Logo
 Home | Sitemap | Contact us | Search | Language
CareerCareers Exams Competitive Exams College Colleges Scholarship Scholarships Loan Loans Results Exam Results Login Login
Left Right
Home >> Study Abroad in France >> Study Abroad in France How to Obtain Visas


How to obtain visas

Applying for a visa
There are various types of visa, so it is important to known, the precise objective and duration of one's stay before applying to the French consular authorities. Visas cannot be extended or modified in France.

Long term Student Visa
Students from outside Europe (that is students from countries other than the 18 countries of the European Economic Zone, Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland, San Marino and the Vatican) must obtain a long-term visa marked "etudiant" if the duration of study is more than 6 months.

The long­-term student visa is valid for up to a year. After the first year of study, visas .are automatically renewed provided the student holding the visa is able to produce the required documentation. For more information, you may log on to: http://www.diplomatie.fr/venir/visas/pays.html Within 2 months of arriving in France Students must apply for a student residency permit. A long-term student visa is required to obtain the permit.

Short term Visa
Students whose program is of 90 days or less receive a temporary visa. These short-stay visas allow the students to travel across EU. Students holding a short-term visa are not required to apply for a residency permit. Their visa confers the right to stay in France for the time specified on the visa. At the end of their program, students wishing to pursue further studies must first return to their home country and apply for a long-term student visa. Under no circumstances may visas be modified in France.

A Special visa marked "etudiant concours" and valid for up to 90 days is granted to students traveling to France to sit for an entrance examination. Students who pass the examination and are admitted to an Institution are entitled to apply for a long-term student visa without returning to their home country. The "etudiant-concours" visa may be used in cases where the student must complete a short period of preparatory training before being admitted to an institution.

Under no circumstances may a tourist visa of any kind be converted into a student visa in France or in any other country of the European Union. To obtain a visa, you have to make an appointment with the nearest French consulate or with French embassy in your country. Processing times vary with a minimum of 2-1 0 days.

Important documents and conditions for obtaining a visa
Proof of enrolment: The required proof is provided by a letter accepting an application for preliminary admission, or a letter of acceptance from a public or private institutions of higher education. The letter must specify the number of course hours and state that tuition charges have been paid in full.

Evidence of adequate financial support: The required level of financial resources is set by each embassy. The average is approximately 460 Euros per month. Scholarship student must provide documents on the letterhead of the granting organization specifying the amount and duration of their grant.

Financial support provided by an individual residing in France: The individual who will provide support must furnish a signed statement of responsibility (following a model obtainable from the consular authorities or from International Student Office at the gurantor's local government centre)

A photocopy of the identity card of the guarantor
Evidence of adequate means to provide the promised support (such as pay the promised supports (such as pay stubs, a current financial statement, or the latest income tax return). The guarantor's gross salary must be 3-4 times greater than the amount required to support the student.
Financial support provided from abroad

The student must furnish a statement commitment from the overseas guarantor agreeing to make regular payments of the amount required for the student's support. The statement of commitment must be translated into French and signed by the guarantor. A model statement is available from the consular authorities.

The Student must furnish evidence of the opening of a bank account into which the necessary funds will be deposited.

The Student must have a passport valid for the duration of the visa sought

Note: Proof of insurance coverage will be required of visa application aged 28 and older and of applicants enrolling in institutions that do not participate in the national student insurance plan. Applicants under the age of 28 and enrolling in a participating institution are not required to furnish proof of insurance.

Other documents may the required depending on the applicant's country examples include a medical certificate prepared by a physician approved by the consulate, a certificate of vaccination. proof that the applicant has paid a security deposit, and proof repatriation insurance. Applicants should check on the consulate's exact requirements and submit a single, complete applications which will not be examined. A fee is charged for entry visas, except where a bilateral treaty provides otherwise.

Prospective students under 18 years of age must furnish written authoriza­tion from their parents or legal guardians.

Left Right