Know the Long Term Study Visa Requirements in France for Indian Students....
Jan 09, 2024 05:26:59
1. Short-Stay Student Visa: For courses or programs less than 90 days.
2. Long-Stay Student Visa (Visa Long Séjour pour Études): For courses longer than 90 days. This visa acts as a residence permit and is often abbreviated as VLS-TS.
1. Acceptance Letter: From a recognized French educational institution confirming your admission.
2. Proof of Funds: Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. As of my last update, this is typically around EUR 615 per month.
3. Accommodation Proof: Details of your living arrangements in France.
4. Round-Trip Ticket: For courses less than 6 months. For longer courses, a one-way ticket is sufficient.
5. Travel Insurance: Covering medical and hospitalization expenses for the duration of your stay.
6. OFII Form: An immigration form that needs to be filled out (part of the visa application process).
7. Visa Application Fee: Subject to change, so check the latest fee on the official website.
8. Academic Records and Certificates.
9. Language Proficiency: Depending on the language of instruction of your program (French or English).
1. Campus France Registration: First, register with Campus France, the official agency for promoting French higher education. This involves submitting your academic records, language proficiency, and other documents.
2. Interview with Campus France: You may be required to attend an interview with Campus France.
3. Visa Application: After completing the Campus France process, you need to apply for a visa at a French consulate or via a visa application center in India (like VFS Global).
4. Visa Appointment: Schedule and attend a visa appointment. This involves submitting your visa application and supporting documents.
5. Biometrics: Provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
6. Wait for Processing: Visa processing can take a few weeks.
Start Early: Begin the process well in advance of your intended start date as visa processing can take time.
Organize Documents: Ensure all your documents are complete and in order.
Health Insurance: Make sure your insurance meets the requirements.
Financial Proof: Provide clear evidence of your financial means, such as bank statements or a letter of sponsorship.
OFII Form: Within the first three months of arrival, you must send the OFII form (which you received and filled out during the visa application process) to the French Office of Immigration and Integration. You may also need to undergo a medical examination.
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1. Acceptance into a French Educational Institution: You must have an acceptance letter from a recognized higher education institution in France. This is a critical requirement for the visa application.
2. Financial Means: You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself while studying in France. As of my last update, students are required to prove they can access at least EUR 615 per month. This could be through personal savings, a bank loan, a scholarship, or a sponsorship.
3. Accommodation Arrangements: You should have proof of your accommodation in France. This could be a rental agreement, a campus housing confirmation, or a letter from a host if you're staying with a friend or relative.
4. Travel and Health Insurance: A valid travel insurance policy covering the entire duration of your stay in France is necessary. The insurance should cover medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation.
5. Round-Trip Airfare: For courses shorter than six months, you should have a round-trip ticket. For longer courses, a one-way ticket is sufficient.
6. No Criminal Record: A clean criminal history is essential. You may need to provide a police clearance certificate as part of your application.
7. Language Proficiency: Depending on the language in which your course is taught, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in English (for English-taught programs) or French (for French-taught programs). The requirements for language proficiency vary by institution and program.
8. OFII Certificate: For long-stay visas, you must complete the OFII (French Office of Immigration and Integration) certificate form, which will be stamped upon your arrival in France.
9. Academic Qualifications: Relevant academic qualifications that make you eligible for the intended course of study, such as high school diploma for undergraduate programs or a bachelor's degree for master's programs.
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Proof of Enrollment: You must have an acceptance letter from a recognized French educational institution. This is usually provided as part of the admission process.
Proof of Financial Resources: Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses. As of my last update, students should prove they have at least EUR 615 per month, which can be shown through personal or family funds, a bank loan, a scholarship, or a guarantor living in France.
Bank Statements/Scholarship Letters: Provide bank statements or scholarship letters as proof.
Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of your living arrangements in France, such as a rental agreement, campus housing confirmation, or a letter from your host.
Medical Insurance: Valid travel insurance covering the entire duration of your stay. It must cover medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation.
For courses shorter than six months, you might be required to have a round-trip ticket. For longer courses, a one-way ticket is usually sufficient.
French or English Proficiency: Depending on your course's language of instruction, you may need to demonstrate language proficiency (though this is more often a requirement of the educational institution than for the visa itself).
OFII Form: Complete the OFII certificate form which is part of the long-stay visa application. This form needs to be submitted to the OFII after your arrival in France.
Completed Application Form: Accurately filled out and signed.
Visa Fee: Payment of the visa application fee.
Passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
Academic Records: Relevant diplomas and transcripts.
Cover Letter: Explaining the purpose of your study in France.
Photos: As per the specified format.
Police Clearance Certificate: In some cases, to prove no criminal record.
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Validity: Must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the Schengen area.
Blank Pages: At least two blank pages for visa stamps.
Fully Completed and Signed: Ensure all sections are accurately filled out.
Specifications: Follow the specific size and format requirements as per the Schengen visa standards.
From a French Institution: Official acceptance or enrollment letter from the French university or school where you plan to study.
Bank Statements or Proof of Income: Demonstrating you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies (around EUR 615 per month).
Scholarship Letter: If applicable, a letter confirming your scholarship.
Guarantor's Documents: If someone else is sponsoring your studies, their financial documents may be required.
Rental Agreement, Campus Housing Confirmation, or Letter from Host: Document showing where you will live in France.
Reservation: For courses shorter than six months. For longer courses, a one-way ticket is sufficient.
Coverage: Must cover medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation for the duration of your stay (minimum coverage of EUR 30,000).
Diplomas, Certificates, and Transcripts: From previous educational institutions.
Explaining the Purpose of Your Stay: Detail why you are going to France to study and your future plans.
To be Completed: You'll need to submit this upon your arrival in France.
Proof of Payment: For the visa application fee.
French or English: Depending on the language of instruction of your course. Not always mandatory for the visa but often required by the educational institution.
Biometric Data: Usually collected during the visa application process.
Police Clearance Certificate: In some cases, to prove a clean criminal record.
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