VISA RENEWAL & APS
The various visa renewal methods and details of procuring an APS is described in this section. Please find the basic flow chart of the renewal and APS cycle:
1. Student Visa Renewal (1 year)
For whom?
Students who have lived in France for 1 year with a valid Long stay visa (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour VLS-TS) have up to 1 year of studies remaining in their educational institution.
Where to apply?
Depending on where you live, you have to apply in the corresponding prefectures or sub-prefectures (sous-préfectures) check the website of the department where you live, to find the details of the concerned prefectures and sub-prefectures.
To find the website of your prefecture please visit:
https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Le-ministere/Prefectures
NB: Depending on the prefecture, the method of taking appointments can vary. It can be online or you have to go directly to take an appointment.
Documents to be furnished:
– Passport – Original and copy of the concerned pages
– Birth Certificate – Original and Copy
– If you are married and /or with children : Residence card (carte de séjour) of your spouse, Marriage certificate, Birth certificate of children
– Long term visa (Visa de long séjour) – Original and copy
– Address Proof(Justificatif de domicile): Housing contract or Rental receipts, Electricity bills, Gas bills etc. (of last 3 months and in your name)
– 3 photos
– Letter provided by your educational institution showing your registration with the institution
– Justification of financial resources (Justificatifs de vos ressources) which should be a minimum of 615 € per month
– Bank statements showing regular transfer or sufficient credit balance and, in the case of resources provided by a third party, attestation on the honor of payment of the sums making it possible to reach € 615 per month
– Salary Slips (fiches de paie) if you are working
– Scholarship or Grants certificate from the paying agency in India specifying the amount and duration of your scholarship
– Proof of social security enrollment
– Proof of payment of the tax and stamp duty (requested when handing over the card)
NB: Any document originally in English must be translated to French by a certified and approved translator
Along with documents mentioned above, the concerned prefectures or sub prefectures may ask for any additional documents
Cost
You must pay a tax and stamp duty of € 75 in form of tax stamps (timbres fiscaux)
The stamps are available in electronic form and can be bought either from:
– Online – https://timbres.impots.gouv.fr (RECOMMENDED)
– From the nearest tabac shop
– If you submit your renewal request after the deadline, you may also have to pay a fee of € 180
When to apply?
You can apply within the 2 months before the expiration of your current visa
Find more:
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2231
Online – https://timbres.impots.gouv.fr (RECOMMENDED)
2. Student Visa Renewal (Multiple years)
For whom?
Students who have lived in France for 1 year with a valid Long stay visa (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour VLS-TS) or Residence card (carte de séjour temporaire étudiant) and have more than 1 year of studies remaining in their educational institution
Where to apply?
Depending on where you live, you have to apply in the corresponding prefectures or sub-prefectures (sous-préfectures) check the website of the department where you live, to find the details of the concerned prefectures and sub-prefectures.
To find the website of your prefecture go to:
https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Le-ministere/Prefectures
NB: Depending on the prefecture, the method of taking appointments can vary. It can be online or you have to go directly to take an appointment.
Documents to be provided
– Valid Passport – Original and copy of the concerned pages
– Birth Certificate – Original and Copy
– If you are married and /or with children : Residence card(carte de séjour) of your spouse, Marriage certificate, Birth certificate of children
– Long term visa(Visa de long séjour) – Original and copy
– Address Proof(Justificatif de domicile): Housing contract or Rental receipts, Electricity bills, Gas bills etc.(of last 3 months and in your name)
– 3 photos
– Letter provided by your educational institution showing your registration with the institution
– Justification of financial resources (Justificatifs de vos ressources)which should be a minimum of 615 € per month
– Bank statements showing regular transfer or sufficient credit balance and, in the case of resources provided by a third party, attestation on the honor of payment of the sums making it possible to reach € 615 per month
– Salary Slips (fiches de paie) if you are working
– Scholarship or Grants certificate from the paying agency in India specifying the amount and duration of your scholarship
– Proof of social security enrollment
– Proof of payment of the tax and stamp duty (requested when handing over the card)
NB: Any document originally in English must be translated to French by a certified and approved translator. Along with documents mentioned above, the concerned prefectures or sub prefectures may ask for any additional documents
Cost
You must pay a tax and stamp duty of € 75 in form of tax stamps (timbres fiscaux)
The stamps are available in electronic form and can be bought either:
Online – https://timbres.impots.gouv.fr (RECOMMENDED)
or
From the nearest tabac shop
If you submit your renewal request after the deadline, you may also have to pay a fee of € 180
When to apply?
