International Students

 
 
International Students  
Questions about residence permits for 
non-European students 
 
   
ON ARRIVAL IN FRANCE…  1 
The VLS-TS  1 
Your rights with VLS-TS  2 
Renewal or modification of a VLS-TS  3 
MY ANEF ACCOUNT…  4 
Access my ANEF account  4 
Technical issues on ANEF  5 
APPLICATION FOR A RESIDENCE PERMIT…  7 
Submitting the application  7 
School enrolment  8 
Repeating a course and reorientation  9 
Follow-up to an application for a residence permit  11 
Moving house while your application is being processed  12 
Collecting the New Residence Permit  13 
DUPLICATE AND MODIFICATIONS…  14 
In case of loss, theft, or destruction of the residence permit  14 
In case of a change of address  15 
In case of a change in civil status  15 
WORKING IN FRANCE…  16 
Working During Studies  16 
TRAVELING OUTSIDE FRANCE…  17 
Traveling or studying within the Schengen area  17 
END OF STUDIES…  19 
Extension at the end of studies  19 
Job Search/Business Creation Residence Permit  19 
Leaving France  22 

ON ARRIVAL IN FRANCE…

The VLS-TS

What is a VLS-TS ?

The Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour (VLS-TS) allows students to stay in France for between

four months and one year in order to pursue higher education. It entitles the holder to:

▪ travel freely in any country in the Schengen area,

▪ work 964 hours a year, i.e. 20 hours a week, to supplement their income,

▪ benefit from VISALE, the free student rental deposit,

▪ receive housing benefit from the CAF,

▪ extend their stay beyond the validity of the residence permit issued.

What is the purpose of validating the VLS-TS ?

As soon as you arrive in France, you must validate your VLS-TS so that you do not have to apply for a

residence permit at the prefecture. Once validated, your visa has the same value as a residence

permit and you obtain your identification number (foreign number), which you will need for all your

administrative formalities.

It also enables you to register with the French social security system so that you can work, access

healthcare or receive the social benefits to which you are entitled.

How do I validate my VLS-TS online?

Log on to https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/ and click on

‘Validate my VLS-TS’. You will need your passport, your visa and an email address.

When do I validate my VLS-TS?

You must validate it within 3 months of arriving in France.

How do I know if my visa is VLS-TS?

The duration of a VLS-TS is generally one year and will be marked ‘CESEDA R431-16 16°’, ‘CESEDA

R311-3 6°’ or ‘VLSTS’.

Where can I find my VLS-TS number?

The visa number is a 9-digit number located in the top right-hand corner of the visa.

What should I do if my visa number is not recognised?

Make sure that you have entered your visa details correctly (visa number, start date and end date). If

your visa is blocked, you should contact ANEF support on the https://administration-etrangers-en-

france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/contact website.

What are the purpose and the regulatory reference?

This information appears on your visa. For a student VLS-TS, the purpose is “Etudiant” and the

regulatory reference is “CESEDA R311-3 6°” or “CESEDA R431-16 16°”.

What date should be given as the date of entry into France?

You must state the date of your entry into the Schengen area as shown on the stamp in your

passport. If you travelled via another country, it is the date of entry into the first Schengen country

that you should mention (even if you entered France at a later date).

They ask for my address but I have temporary accommodation (hotel, friend, etc.)

You can enter your current address even if it is temporary. You can report a change of address at a

later date.

How do I pay the tax when validating the VLS-TS?

You can buy the electronic tax stamp online at https://timbres.impots.gouv.fr/ (requires a bank card)

or at a tobacco shop (cash or bank card).

What should I do if I can’t validate my VLS-TS?

You should contact ANEF support on the https://administration-etrangers-en-

france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/contact website.

Your rights with VLS-TS

Can I work with my VLS-TS?

Yes, once validated, the VLS-TS has the same value as a ‘student’ residence permit. You can therefore

work up to 964 hours a year.

Can I travel with my VLS-TS?

Yes, your VLS-TS allows you to cross the borders of the Schengen area. Please note that after three

months, your VLS-TS must be validated online before you can return to France after travelling

abroad.

Is it possible to open a bank account with a VLS-TS?

