Born in Canada, Polish parents. Am I still a citizen of Poland?

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Oct 3, 10, 01:14 #1

Hi there,

I was born in Canada and have Polish-born parents.

When I was about 10 years old, they arranged for a Polish passport for me. Thus, I had dual citizenship.

I read on the consulate's website that when you are between 16 and 17.5 years old, you have to reapply for something citizenship related. I didn't do this, but I don't know that it was necessary for me to do so, given that I already had a Polish passport.

I'm now 28 years old and that old passport is long expired. I just wanted to confirm that I will have no problems ordering a new one, and that I am still a citizen.

I read that the government can't revoke someone's citizenship. I will be calling the consulate on Monday, but would like to confirm here that this is true, and that I am still a Polish and Canadian citizen.

EurolaThreads: 6 Posts: 2,647 Joined: Dec 2, 06 ♀	Oct 3, 10, 01:31 #2
I don't know how it works in Canada, but in US there is no problem to renew an old polish passport, no matter how long after the expiration date.

jonniThreads: 26 Posts: 4,181 Joined: Nov 27, 07 ♂	Oct 3, 10, 01:34 #3
amina: I read that the government can't revoke someone's citizenship. They can, but Poland only do it when they're angry. The thing for children of Polish parents is different though - the Consulate will be able to advise, but I suspect you'll need plenty of documents and a fair bit of time.

♂

Edited by: richasis Oct 3, 10, 03:49 #4

amina:

I read on the consulate's website that when you are between 16 and 17.5 years old, you have to reapply for something citizenship related.

This procedure only pertains if your parent's had 'renounced' your citizenship on your behalf when you were a child.
Since they obviously did not (you had a passport), you have nothing to worry about. So, enjoy your new passport!

amina:

that I am still a Polish and Canadian citizen

Again, not to worry: YOU ARE BOTH!

:)

...	Oct 3, 10, 03:57 #5
You just need to know your PESEL and bring a bag of $. Also, the paperwork is all in Polish so if you don't speak/read it, bring with you someone who does.

EurolaThreads: 6 Posts: 2,647 Joined: Dec 2, 06 ♀	Oct 3, 10, 06:24 #6
...: You just need to know your PESEL The PESEL should be noted in her passport already since it was done in the 80's.

♀

Edited by: amina Oct 4, 10, 00:31 #7

I do speak Polish, so I should be good on that front.

A few other questions if that's ok... :)

I should mention that there's a chance that the passport was issued in the early 90s. Does that affect the PESEL situation?

As Jonni said,

you'll need plenty of documents and a fair bit of time.

Given the information that I got from the rest of you guys, do you think this is true?

Also, should I bring my old passport to the consulate or just my PESEL and $?

Should I do this in person or over the phone?

richasisThreads: 5 Posts: 833 Joined: Jul 25, 09 ♂	Edited by: richasis Oct 4, 10, 00:51 #8
Your old passport, current ID, and cash is enough - in person, at the consulate, is best. You're issued one PESEL number - the first six digits comprise your birth date: YYMMDD. By 'current ID', I mean an unexpired photo ID - in case you're asked to prove you're you. :)

...

Oct 4, 10, 01:09 #9

Pesel may or may not be in your passport. mine didn't have it (1980 issue, iirc) so i had to fill out another form so i could get one or for them to find mine. you will have to go in person, bring your passport, pesel and money. you don't need anything else. they will keep your passport but you can request to have it returned. as to time, it takes six months, and you will have to go back in person to pick it up. if you need the passport sooner then you can get a temp one (more money and another form)

richasisThreads: 5 Posts: 833 Joined: Jul 25, 09 ♂	Edited by: richasis Oct 4, 10, 02:23 #10
If you time your visit just right, you can have your passport in about eight weeks. I received mine, mailed by the consulate to my home, within ten weeks.

aminaThreads: 1 Posts: 2 Joined: Oct 3, 10 ♀	Oct 4, 10, 17:17 #11
Thank you. :)

♂

Edited by: citizen123 Oct 4, 10, 18:01 #12

You have Polish citizenship. Yet you have to be aware of the fact that Polish consulate may demand the certificate of Polish citizenship. Usually persons with Polish origins born outside Poland have to get the document before applying for a Polish passport. This procedure is called the confirmation of Polish Citizenship. If you want to get much more information check this site: polish-citizenship.pl.

...	Oct 5, 10, 04:48 #13
All one needs is the passport. No other paperwork is necessary to prove Polish citizenship.

businessmaninplThreads: 10 Posts: 30 Joined: Aug 17, 10 ♂	Oct 5, 10, 14:26 #14
Eurola: The PESEL should be noted in her passport already since it was done in the 80's. Poles born in poland are issued a PESEL at birth but it is not in the passport, however if you go to the Urząd stanu cywilnego or urzad miejski with your passport they can look it up.

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