You can apply within the 2 months before the expiration of your current visa
Links
3. APS (Autorisation provisoire de séjour)
What is APS?
APS is a visa given to students who pursue an RNCP certified course or in a public university course.
NB: Not all schools in France are eligible for APS status for their students, so you should check with your school before coming to France to avoid problems later.
APS is issued only for students who have completed their course i.e. finished their jury and have “attestation de réussite” or “attestation de jury” from their school. APS cannot be given before the course is completed.
What is the use of APS?
Normally, the student visa expires once the course is over. Therefore, APS allows students to stay in France after their studies and find a job.
What is the validity of APS?
APS is issued for 1 year. However, for Indian students, once the APS is expired, they can renew it for another 1 year (Because of an agreement between the governments of the 2 countries).
Procedure to get APS
Once you have completed the course, apply for APS in your prefecture as soon as possible with the following documents.
– Valid Passport – Original and copy of the concerned pages
– Valid Long stay visa (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour VLS-TS) or Residence card (carte de séjour temporaire étudiant) – Original and copy
– 3 recent photos
– Proof of social security
– Address Proof (Justificatif de domicile): Housing contract or Rental receipts, Electricity bills, Gas bills etc.(of last 3 months and in your name)
– A certificate of success (Attestation de réussite) for a Diploma equivalent to the Master degree issued by the educational institution or your Master’s degree.
NB: Any document originally in English must be translated to French by a certified and approved translator. Along with documents mentioned above, the concerned prefectures or sub prefectures may ask for any additional documents
Cost
APS is free of cost.
How long does it take and how to apply?
It depends on the prefecture. There are two possibilities depending on different prefectures. Book an appointment, go with all documents, and get it on the same day.Mail them all the documents (by “lettre recommandé avec avis de reception”) around a week or two before and go to prefecture with the receipt of “lettre recommandé avec avis de reception” (la poste will know what this means) and collect your APS visa.
NB: Depending on the prefecture, the method of taking appointments can vary. It can be online or you have to go directly to take an appointment.
LINKS :
Can APS be applied from India after returning?
Yes, within 4 years of time.
Visit this site
– Apply for a “Job Search/ Business Creation visa” from India. Choose “Business” as your plan and you’ll get the above options.This visa is valid for a maximum period of 1 year and non-renewable. This visa gives full work permit for the duration.
NB: This applies for those who did not apply for an APS while in France. Once you had an APS in France, this might not apply for you from India.
4. CDI and CDD
There are 2 types of work contracts in France.
Contrat de travail à durée indéterminée (CDI)
CDI is an unlimited contract, concluded on a full-time or part-time basis, between an employer and an employee.
Contrat de travail à durée déterminée (CDI)
CDD is a fixed term contract or a temporary contract
5. Types of Job visas
Carte de séjour salarié ou travailleur temporaire
You can apply for this type of residence card if you have found a job in relation with your studies and with a gross monthly salary of not less than 2309.13 €. It will be issued for validity of 1 year at first and 4 years on first renewal
Passeport talent: carte de séjour pluriannuelle
You are eligible for Passeport talent if you satisfy all the following conditions:
You have obtained, in France “un diplôme de license professionnelle (Bachelors)” or de Mastère Spécialisé /Master of Science (given by la conférence des grandes école) or an equivalent of master
You have an employment contract of more than 3 months, which provides gross annual compensation greater than or equal to 36,946.00 €.
The benefit of this type is that the spouse and kids of the person can apply for a dependent visa directly from India and can come to France with a work permit.
Carte de séjour passeport talent – Carte bleue européenne( European Blue Card)
You can get a talent passport residence card – European blue card if you are a highly qualified worker.
You must have:
– A diploma attesting to at least 3 years of higher education or 5 years of professional experience of comparable level
– A work contract of at least 1 year
– Gross annual remuneration of at least 53,836.50 €
All the benefits of Passeport talent: carte de séjour pluriannuelle apply and it gives a EU wide work permit after 2 years in France.