Yes, your VLS-TS has the same value as a residence permit. If you are refused by several bank

branches, you can apply to the Banque de France to benefit from the ‘right to an account’ procedure:

https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2417

Is it possible to receive housing benefit with a VLS-TS?

Yes, the “student” VLS-TS has the same value as a residence permit. You can therefore register with

the CAF to receive housing benefit.

Renewal or modification of a VLS-TS

My VLS-TS is about to expire. How can I extend my stay in France?

You can apply to renew your VLS-TS online via ANEF. The application must be submitted between 4

and 2 months before the visa expires.

See the “Application for a residence permit” section.

What are the conditions for renewing the VLS-TS?

To renew your VLS-TS, you must:

▪ be registered (or pre-registered) for the following academic year,

▪ prove that your studies are genuine and serious (attendance, results),

▪ prove that you have sufficient resources (minimum €615 per month),

▪ not be a threat to public order (criminal record).

See the “Application for a residence permit” section.

What should I do if I move house?

You do not have to do anything if you change address during the validity of your VLS-TS.

See the “Duplicates and change of address” section.

Is it possible to report a change of marital status after the VLS-TS has been validated?

No, the change of marital status will be reported when your residence permit is renewed. You can

then report the change in the “Comments” field.

MY ANEF ACCOUNT…

Access my ANEF account

How do I create my ANEF account?

Log on to https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/

As you have a VLS-TS, you normally have already created your account when you validated your visa,

using the login details you received by email. Click on “Log me in”. If you have not done so, you will

need to create your account:

• Identifier = 10-digit foreign number (identifier mentioned on your VLS-TS validation

confirmation)

• Start date of validity of your VLS-TS

• End date of validity of your VLS-TS

You will then need to enter your email address. An email will be sent to you. Click on the link to

activate your account and set your password. There may be a delay before you receive the email, so

be sure to check the ‘SPAM / Junk’ folder if you don't receive it.

How do I log in to my ANEF account?

You can log in by entering : Your identifier = your foreign number

The password you set when you created your account.

Please note that you must not use the “FranceConnect” button to log in if you have not yet created

your ANEF account.

What is my username? How can I find it?

Your identifier (foreign number) consists of 10 digits. It is shown on your VLS-TS validation

confirmation and on your residence permit.

I have forgotten my password. How do I retrieve it?

Click on “Forgot your password?” then enter your username (this is your 10-digit foreign number, or

if you don't have one, the email address you used when you created your account).

I've forgotten my password and I can no longer access my mailbox. What do I do?

You must contact ANEF support to request that your email address be changed on the

https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/contact website.

Can I change the email address used on my ANEF account?

To change your email address, you need to log in to your ANEF account. Once logged in, click on your

profile and then on “Access my account”.

Then, click on “See my informations”.

When you arrive on the “My informations” page, you can modify your contact details by clicking on

“Modify”.

Technical issues on ANEF

I can't create my ANEF account, the information is wrong

Check that you have not made a mistake in your foreign national number (10-digit identifier) and in

the validity dates of your residence permit.

We also recommend that you try to create your ANEF account using a different device or another

Internet browser. The problem may also be linked to temporary unavailability of the service; in this

case we invite you to try again the following day.

If the problem persists, it may be due to the fact that the prefecture has not registered the delivery

of your residence permit. You should then contact the prefecture that issued it to you (department

mentioned on the residence permit) so that your file can be unblocked.

I can't send my supporting documents. What should I do?

Check that your documents are in the correct format (.jpg, .pdf, .png, .bmp, .tiff) and do not exceed

the maximum size (10 MB). You can also try on another device or by changing your internet browser.

The problem may also be due to the service being temporarily unavailable; in this case, please try

again the following day.

My e-photo code is not recognised or does not work. What should I do?

An e-photo code can be used for a single online transaction and is valid for 6 months. If you have

already used it for another procedure or if its validity has expired, you will need to take another e-

photo.

If your e-photo code is not recognised:

▪ It may take up to 48 hours for the e-photo code to be activated;

▪ It is sometimes necessary to validate the e-photo code several times on the ANE F for it to be

recognised;

▪ In the event of persistent difficulty, you can contact the relevant manager:

o For a Photomaton photo booth: etranger-ants@photomaton.fr

o For an approved photographer, go to the professional who took the photograph.

