🛂 Visa Guidelines

Navigating your path to study and stay in France

France offers a range of student visas and residence permits tailored to international students’ needs. Understanding the visa process and requirements is key to ensuring a smooth start to your academic journey and stay.

🎓 Types of Student Visas

Visa Type Description Duration Eligibility
Short-Stay Student Visa (Visa Court Séjour) For courses less than 6 months Up to 6 months Language courses, short programs
Long-Stay Student Visa (Visa Long Séjour Étudiant – VLS-TS) Main visa for students enrolled in degree programs 4 to 12 months, renewable Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, etc.
Visa for Exchange Students For students in exchange programs between universities Duration of exchange program Enrolled in partner institutions

📝 Application Process for French Student Visa

✅ Admission Confirmation

  • Obtain official acceptance letter from a recognized French university or institution.

✅ Create Account on France-Visas Website

✅ Prepare Required Documents

  • Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond stay)

  • Completed visa application form

  • Passport-size photos (biometric standard)

  • Admission letter from French institution

  • Proof of financial means (~€615/month)

  • Proof of accommodation in France

  • Health insurance coverage

  • Academic transcripts and certificates

  • Motivation letter (if required)

✅ Schedule Visa Appointment

  • Book appointment at nearest French consulate or visa application center.

✅ Attend Interview & Submit Biometrics

  • Attend visa interview and provide fingerprints and photo.

✅ Pay Visa Fees

  • Visa fees usually range from €50 to €100.

✅ Wait for Visa Decision

  • Processing time: 15–30 days (may vary).

🛂 After Arrival in France

  • Validate Your Visa (VLS-TS)
    Within 3 months of arrival, validate your long-stay student visa online via the official OFII (French Office of Immigration and Integration) website. This step is mandatory.

  • Residence Permit (Titre de Séjour)
    In some cases, especially for programs over one year, you may need to apply for a residence permit annually.

  • Renewal
    If your studies continue beyond the visa validity, apply for renewal at the local prefecture before expiration.

💡 Important Tips

  • Early Application: Apply at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date.

  • Financial Proof: Bank statements, scholarship letters, or parental guarantees are accepted.

  • Health Insurance: Mandatory for all students; either private or via the French social security system after arrival.

  • Work Rights: Student visa holders can work up to 964 hours/year (~20 hours/week).

  • Family Reunification: Eligible students may bring family members under certain conditions (check specific requirements).

📑 Visa Documents Checklist

  • Passport (valid for at least 3 months post-stay)

  • Visa application form (filled and signed)

  • Passport-sized photos (biometric standard)

  • University acceptance letter

  • Proof of accommodation in France

  • Proof of financial resources

  • Health insurance proof

  • Academic transcripts & diplomas

  • Motivation letter (if required)

  • Any additional documents requested by consulate

📩 Need Visa Assistance?

At Impel Overseas Consultants, we provide end-to-end visa support including:

  • Document verification

  • Application guidance

  • Interview preparation

  • Post-arrival formalities support

    Contact us today to simplify your France student visa process! 🎓🛂