My wife is trapped in the US.

I hope that someone one can help me. My wife and her exhusband came to this country then got divorced and she married me some time later. I'm a non-polish US citizen. Well she don't want to become a US citizen and she would really like to get her Polish passport renewed with her new last name and everything. Where should I start with her. The funny thing is that she is not a US citizen that can't leave the US. Sounds kinda silly.

She is going to be a citizen at some point because she married a US citizen - you.
Any polish travel agency will take care of the renewal of her polish passport - for a price of course. She can deal directly with the polish consulate, if she has the time and does not mind the hassle. Frankly, I'd rather pay and let the agency do the work.

Anyone without a valid passport can not leave the US, it applies to everyone, not just your wife. Same if you didnt have your US Passport, you couldn't leave either.


The wife does not have to become a citizen ever. She can remain a legal permanent resident forever, and just keep renewing the green card every 10yrs.


I haven't heard of this. My understanding was that you have to apply in person. Be sure to have all the required paper work, filled out application, fee in cash, & passport pics based on PL requirements (they differ from US passport pictures).

Lines are real long at the PL consulates, be prepared with patience!

No problem, all she would have to do is visit the Polish counsel and apply for a new passport; I've left Poland prior of acquiring my official Polish ID and was able to obtain my passport. It takes about three months and the cost is about $45. If you have an emergency (real or otherwise) you could apply for a temporary passport and get it within week’s time.

I just went throught the process myself about a year ago… no sweat man ;)

I think you are talking about getting the passport renewed while being in Poland. From my understanding, the OP's wife is in the US. The fees are much greater here, and takes 6months+ to get it renewed. If you have an emergency, they can issue a temporary passport which takes 1 month to get... for another extra fee.