Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS Etudiant)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 4-8 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 99 (visa) + EUR 50 (OFII validation upon arrival)
- Validity
- 4 months to 1 year (renewable)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The VLS-TS Etudiant is valid as a residence permit for the first year. Must be validated online within 3 months of arrival via the ANEF platform. Allows work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours/week). After the first year, students can apply for a multi-year student residence card (2-4 years). Students from certain countries must apply through Campus France's Etudes en France portal (CEF procedure). The minimum monthly financial resources required are EUR 615.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals accepted to a French higher education institution for a program of at least 3 months
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Financial
Must demonstrate minimum EUR 615 per month in financial resources through personal funds, scholarship, or sponsor
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Purpose of visit
Enrollment in a higher education program, university exchange, or specialized training of more than 3 months
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 15
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Photo
Count: 3; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background, ICAO compliant
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, scholarship letter, sponsor guarantee, blocked account; Minimum amount: EUR 615 per month (EUR 7,380 per year)
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Student residence confirmation, rental agreement, attestation d'hebergement; Must cover full stay: No
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Long-stay visa application form; Form url: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/visa-wizard
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card, bank transfer; Amount: EUR 99
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: France; Minimum coverage: Full medical coverage in France
How to apply
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Online application
For CEF-procedure countries: register on Etudes en France (Campus France). All applicants: start visa application on France-Visas website.
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Document gathering
Obtain admission letter, gather academic transcripts (translated into French), proof of financial resources (EUR 615/month), accommodation proof, and health insurance.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at French consulate or visa center. Applications may be submitted up to 3 months before departure.
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Fee payment
Pay EUR 99 long-stay visa fee and Campus France interview fee (EUR 50-250 depending on country).
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Document submission
Submit complete dossier at consulate/visa center appointment.
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Interview
Attend Campus France interview (for CEF-procedure countries). May also be called for consular interview.
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Processing wait
Processing takes 4-8 weeks. Campus France review may add 2-4 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with VLS-TS sticker. Must validate visa online within 3 months of arrival and pay EUR 50 stamp duty.