Study in France with a Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS)

Live and Learn in France for Up to a Year

The Long-Stay Visa Equivalent to a Residence Permit, or VLS-TS "student", allows you to immerse yourself in French education for a period of 4 months to 1 year. This visa is ideal for students pursuing higher education programs in France.

Benefits of the VLS-TS Visa:

Travel Flexibility: Freely explore all Schengen Area countries during your studies.

Work Permission: Supplement your income by working up to 964 hours per year (20 hours/week).

Financial Support: Benefit from VISALE, a free student rental deposit program.

Housing Assistance: Receive financial aid for housing through CAF (Family Allowance Fund).

Extendable Stay: Apply for a multi-year residence permit to continue your studies beyond the initial visa validity period.

How to Apply for a VLS-TS Visa:

The application process depends on your country of residence:

For residents of 46 countries participating in Studies in France": Apply for enrollment and visa simultaneously through the Etudes en France platform. Your visa application will be automatically sent to the French consulate in your country.

For residents of other countries: Contact the French consular authorities in your country of residence to initiate the visa application process.

Unsure about Visa Requirements?

Use the visa assistant tool on the France Visas website (https://france-visas.gouv.fr/) to determine if you need a visa to study in France.

Important Note on Multiple Entry VLS-TS:

While a multiple-entry VLS-TS allows for travel outside France, visa validation is mandatory after three months of arrival. Please validate before traveling outside France to avoid requiring a new visa application upon re-entry.

Validating Your VLS-TS Visa:

Upon arrival in France, you must validate your VLS-TS visa online within 3 months. Here's what you'll need for the validation process:

Continuing Your Studies in France:

If you wish to extend your stay beyond the VLS-TS validity period, apply for a multi-year residence permit at the prefecture two months before your visa expires. The new permit's duration will correspond to the remaining years in your study program.

The validity of your multi-year residence permit is directly linked to your academic program. It will be issued for the number of years remaining in your course, ensuring your visa status aligns with your studies.

For Example, In Undergraduate Programs completing your first year in a License program typically qualifies you for a two-year multi-year residence permit, covering your studies until the end of your third year.

For Graduate Schools, The renewal of your residence permit will be valid for the entire duration of your program, allowing you to focus on your studies until graduation.

"Virtute Duce, Comite Fortuna"

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