Long Stay VISA

The long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit with the mention "student", or VLS-TS "student", allows you to study in France for a period of four months to one year. When it expires, you must apply for a residence permit to stay in France.

Accueil - France-Visas

The "Student" Visa is valid for :
  • travel freely to all countries in the Schengen area.
  • work 964 hours a year, or 20 hours a week, to supplement one's resources.
  • benefit from VISALE, the free student rental deposit,
  • receive a housing allowance from the CAF,
  • extend their stay beyond the validity period of the residence permit issued.
Site officiel des visas pour la France

FAQ

How to continue my studies at the end of my VLS-TS?

If you wish to stay in France to continue your studies while your VLS-TS visa is about to expire, you can apply for its renewal by sending an application to the prefecture: you will apply for a multi-year residence permit. Everything is done in France two months before your VLS-TS visa expires. The multi-year residence permit issued to you under certain conditions is valid for the number of years remaining in the study cycle in which you are enrolled.

To find out the conditions and required documents

What is a “récepissé”? ​​​​​​​

It is possible that the prefecture will give you a provisional residence document. This is a receipt. This document certifies that you have submitted an application for the renewal of your residence permit. It authorises you to stay in France for 3 to 6 months after the expiry of your residence permit.

Careful! This receipt does not necessarily give you the right to travel out of France.

More informations on the website: Comment renouveler votre titre de séjour? | Campus France

What is a “attestation de prolongation d’instruction”?

If the Préfecture is late in examining the file, it is possible to provide a certificate of extension of the investigation in order to clarify the student's situation pending the granting of the residence permit.

How do I solve a problem with a student residence permit ? ​​​​​​​

The procedure with the Prefecture takes about 8 weeks. If the request is within these 8 weeks, it is therefore within the normal management period. If beyond that, the difficulties persist, the student is invited to contact the International Relations Office (SRI) on their campus to declare their request and submit their situation to the Prefecture of the Alpes Maritimes. Below, the contacts of the SRIs according to the campus.

What do you need to consider before leaving France ? ​​​​​​​

If you leave before the end date of your rental contract, you will have to give one month's notice before leaving the accommodation.

Also, don't forget to cancel your contracts established in France, in particular:

  • Bank account
  • Electricity and/or water bills
  • CAF (Family Allowance)
  • Mobile phone number
  • Transportation card
  • Sports club membership, reading, etc.