The system tells me that my photograph does not comply. What should I do?

Make sure that the photograph meets the required standards. You can try again by validating your e-

photo code. If necessary, you will need to take a new photograph.

If you have any complaints, please contact the relevant manager:

▪ For a Photomaton photo booth: etranger-ants@photomaton.fr

▪ For an approved photographer, go to the professional who took the photograph.

APPLICATION FOR A RESIDENCE PERMIT…

Submitting the application

How do I apply for a ‘student’ residence permit?

You must submit your application online via ANEF: https://administration-etrangers-en-

france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/

To find out how to connect to your account, go to “My ANEF account”.

When should I submit my renewal application?

You must submit your renewal application between 4 and 2 months before your residence permit or

VLS-TS expires. Please note that if you submit your application less than two months in advance, a

late payment penalty of 180 euros may be applied.

Can a third party do the paperwork for me?

To submit your application online, you must use your personal ANE F account, but you can be

assisted by a third party. To receive your residence permit, you must appear in person.

What is a “nom d'usage”?

The “nom d'usage” generally corresponds to your married name. If you are married, you can add

your spouse's name and use it as your “nom d'usage”. If you do not have a “nom d'usage”, you

should leave this box blank.

How do I change my civil status when I apply?

You cannot change your civil status. If you make a mistake or need to correct it, you must specify this

in the “Comments” field at the end of the process. The person responsible for processing your

application will then be able to make the necessary corrections.

Supporting documents to be provided

My passport has expired. Can I renew my residence permit?

Yes, you can use your expired passport.

When you apply for a new residence permit, you will need to present the original of your passport

(even if it has expired) or, failing that, the passport renewal application certificate issued by your

consulate.

I've lost my passport. What document should I provide?

You can provide a copy of your passport (if you have one) as well as a declaration of loss or theft and

proof that you have applied for a duplicate from your consulate.

I've lost my residence permit. What document should I provide?

You can provide the declaration of loss or theft and a copy of the lost residence permit (if you have

one).

What proof of address is accepted?

Your proof of address must be less than six months old. Only one proof of address is required. This

may be:

▪ If you are a tenant:

▪ Electricity, gas, water or Internet bill

▪ or rent receipt issued by a professional (student residence, social housing or letting

agency)

▪ or home insurance certificate

▪ or rental agreement signed less than six months previously

▪ If you are staying with a third party:

▪ accommodation certificate signed by the host

▪ and their national identity card (CNI) or residence permit

▪ and proof of address less than six months old

What proof of income do I need to provide?

You must provide proof of your source of income:

▪ If you are being cared for by a third party:

o Certificate of support from the third party

o and proof of regular payments (statement of transfers received)

▪ If you are in receipt of a study grant:

o Scholarship certificate

▪ If you have earned income:

o Certificate of employment (downloadable from

https://www.mesdroitssociaux.gouv.fr/accueil/)

o or last three payslips.

▪ If you have a credit balance:

o Bank statement showing a balance of at least 6,000 euros.

School enrolment

What should I do if I haven't yet registered at university

When you submit your application, you can provide proof of pre-registration and/or acceptance onto

the course (if it is selective). Proof of enrolment will be requested, at the latest, when you receive

your new residence permit.

If you have neither pre-registration nor proof of acceptance for the course by the date on which you

are required to submit your application, you may submit your application without providing this

document. Please specify your situation in the ‘Comments’ box.

Repeating a course and reorientation

Will my residence permit be renewed if I repeat a year?

Repeating a year is not in principle an obstacle to renewing your residence permit. However, the

renewal of your residence permit is subject to the real and serious nature of your studies. The

prefecture will check your attendance (presence at lectures and exams), your progress in the course

(passing exams) and the coherence of your study plan.

I didn't go to the exams. Will my residence permit be renewed?

If you fail to sit your exams, this shows that you are not serious about your studies and may result in

the Prefecture refusing to renew your residence permit. If you did not attend the exams because of

major personal problems (illness, serious family problems, etc.), we recommend that you attach the

supporting documents to your application (in the ‘transcripts’ section).

