French Student Visa (VLS-TS) Application and ANEF Validation
VLS-TS: long-stay student visa for non-EU students — €99, validate on ANEF within 3 months
The VLS-TS Etudiant (Visa Long Sejour valant Titre de Sejour — Long-Stay Visa equivalent to a Residence Permit) is the standard visa for non-EU international students studying in France for more than 3 months. Once validated on ANEF, it allows you to:
- Study in France at your enrolled institution
- Work up to 964 hours/year (except Algerian students: 480 hours/year)
- Access French health insurance (CPAM/Ameli)
- Apply for housing aid (APL/ALS from the CAF)
- Renew annually via ANEF
Countries requiring Campus France (EEF)
Students from over 40 countries must complete the Etudes en France (EEF) process before applying for a visa, including: Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, China, Vietnam, Colombia, Brazil, India, Lebanon, South Korea.
Check on campusfrance.org whether your country requires EEF.
Visa application checklist
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | At least 6 months beyond intended stay |
| Visa application form | Completed on france-visas.gouv.fr |
| Admission letter | From French institution |
| Campus France attestation | Required for EEF countries |
| Proof of financial resources | €615/month — bank statements or scholarship letter |
| Proof of accommodation | Lease, CROUS reservation, or host letter |
| Passport photos | 35x45mm, white background |
| Travel insurance | For first 3 months |
| Visa fee payment | €99 |
ANEF validation — mandatory within 3 months of arrival
- Go to https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr
- Create an account
- Select 'Valider mon VLS-TS'
- Enter your visa number (on the visa sticker in your passport)
- Upload a recent passport photo
- Submit — validation is immediate
- Download your validation certificate