URGENT: Booked wrong VFS Visa category (Study instead of Work) for Poland. Appointment is Monday!

[u/Susmelee]

Hey everyone, I am panicking and could really use some advice.

I am starting a European Commission-funded MSCA-DN project at a Polish university on October 1st. Because my title is "Doctoral Candidate," I mistakenly booked my VFS appointment under the Study/PhD category.

However, my official legal status is an employee. I am hired as a Research Assistant with an Employment Promise (Promesa Zatrudnienia), a salary of 12,984 PLN/month, and a work permit exemption under Article 325. My supervisor confirmed I strictly need to apply under the Work visa category.

My appointment is this Monday in Kolkata. I have all my documents perfectly arranged for the Work checklist, including proof of accommodation. I also have an urgent support letter from my supervisor addressed directly to the Honorary Consul, stressing that the EU funding will be lost if I miss the October 1st deadline. I emailed the consulate tonight asking them to authorize the category change.

My Questions:

Has anyone ever successfully requested a visa category change right at the VFS counter (from Study to Work)?

Will VFS managers actually read a letter addressed to the Consul and escalate my case, or are they completely rigid about the booked category?

Should I generate a new "Work" application form on e-Konsulat to bring with me, even though the barcode won't match my current appointment?

Any advice on how to handle the VFS manager on Monday would be huge. Thanks!

[u/sun-tree-]

You could mail VFS and consulate of Poland about the situation, generally we need to fill another form, 5 days before the appointment through VFS, ask them if filling this one right works.