Is it possible to obtain a residence permit while doing a gap year?

Yes, but the gap year must have been accepted by your establishment and you must be registered at

university.

Provisional certificates (récépissé)

What are the different certificates issued by ANEF?

Attestation de confirmation du VLS-TS: this attestation enables you to prove that your VLS-TS has

been validated and mentions your identifier (foreign number). Please note that your residence

permit is your visa and not this certificate.

Attestation de dépôt (certificate of application): this certificate only serves to prove that you have

submitted an application. It is not a document authorising residence in France.

Attestation de prolongation (extension certificate): this certificate is issued when the residence

permit has expired and the application is still being processed. It is a document authorising residence

in France, provided it is accompanied by the long-stay visa or residence permit, even if it has expired.

Attestation de décision favorable (certificate of a favourable decision): this certificate is issued

when the prefecture has accepted your application. It enables you to prove that you are legally

resident while you wait for your residence permit to be issued.

Does my certificate of deposit allow me to travel and work?

No, the attestation de dépôt is simply an acknowledgement of receipt. However, if your visa or

residence permit is still valid, you can still travel and work until it expires.

I have received an attestation de prolongation d'instruction (ADP). What is it for?

In some cases, the authorities will not be able to reach a decision on your application for a residence

permit before the expiry date of the residence document in your possession. In such cases, the

prefecture will provide you with an attestation de prolongation d'instruction (ADP) on your personal

account.

The ADP is only valid with the long-stay permit or visa you previously held, even if it has expired.

Entitlements vary depending on your situation:

▪ For a first application for a residence permit , the ADP :

o Does not allow you to travel and enter the Schengen area, regardless of the point of

entry ;

o It does not entitle the holder to any new rights (unless otherwise stated on the

document).

▪ For an application to renew a residence permit , the ADP :

o Is valid only with the residence permit (residence card or visa) previously held (even

if it has expired);

o Allows travel and entry into the Schengen area regardless of the point of entry;

o Justifies the maintenance of all the rights acquired by virtue of the residence permit

previously held. If this permit allowed you to work, you may continue to do so during

the period of validity of this certificate.

All these details are explicitly stated on the extension certificate.

I have received an attestation of favourable decision (ADF). What is its purpose?

The attestation de décision favorable (ADF) is made available to you on your personal account,

pending the issue of your new residence permit, when the prefectoral authority has made a

favourable decision on your application.

The ADF is only valid with the long-stay permit or visa previously held, even if it has expired.

This document:

▪ Proves that you retain all your rights under your previous residence permit;

▪ Allows you to travel and enter the Schengen area regardless of the point of entry;

▪ If your permit allowed you to work, you may continue to do so during the period of validity of

this certificate.

All these details are explicitly stated on the document generated.

How can I be sure that I can travel with my ADP / ADF?

The certificate of favourable decision allows you to travel in all cases (first application, renewal and

duplicate). For renewals, we advise you to bring your old residence permit or visa, even if it has

expired.

The extension certificate allows you to travel with the expired residence permit or an expired long-

stay D visa valid for between 4 and 12 months. Make sure that your extension certificate is valid for

the entire duration of your trip.

You can then :

▪ Travel within the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days per six-month period (e.g.

tourism in Spain);

▪ Return to the Schengen area after travelling abroad (e.g. go to Morocco and then return to

France). You can then return via any Schengen border (e.g. via Spain).

The ADP and ADF are listed in https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-09/list-of-

residence-permits-issued-by-member-states.pdf, which lists the documents authorising entry to the

entire Schengen territory.

What should I do if I still haven't received my extension certificate?

The extension certificate is not sent systematically. You must apply for your residence permit at least

two months in advance.

The extension certificate is issued provided that the application was submitted on time (no later than

2 months before the expiry of the residence permit) and that the application is complete.

What should I do if I lose my certificate?

You can download your certificate again online from your ANEF account.

Follow-up to an application for a residence permit

How long does it take to process an application?

Processing times vary depending on the completeness of the application and the accuracy of the

information you provide. For a complete application, the validation time is generally less than 30

days (to which you must add approximately 30 days for the production of your residence permit).