6. Documents to be provided by the employer when applying for job visas
– K bis or extrait K / carte d’artisan(artisans/commerçants)
– Proof of deposit of the declaration of the association with the préfecture or tax returns if it is a physical person.
– Statutes of the company, if available.
– Copies of the déclaration des mouvements de la main d’œuvre for the last three months (companies with more than 50 employees)
– Copies of the last two pages of the personnel register (companies with less than 50 employees).
– Copies of the last two dockets submitted to the URSSAF or the MSA, and certificate of updated accounts from these agencies.
– Copies of the last two contributions to the paid leave fund for the construction industry, if this is required.
– Copies of the last two monthly and trimestral tax declarations.
– If the employer has already requested for a work permit for foreigners before:
– The last 3 payslips for the foreign employees who have already worked in France.
– Proof of the deposit slips for social contributions.
– Documents regarding the future foreign employee
– Copy of the work contract / work offer.
– CV (in French)
– Copies of diplomas (with certified French translations if necessary)
– Letter explaining and detailing the reasons for hiring this employee, indicating his/her exact job function, and the position in the skills hierarchy (grille conventionnelle des classifications) if applicable.
– Proof of registration of job announcement and contacts made.
– Copy of the job announcement submitted to the Pôle Emploi or APEC (with the ROME code mentioned)
– Or searches made by other means (intranet, specialized press), a copy of the list of contacts made by Pôle Emploi, copies of CV received and not kept.
NB: Depending on the DIRECCTE , more documents can be asked if needed.
7. Apply for Carte de sejour salarié ou travailleur temporaire
CDI
Where to apply?
Depending on where you live, you have to apply in the corresponding prefectures or sub-prefectures (sous-prefectures) Check the website of the department where you live, to find the details of the concerned prefectures and sub-prefectures.
NB: Depending on the prefecture, the method of taking appointments can vary. It can be online or you have to go directly to take an appointment.
Pending the processing of your file, and if your file is complete, you will receive a receipt.
Documents to be provided:
– Valid Passport – Original and copy of the concerned pages
– Birth Certificate – Original and Copy
– If you are married and /or with children : Residence card(carte de séjour) of your spouse, Marriage certificate, Birth certificate of children
– Carte de Sejour or APS –Original and Copy
– Address Proof(Justificatif de domicile): Housing contract or Rental receipts, Electricity bills, Gas bills etc.(of last 3 months and in your name)
– 3 photos (Can vary according to the prefecture)
– Autorisation de travail(Work permit) corresponding to the position occupied (form cerfa n ° 15186 * 02 approved by the Direccte)
– Work Contract
– Medical certificate issued by OFII (requested when handing over the card)
– Proof of payment of the tax and stamp duty (requested when handing over the card)
NB: Any document originally in English must be translated to French by a certified and approved translator
Along with documents mentioned above, the concerned prefectures or sub prefectures may ask for any additional documents
Cost
You must pay a tax and stamp duty of € 225 (tax of 200 € + stamp duty of 25 €) in form of tax stamps (timbres fiscaux)
The stamps are available in electronic form and can be bought either:
– Online – https://timbres.impots.gouv.fr (RECOMMENDED)
– From the nearest tabac shop.
Validity
This card is valid for 1 year and renewable.
You must submit a request to renew your residence permit. If accepted, you receive a multi-year residence card valid for 4 years.
CDD
Where to apply?
Depending on where you live, you have to apply in the corresponding prefectures or sub-prefectures (sous-préfectures) check the website of the department where you live, to find the details of the concerned prefectures and sub-prefectures.
NB: Depending on the prefecture, the method of taking appointments can vary. It can be online or you have to go directly to take an appointment.
Pending the processing of your file, and if your file is complete, you will receive a receipt.
