Stay for study purposes in France
This route is for individuals who have obtained admission to a French higher education institution. The applicant must prove sufficient financial resources for the duration of their stay.
Specification reviewed on
Required documents
The list below is exhaustive. Each document is described as it must be submitted, including the most common errors that lead to rejection.
Identity
Passport
This document is required for the initial visa application. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years ago. It must contain a minimum of two blank pages and its validity must extend at least three months beyond the expiry date of your visa.
Common errors
- A passport with insufficient validity or not enough blank pages will lead to a refusal.
Valid visa de long séjour or titre de séjour
This document is required for an application to renew your student right of residence. You must present your current residence document (visa de long séjour or titre de séjour). The renewal application must be made no earlier than 4 months and no later than 2 months before the expiry date of this document.
Common errors
- An application submitted out of time makes you liable for the payment of a droit de visa de régularisation.
Digital identity photograph (e-photo)
This document is required for a renewal application. You must provide the e-photo code, which is given to you by the photographer or photo booth using a service approved by the administration.
Common errors
- A standard photograph not accompanied by the e-photo code will not be accepted for the online procedure.
Resources
Proof of financial resources
This document is required for a renewal application. You must provide proof of resources of an amount at least equal to €877.5 per month. Depending on your situation, you may provide proof of a scholarship, your last 3 payslips, a letter of financial support from a third party (with their identity and proof of regular transfers), or a bank certificate of a sufficient credit balance.
Common errors
- Resources below the required threshold or supporting documents deemed unreliable (for example, a sworn statement of financial support without proof of transfer) are grounds for refusal.
Education
Proof of enrolment
This document is required for a renewal application. You must provide a certificate of enrolment or pre-enrolment at a higher education or initial training institution, whether public or private.
Common errors
- A simple letter of admission without confirmation of enrolment or pre-enrolment may be deemed insufficient.
Supporting documents for the genuine and serious nature of the studies
These documents are required for a renewal application. You must prove the seriousness of your academic progress by providing the transcripts of records for the past year, the latest diploma you have obtained in France, and a certificate of achievement from your institution. The administration assesses attendance, examination results and diplomas obtained.
Common errors
- Insufficient results, unjustified absences or a change of course without explanation may lead the administration to question the genuineness of the studies.
Accommodation
Proof of address
This document is required for a renewal application. You must provide proof of your address in France. This document must be less than 6 months old at the time of submitting your application.
Common errors
- A supporting document that is too old is a ground for refusal. Ensure the document is less than 6 months old.
Other documents
Commitment to respect the principles of the Republic
This document is required for a renewal application. You must submit a signed copy of this document.
Common errors
- Forgetting this document or submitting an unsigned copy may cause a delay or a request for additional information.
Have your situation reviewed
Having the list does not indicate whether your situation will lead to a successful outcome. The questionnaire takes a few minutes and an adviser will send you a written opinion within one working day, whether your application is admissible or not.