Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)
Category: Student · Processing time: 4–8 weeks
Recently verified
Apply through official authority
France-Visas / OFII
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-06-21.
Visa type
Student
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Fees
VisaFeeEEFProcedure: EUR 50
Validity
Up to 1 year (initial entry); renewable as a multi-year student permit.
Stay duration
Indefinite through conversion to subsequent professional permits.
Entry type
National D-Visa (Multiple entry)
Insurance
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Overview
A long-stay visa that functions as a residence permit for the first year of study in France. Path to PR: Yes (can transition to work or job-seeker permits post-graduation). Path to citizenshi
- Leads to permanent residency: Yes
- Requires job offer: No
- Language required: No
- Minimum education: University entrance qualification or proof of admission to a recognized French institution
- Financial requirement: Mandatory. Must demonstrate monthly resources of at least €615 via bank statements, scholarships, or a guarantor's financial guarantee.
- Accommodation proof: Yes (Proof required for initial stay period)
- Return ticket: No
Estimated Costs
- - VisaFeeEEFProcedure: EUR 50
- - VisaFeeStandard: EUR 99
- - VLS TS_Validation_Tax: EUR 75
Required Documents
- - Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond intended stay
- - Official letter of admission/enrollment from a French institution
- - Campus France/Études en France validation receipt (if applicable)
- - Proof of financial resources (€615/month minimum)
- - Proof of accommodation for the first 3 months
- - Health insurance documentation
Application Steps
- Obtain official admission/enrollment letter from a French institution.
- Complete the mandatory 'Études en France' (EEF) online procedure (if applicable for your country).
- Apply via the official France-Visas portal, book an appointment, and submit your application at the VFS Global center or consulate.
- Attend the visa appointment to provide biometrics and pay the relevant visa fee (€50 or €99).
- Upon arrival in France, validate your VLS-TS visa online via the ANEF portal within 3 months and pay the €75 residence permit tax.
- For studies exceeding 12 months, apply for a multi-year residence permit renewal at your local Prefecture.
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: France-Visas / OFII →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
- - Applications are processed via the [France-Visas](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/) portal. Most countries require pre-consular processing through the [Études en France](https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance/) platform.
Browse foreign embassies in France (MigrantIQ directory) →
Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.
Application checklist
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Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Legally authorized to live and study in France for the full academic duration.
- - Work rights up to 964 hours/year allow for part-time income.
- - Serves as a robust foundation for post-graduation stay-back and residency pathways.
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in France depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admission aut
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In France, a visa that allows entry does not always allow work. Paid employment, freelancing, remote work, internships, and trial shifts may each have different permission rules.
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Living in France for long enough, working locally, or registering as a resident may trigger tax-residency or income-reporting duties even if your income is paid from abroad.
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for France, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter France, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track border che
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for France through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa process
Scammers advertise fake apartments in France, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Student Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS). It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Insufficient evidence of financial stability (e.g., sporadic income vs. consistent balance)
- - Missing or invalid housing documentation for the initial 3-month period
- - Failure to complete the mandatory Campus France pre-procedure
- - Discrepancies in the study project (e.g., inconsistent career goals vs. chosen degree)
Application Tips
- - Apply at least 3–4 months before your program start date to account for peak-season delays.
- - For Paris and major cities, demonstrate financial capacity closer to €1,000/month to ensure your application is viewed favorably.
- - Ensure your proof of accommodation is official—rental contracts, CROUS residence confirmations, or official host letters are preferred over hotel bookings.
- - Use the [ANEF portal](https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/) immediately upon arrival to avoid penalties for late visa validation.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- France-Visas / OFII
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This visa is designed for applicants matching Student pathway criteria.
Typical processing time is 4–8 weeks, subject to documentation quality and application volume.
Start with eligibility evidence, document checklists, and proof of funds before submitting.