This time may be longer if you are repeating a year or changing direction, as your application will

need to be analysed in greater detail.

How can I find out what stage my application is at?

To find out the status of your application, log in to your personal account on the ANEF portal and

select “ACCESS MY ACCOUNT” after clicking on your name in the top right-hand corner of the home

page.

You can access the status of your application:

▪ Application submitted: your application has been taken into account, but is not yet being

processed.

▪ Processing in progress: the administration has taken note of your application and it is

currently being processed. You should wait for the administration to make a decision or close

the application.

▪ Decision taken: your application has been processed and a decision has been taken.

▪ Residence document available: the residence permit is available and can be issued to you

from the date of commencement of validity mentioned on the certificate of a favourable

decision.

Is it possible to change my application or add supporting documents?

No, once you have submitted your application, you can no longer change it or add supporting

documents, unless the person responsible for processing your application asks you to do so.

I've received the certificate of a favourable decision but I still haven't received an SMS, is this

normal?

From the time your application is validated, the average processing time is 30 days, but it may be

slightly longer during busy periods (such as the start of the university year).

Please note that if the date on which your new residence permit is due to expire (shown on the

certificate of a favourable decision) has not yet passed, it is normal for you not to have received the

SMS yet.

Moving house while your application is being processed

I will soon be moving to another département. Should I submit my application by my current

address?

The address you give when you submit your application determines which prefecture is responsible

for processing your application and therefore where you should collect your new residence permit.

If you are planning to move house in the near future, you can :

▪ Wait until you have your new address before submitting your application (recommended).

Your application will then be sent directly to your new prefecture. Make sure you submit

your application no later than two months before your residence permit expires, to avoid any

penalties for late submission.

▪ Submit your application without delay, indicating your current address, particularly if there

is a risk that you will miss the deadline. You should then indicate in the “Remarks” box that

you are moving to another département (give the place and date of your planned move). If

your file has not yet been finalised by the date of your move, we will transfer your file to your

new préfecture.

Collecting the New Residence Permit

What is the deadline for picking up the new residence permit?

We recommend picking up your residence permit as soon as possible. The certificate of favorable

decision is only accepted by social organizations for three months.

Is it possible to collect my residence permit from another prefecture?

No. The residence permit must be collected from the prefecture where you applied. It will not be

sent to another prefecture.

Can someone else collect my residence permit for me?

No, you must personally appear at the prefecture. The issuance of the residence permit requires

biometric verification.

The dates on my residence permit differ from those on my certificate of favorable decision. Is this

normal?

In some cases, the validity dates of the residence permit may differ from those on the certificate of

favorable decision. This indicates that your application has been reviewed and it was decided to grant

you a residence permit with a different (shorter or longer) duration.

DUPLICATE AND MODIFICATIONS…

In case of loss, theft, or destruction of the residence permit

I lost my residence permit. How can I try to find it?

Before requesting a duplicate, you can contact:

▪ The Prefecture de Police de Paris lost and found service if your permit was lost in the street,

metro, etc.

▪ The SNCF lost and found service if your permit was lost on a train or in a station.

▪ The Paris Airports lost and found service if your permit was lost on a plane or at the airport.

▪ The reception of the school or scolarity if you think you lost it on campus.

▪ Directly at the establishment where you think you lost your permit (administration, shops,

restaurants etc.)

I lost or had my residence permit stolen. What should I do?

You must:

1. Declare the loss or theft of your residence permit:

o In case of loss: complete a sworn statement of loss.

o In case of theft: report the theft to the police station or gendarmerie.

2. Submit a request for a duplicate residence permit on the ANEF website under the section "I

declare a change of situation."

If your residence permit expires in less than 90 days, you have two options:

▪ If you will renew your residence permit: simply report the loss or theft, and then submit your

renewal application.

▪ If you will not renew your residence permit and plan to leave France: you will obtain a

duplicate (even if the permit expires soon).

I submitted a request for a duplicate but found my residence permit. What should I do?

Once you submit a request for a duplicate, your residence permit is permanently invalidated. You will

need to pick up your new residence permit and return the one you found. Be aware that using a

residence permit declared lost or stolen exposes you to legal prosecution.