Documents to be provided:
– Valid Passport – Original and copy of the concerned pages
– Birth Certificate – Original and Copy
– If you are married and /or with children : Residence card(carte de séjour) of your spouse, Marriage certificate, Birth certificate of children
– Carte de Sejour or APS –Original and Copy
– Address Proof(Justificatif de domicile): Housing contract or Rental receipts, Electricity bills, Gas bills etc.(of last 3 months and in your name)
– 3 photos(Can vary according to the prefecture)
– Autorisation de travail(Work permit) corresponding to the position occupied (form cerfa n ° 15186 * 02 approved by the Direccte)
– Work Contract or copy of the last 3 payslips
– Medical certificate issued by Ofii (requested when handing over the card)
– Proof of payment of the tax and stamp duty (requested when handing over the card)
NB: Any document originally in English must be translated to French by a certified and approved translator
Along with documents mentioned above, the concerned prefectures or sub prefectures may ask for any additional documents
Cost
You must pay a tax and stamp duty of € 225(tax of 200 € + stamp duty of 25 €) in form of tax stamps (timbres fiscaux)
The stamps are available in electronic form and can be bought either:
– Online – https://timbres.impots.gouv.fr (RECOMMENDED)
– From the nearest tabac shop.
Validity
This card is valid for 1 year and renewable.
You must submit a request to renew your residence permit. If accepted, you receive a multi-year residence card valid for 4 years.
Links
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F15898
Apply for Passeport talent: carte de séjour pluriannuelle
For whom?
You are eligible for Passeport talent if you satisfy all the following conditions:
You have obtained, in France “un diplôme de licence professionnelle(Bachelors)” or de Mastère Spécialisé /Master of Science (given by la conférence des grandes école) or an equivalent of master
You have an employment contract of more than 3 months, which provides gross annual compensation greater than or equal to 36,946.00 €.
Documents required:
– Valid Passport – Original and copy of the concerned page.
– Birth Certificate – Original and Copy
– If you are married and /or with children : Residence card(carte de séjour) of your spouse, Marriage certificate, Birth certificate of children
– Carte de Sejour or APS –Original and Copy
– Address Proof (Justificatif de domicile): Housing contract or Rental receipts, Electricity bills, Gas bills etc.(of last 3 months and in your name)
– 3 photos(Can vary according to the prefecture)
– Autorisation de travail(Work permit) corresponding to the position occupied (form cerfa n ° 15614 * 03 approved by the Direccte)
– Work Contract
– Proof of payment of the tax and stamp duty (requested when handing over the card)
– Proof of resources greater than or equal to € 36,946.00 gross per year
– Diploma
– Documentscompleted by your employer
Cost
You must pay a tax and stamp duty of € 225(tax of 200 € + stamp duty of 25 €) in form of tax stamps (timbres fiscaux)
The stamps are available in electronic form and can be bought either:
– Online – https://timbres.impots.gouv.fr (RECOMMENDED)
– From the nearest tabac shop.
Validity
The card is valid for a period identical to that of the employment contract, up to a maximum duration of 4 years.
Links
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F16922
Apply for Carte de séjour passeport talent – Carte bleue européenne (European Blue Card)
You can apply for a talent passport residence card – European blue card if you are a highly qualified worker, you must have:
– A diploma attesting to at least 3 years of higher education or 5 years of professional experience of comparable level
– A work contract of at least 1 year
– Gross annual remuneration of at least 53,836.50 €
Documents required:
– Valid Passport – Original and copy of the concerned pages
– Birth Certificate – Original and Copy
– If you are married and /or with children : Residence card(carte de séjour) of your spouse, Marriage certificate, Birth certificate of children
– Carte de Sejour or APS –Original and Copy
– Address Proof(Justificatif de domicile): Housing contract or Rental receipts, Electricity bills, Gas bills etc.(of last 3 months and in your name)
– 3 photos(Can vary according to the prefecture)
– Form cerfa n ° 15615 * 01
– Work Contract
– Proof of payment of the tax and stamp duty (requested when handing over the card)
– Proof of resources greater than or equal to € 53,836.50 gross per year
– Diploma(Degree) of Bac +3 level or any document justifying at least 5 years of professional experience of comparable level
– Documents completed by your employer
Cost
You must pay a tax and stamp duty of € 225(tax of 200 € + stamp duty of 25 €) in form of tax stamps (timbres fiscaux)
The stamps are available in electronic form and can be bought either:
– Online – https://timbres.impots.gouv.fr (RECOMMENDED)
– From the nearest tabac shop.
Validity
The card is valid for a period identical to that of the employment contract, up to a maximum duration of 4 years.
Links
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F16922
Online – https://timbres.impots.gouv.fr (RECOMMENDED)
