.

Conclusion

Getting a TRC in Warsaw requires patience and persistence, it's a test of your commitment to building a life here in Poland. While the waiting times can be frustrating, especially when you're eager to settle your legal status and move forward with your life, know that many others are going through the same process. Use the INPOL platform regularly, reach out through official contact forms when needed, and keep all your documentation organized and accessible.

The expat community in Warsaw is incredibly supportive, don't hesitate to connect with others going through the same process. Sometimes just knowing you're not alone in the bureaucratic maze makes it more bearable. Good luck with your application!

Related Warsaw Guides

• Explore Warsaw - Directory of local services
• Legal & Immigration Services in Warsaw
• Housing & Relocation in Warsaw

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