How do I validate my VLS-TS?

Validation is mandatory and is done online on the ANEF platform within 3 months of your arrival in France. You must create an account, enter your visa number, and pay the 75 € fiscal stamp online or at a tabac newsagent.

What is the ANEF platform?

ANEF (Administration Numérique des Étrangers en France) is the online portal of the Ministry of the Interior for residency procedures: VLS-TS validation, residence permit renewal, change of status, and dossier tracking. URL: administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr.

What happens if I do not validate my VLS-TS within 3 months?

If you do not validate your VLS-TS within the 3-month deadline, you are in an irregular situation. This can prevent you from renewing your permit, cause difficulties when travelling in the Schengen area, and result in refusal of access to benefits. Contact your prefecture immediately to regularise your situation.

Can I travel in the Schengen area with my student residence permit?

Yes. A validated VLS-TS or 'étudiant' residence card allows you to travel freely in the 26 Schengen area countries for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Carry your valid passport and your residence permit when travelling.

Can I travel with a récépissé (provisional receipt)?

It depends on the type of receipt. A renewal receipt allows travel in the Schengen area with your expired former permit. A first-application receipt does not allow you to leave France: if you depart, you will need to apply for a new visa at the French consulate.

What is a residence permit receipt (récépissé)?

The récépissé is a temporary document issued by the prefecture confirming that you have submitted a residence permit application. It authorises you to legally reside in France for 4–6 months while awaiting your definitive permit and may authorise work depending on its notation.

When and how do I renew my student residence permit?

Submit your renewal application 2–4 months before your current permit expires via the ANEF platform. Documents required: passport, current permit, student certificate, proof of address, proof of resources, identity photos, 75 € fiscal stamp.

How do I change from a student permit to a work permit (change of status)?

A change of status requires an employment contract (permanent or fixed-term of more than 3 months), a salary of at least 1.5 times the gross SMIC (~2,734 €/month in 2026), and an ANEF application before your student permit expires. Processing takes 2–4 months.

What is the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour — post-study work permit)?

The APS is a 1-year non-renewable permit for foreign graduates (professional licence, master's or equivalent) to seek employment or start a business. Since the 2024 immigration law, it has been replaced by the 'recherche d'emploi ou création d'entreprise' residence card, with a similar purpose.

What is the difference between a temporary and a multi-year residence card?

The temporary card is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually. The multi-year card (2–4 years) is issued at the first renewal of the VLS-TS if you meet the academic progress conditions. It avoids annual renewals.

Do European students need a residence permit?

No. Nationals of the European Union, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), and Switzerland do not need a visa or residence permit to study in France. A valid national identity card or passport is sufficient.

How do I obtain a student visa for France?

The procedure includes: enrollment via Études en France (Campus France, 73 covered countries), admission letter, Campus France interview if applicable, then visa application at the consulate with: passport, proof of resources (minimum 615 €/month), accommodation proof, CVEC attestation. Processing time: 2–6 weeks.

What should I do if my residence permit application is refused?

You have 2 months to lodge a gracious appeal with the prefect, a hierarchical appeal with the Interior Minister, or a legal challenge before the administrative tribunal. Contact a specialist immigration lawyer or an association (GISTI, Cimade, Info Droits Étrangers).

FAQ — Visa and Residence Permit for International Students in France

Q: What is the VLS-TS?

The VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour — Long-Stay Visa serving as a Residence Permit) is a type D visa that serves as a residence permit for its validity period (generally 1 year). It bears the 'ÉTUDIANT' notation and has the same legal value as a residence card once validated online.

1. What is the VLS-TS?

The VLS-TS is a type D long-stay visa that serves as a residence permit for its validity period (up to 1 year). It must be validated on ANEF within 3 months of arrival (75 € fiscal stamp).

Source: service-public.fr — International student in France

2. How to validate your VLS-TS

Go to administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr
Create an account, enter your visa number, address in France
Pay the 75 € fiscal stamp (online or at a tabac newsagent)
Save your validation confirmation

Key facts for 2026

VLS-TS validation: 75 € fiscal stamp (within 3 months of arrival)
Residence permit renewal: 225 € fiscal stamp (via ANEF, 2–4 months before expiry)
Work authorisation: 964 hours/year for non-EU students (VLS-TS or student permit)
Change of status salary minimum: ~2,734 €/month gross (1.5x SMIC 2026)

Official Sources

ANEF — administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr
France-Visas — Student long-stay visa
service-public.fr — International student
OFII — VLS-TS validation
Campus France — Student visa

FAQ — Visa & Residence Permit for Students in France

FAQ — Visa and Residence Permit for International Students in France

1. What is the VLS-TS?

2. How to validate your VLS-TS

Key facts for 2026

Official Sources

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FAQ — Visa & Residence Permit for Students in France

FAQ — Visa and Residence Permit for International Students in France

1. What is the VLS-TS?

2. How to validate your VLS-TS

Key facts for 2026

Official Sources

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