I want to request a duplicate but have changed my address. How should I proceed?

You must:

1. First, declare your change of address without requesting the re-issuance of the residence

permit.

2. Once the address change is accepted, submit your duplicate request.

In case of a change of address

I have a VLS-TS or a residence permit and I am moving. Do I need to declare it?

A change of address declaration is mandatory only if you hold a residence permit valid for more than

one year. If you have a VLS-TS or a residence permit valid for one year or less, you can declare the

change of address during the renewal of your residence permit.

How do I declare my change of address?

You can declare your change of address from your ANEF account under the section "Change of

situation." You must provide your new address and attach your proof of residence.

What proof of residence is accepted?

Your proof of residence must be less than six months old. Only one proof of residence is required. It

can be:

▪ If you are a tenant:

o Electricity, gas, water, or internet bill.

o Or rent receipt issued by a professional (student residence, social housing, or rental

agency).

o Or Home insurance certificate.

o Or Rental lease signed within the last six months.

▪ If you are hosted by a third party:

o Signed accommodation certificate from the host.

o And the host's proof of residence less than six months old.

o And the host's ID (passport, national ID, or residence permit).

If you have just moved into the residence, we recommend providing the home insurance certificate

rather than your rental lease.

Is re-issuance of the residence permit necessary?

No, re-issuing the residence permit is not mandatory. Your new address will be recorded in the

French foreign nationals' database, and your residence permit remains valid even if it shows your old

address.

In case of a change in civil status

I got married, can I request the addition of my used name?

You can request the addition of your used name (spouse's name) during the renewal of your

residence permit or by declaring a change of situation on your ANEF account.

WORKING IN FRANCE…

Working During Studies

Does my "student" residence permit allow me to work?

Yes, the student residence permit or VLS-TS allows you to work as a salaried employee on a part-time

basis, up to 964 hours per year, which is equivalent to 60% of the legal annual working time.

How is the duration of 964 hours per year calculated? Is it possible to work full-time?

The duration of 964 hours is calculated over one year from the start date of your residence permit.

Therefore, it is possible to work part-time throughout the year or full-time during university holidays,

for example.

I have finished my studies, is it possible to obtain a "salaried" residence permit to continue my

student job?

Obtaining a work permit depends on the match between the proposed job and the diplomas and

experience acquired during your studies in France or abroad. For example, if you have a master's

degree in law and apply for a work permit for a job in a fast-food restaurant, your application is likely

to be rejected.

Is it possible to start a business during my studies?

No, the "student" residence permit exclusively authorizes salaried activity. Starting a business or a

freelance profession is not permitted.

Students and internships

I have a "student" residence permit, can I do internships?

Yes, your "student" residence permit allows you to do internships with a tripartite agreement

(student-university-employer).

Is the internship period counted towards the 964 hours of authorized work?

No, an internship with a tripartite agreement (student-university-employer) is not counted towards

the authorized salaried work period.

Is it necessary to request a work permit?

No, for an internship with a tripartite agreement (student-university-employer) as part of your

studies (with a "student" residence permit), it is not necessary to request a work permit.

Working After Completing Studies

See the section "At the End of the Course."

TRAVELING OUTSIDE FRANCE…

Traveling or studying within the Schengen area

Can I travel to other Schengen countries with my VLS-TS or residence permit?

Yes, your VLS-TS or residence permit, along with your passport, allows you to:

▪ Transit through one or more other Schengen countries to come to France (e.g., arriving at

Barcelona airport and then traveling to France by train).

▪ Stay in one or more other Schengen countries without needing a visa for up to 90 days within

a six-month period.

Can I travel to other Schengen countries with an extension certificate (ADP) or a favorable decision

certificate (ADF)?

You can travel within the Schengen area with your passport accompanied by:

▪ A favorable decision certificate.

▪ An extension certificate issued as part of a renewal request, provided it is accompanied by

the previous residence permit.

The travel rules are the same as if you have a valid residence permit: you can transit or stay in the

country for up to 90 days within a six-month period.

Is it possible to work during a short stay in another Schengen country?

No, you are considered to have a short-stay visa. Unless specific exceptions apply under the

regulations of each country, you will not be authorized to work.

Traveling Outside the Schengen Area

Does my residence permit or VLS-TS allow me to return to France?

To return to France, you must present your valid passport and:

▪ Your valid VLS-TS or residence permit.

▪ Or your expired VLS-TS or residence permit accompanied by a valid extension certificate

▪ Or a favorable decision certificate (obtained following an initial request or a duplicate

request).

Re-entry to France can be through another Schengen country.

Be aware that the following documents do not allow you to cross Schengen borders:

▪ Submission certificate (unless your residence permit is still valid).

▪ Extension certificate for an initial residence permit request (unless your visa is still valid and

allows multiple entries).

My residence permit will expire a few days after my return to France. Will I be refused at the

border?

No, as long as your residence permit is valid, you are authorized to enter the Schengen area. If you

have submitted your renewal application, we recommend that you carry the submission certificate to

facilitate border crossing.

My residence permit will expire during my stay abroad. What should I do?

We advise you to submit your renewal application before leaving France. Note that to submit your

application, you must provide an e-photo, which can only be taken in approved photo booths or by

approved photographers in France.

▪ If your application is accepted, you will receive a favorable decision certificate that will allow

you to cross borders.

▪ If your application is still being processed, you will receive an extension certificate that will

also allow you to return to France (accompanied by your expired residence permit).

These documents are sent electronically (by email and on your ANEF account), so you can obtain

them even if you are abroad.

If your residence permit expires while you are abroad and you have not applied for a renewal, you

must apply for a new visa at the consulate.

I am going abroad for an internship. What should I do?

You can go abroad during the validity period of your residence permit. If your residence permit

expires during your stay, you will need to apply for a new student visa at the French consulate.

I lost my residence permit and need to travel urgently abroad. What should I do?

The submission certificate for a duplicate request does not allow travel, but once your duplicate

request is validated, you will receive a favorable decision certificate (ADF) that allows travel.

In case of an urgent departure, you can leave France by presenting the submission certificate (and, if

you have it, a copy of your residence permit) at exit control to prove that you were not in an irregular

situation in France. For your return, you will need to present the ADF or, failing that, apply for a

return visa at the consulate.

END OF STUDIES…

Extension at the end of studies

My residence permit expires before the end of my studies. How can I obtain an extension?

If your residence permit will expire before the end of your studies and you will not be re-enrolled the

following year, you can request an extension (known as a "récépissé de fin d'étude").

To do this, you must submit a renewal application for your residence permit on the ANEF platform

and

• Attach documentation related to the extension of your studies (such as the date of your

thesis defense or the end date of your internship) instead of your university enrollment.

• Indicate in the "Observations" section that you are requesting a temporary extension and

not the renewal of your residence permit.

After reviewing your application, you will receive an extension certificate (ADP) covering the end of

your studies. Your residence permit application will then be closed.

What are the acceptable reasons to obtain an extension (récépissé de fin d’étude)?

Only reasons related to the completion of your studies are accepted: thesis defense, internship, etc.

The end date of your studies must be justified (with a certificate, internship agreement, etc.).

Personal reasons (such as tourism, graduation ceremonies, etc.) will not be accepted. Additionally,

the availability date of your diploma from your institution is not considered a valid reason for

extending your residence permit.

Is it possible to reapply for a student residence permit after obtaining an end-of-studies extension?

Yes, provided that your extension has not already expired and your re-enrollment is consistent with

your academic path.

My nationality is exempt from a short-stay visa. Can I benefit from 90 days of stay in the Schengen

area after my residence permit expires?

No, the short-stay visa exemption does not apply if you are already within the Schengen area.

Job Search/Business Creation Residence Permit

What is the "job search/business creation" residence permit?

The temporary residence permit "recherche d’emploi / creation d’entreprise" allows foreign students

and researchers to stay in France after completing their studies or research to gain professional

experience or to start a business. This permit is valid for 12 months and is non-renewable.

If you leave France at the end of your studies, you can apply for a long-stay visa "job search/business

creation" within four years of obtaining your degree.

What does the "job search/business creation" residence permit allow?

During the validity period of the "RECE" permit, you can:

• Look for and engage in professional activities related to your field of study with a salary at

least 1.5 times the minimum wage (SMIC).

• Prepare to start a business in a field corresponding to your qualifications.

What are the conditions for obtaining the "RECE" residence permit?

You must have a valid student residence permit and have obtained one of the following degrees:

• a professional bachelor's degree,

• a master's degree or equivalent (engineering degree for example)

• a Specialized Master, a Master of Science (MSc) accredited by the Conférence des Grandes

Ecoles.

• a Doctorate.

When and how to apply for the "RECE" residence permit?

The "RECE" permit can be obtained:

• In France, within one year of obtaining the degree.

• From abroad, within four years of obtaining the degree.

To submit your application for the "RECE" permit in France, make an appointment at the Prefecture

depending on your situation. The application must be submitted no later than the expiration date of

your student residence permit (or end-of-study extension certificate).

You must present a final diploma certificate:

• If you are not yet graduated on the day of the appointment, you can provide your

transcripts and a provisional certificate of success (subject to thesis defense/exam jury); you

will then need to present your final diploma certificate when you receive your residence

permit.

• If you are already graduated, you can provide the diploma certificate (the diploma itself is

not required as it is generally issued later).

I have an "RECE" permit. Can I take a student job during my job search?

Yes, the "job search/business creation" residence permit allows you to take a student job during your

job search or business creation steps. However, no status change can be granted based on this job if

it is not related to your field of study.

I have an "RECE" permit. Can I start a business unrelated to my studies?

No, your business creation project must be related to your field of study. A status change will not be

possible if the business is not related to your qualifications/degrees.

My RECE residence permit is expiring. Can it be extended?

No, after the "job search/business creation" residence permit expires, you must apply for a status

change. Note that if you have a "job search" APS, it may be renewable depending on your nationality.

Obtaining a Residence Permit to Work

I have a student residence permit and a job offer. Do I need to apply for the "RECE" permit or can I

apply for a "worker" residence permit?

You can choose either option. Obtaining a "RECE" permit is not mandatory to then obtain a "worker"

residence permit.

What are the conditions for obtaining a "worker" or "temporary worker" residence permit?

You must first obtain a work authorization. The application must be made by your employer on the

website https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/

This authorization must be requested even if you are already working with your "RECE" residence

permit.

Is the status change easier if I first obtain a "RECE" residence permit?

The status change is simplified (no employment situation test) if you have a master's degree or

equivalent, the job is related to your studies, and the salary is at least 1.5 times the minimum wage

(SMIC). This rule applies whether or not you have a "RECE" residence permit. If you have a master's

degree or equivalent, obtaining a "RECE" permit first does not affect the conditions for status change.

Conversely, if you have a professional bachelor's degree, the absence of an employment situation

test will only apply if you have a "RECE" permit, the job is related to your studies, and the salary is at

least 1.5 times the minimum wage (SMIC). In this case, it is more advantageous to obtain a "RECE"

permit first.

Can I obtain a "worker" residence permit if the salary is less than 1.5 times the minimum wage

(SMIC)?

Yes, but in this case, the employment situation test will apply when requesting the work

authorization. This means the employer must prove that they posted a job offer with Pôle Emploi for

at least three weeks and had difficulty finding a candidate already on the job market. The proposed

salary must still comply with the minimum wage set by the applicable collective agreement.

Can I obtain a "worker" residence permit for a job unrelated to my field of study?

No, if you have a student or "RECE" residence permit, the job must be related to your degrees and

experience acquired in France or abroad.

Who handles work authorization applications?

Work authorization applications are processed by specialized national platforms. For information,

you can contact the national support on the website https://administration-etrangers-en-

france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/contact

Leaving France

What formalities must be completed if I leave France?

You do not need to complete any formalities with the prefecture. When leaving the Schengen area,

you must return your residence permit to the border police.

When leaving, remember to notify the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) if you receive housing

assistance (APL) and the Health Insurance Fund (CPAM).

If I leave France, can I return later?

Yes, you can apply for a new long-stay visa (as a student, worker, researcher, etc.).

If you have obtained a master's degree or equivalent, you can also apply for a long-stay visa "job

search/business creation" within four years of obtaining your degree.