Asylum Application in France: Procedure and Refugee Protection

The asylum application is a procedure allowing a person persecuted or in danger in their country of origin to obtain international protection in France. It can lead to obtaining refugee status or subsidiary protection.

This guide details the procedure, rights, and possible appeals.

🛡️ What is Asylum?

Asylum is protection granted by France to persons fleeing persecution in their country of origin.

Two Forms of Protection

Refugee status: granted to persons persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group, or political opinions (1951 Geneva Convention)
Subsidiary protection: granted to persons exposed to serious threats (death penalty, torture, generalized violence in armed conflict situations)

✅ Who Can Apply for Asylum in France?

Any person on French territory and fearing persecution or serious threats in their country of origin can apply for asylum, regardless of their administrative situation.

Recognized Grounds for Asylum

Political persecution: regime opponents, human rights activists
Religious persecution: discrimination or violence because of religion
Persecution related to sexual orientation or gender identity
Membership in a persecuted social group: ethnic minorities, members of certain castes
Serious threats: risk of torture, death, violence due to armed conflict

📋 Asylum Application Procedure

Step 1: Expression of Intent to Apply for Asylum

Upon your arrival in France, you must express your intention to apply for asylum to:

A GUDA (Single Counter for Asylum Seekers) managed by OFII
The prefecture of your place of residence
Or at the border if you arrive at a crossing point

You will receive an asylum application certificate and will be directed to a GUDA.

Step 2: Application Registration at GUDA

At GUDA, you must:

Present an identity document (if you have one)
Provide ID photos
Provide a domiciliation address (emergency housing, association, personal address)
Provide your fingerprints (Eurodac file to verify if you have already applied for asylum in another European country)

You will receive:

An asylum application certificate valid for 1 month (renewable)
An appointment at OFPRA (French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons)

Step 3: File Compilation

You must write a detailed account of your story and the reasons for your asylum application.

Elements to include:

Your identity and background
Persecution or threats suffered in your country of origin
Reasons why you cannot return to your country
Any proof or supporting document (press articles, medical certificates, photos, testimonies, etc.)

⚠️ Important: this account must be clear, coherent, and sincere. Inconsistencies can lead to rejection of the application.

Step 4: Sending the File to OFPRA

You must send your complete file to OFPRA within 21 days after registering your application.

Documents to attach:

Completed OFPRA form
Detailed account of your application (in French, or translated)
Identity documents (passport, ID card, birth certificate)
All supporting documents (proof of persecution, threats, articles, medical certificates, etc.)

Step 5: Review by OFPRA

OFPRA examines your file and may summon you to a personal interview.

Interview:

You will be questioned about your background and reasons for your application
The interview is conducted in French or with an interpreter in your language
You can be accompanied by a lawyer or representative of an association
The protection officer evaluates the credibility of your account

Step 6: OFPRA Decision

OFPRA makes a decision:

Grant of refugee status: you obtain a 10-year resident card, right to work, access to social rights
Grant of subsidiary protection: 4-year residence permit, right to work, social rights
Rejection: possibility of appeal before the CNDA (National Court of Asylum Law)

⏳ Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on file complexity:

Normal procedure: 6 to 12 months
Accelerated procedure (safe country of origin, manifestly unfounded application): 3 to 6 months

Throughout the procedure, you benefit from an asylum application certificate authorizing you to remain in France.

🏠 Rights During the Asylum Application Procedure

Housing

Asylum seekers can be housed in:

A CADA (Reception Center for Asylum Seekers)
Emergency housing
Personal accommodation

⚠️ Places in CADA are limited. Many applicants are housed in emergency structures or must find accommodation themselves.

Asylum Seeker Allowance (ADA)

If you do not have sufficient resources, you can benefit from the ADA:

Amount: approximately €6.80 per day for a single person (increased according to family composition)
Paid by OFII
Subject to accepting proposed accommodation or justifying domiciliation

Right to Work

During the first 6 months: you cannot work
After 6 months: if OFPRA has not made a decision, you can request a provisional work authorization

Access to Healthcare

Asylum seekers have the right to PUMa (Universal Health Protection), covering medical care.

Children's Schooling

Children of asylum seekers have the obligation to be enrolled in school like any child residing in France.

❌ OFPRA Refusal and Appeal Before CNDA

Appeal Before CNDA

If your application is rejected by OFPRA, you can appeal before the National Court of Asylum Law (CNDA) within 1 month (or 15 days in accelerated procedure).

Procedure:

Filing the appeal by registered mail
New hearing before a judge
Possibility of lawyer assistance (legal aid possible)

Processing times: 6 to 12 months for a CNDA decision.

CNDA Decision

Annulment of OFPRA rejection: you obtain refugee status or subsidiary protection
Confirmation of rejection: obligation to leave French territory (OQTF)

🇫🇷 After Obtaining Refugee Status or Subsidiary Protection

Refugee Status

10-year resident card (renewable)
Right to work without restriction
Facilitated family reunification (without resource conditions)
Access to social rights (CAF, social security, etc.)
Possibility to request a refugee travel document (replacing passport)

Subsidiary Protection

4-year residence permit (renewable)
Right to work
Family reunification possible (under conditions)
Access to social rights

After several years of residence, you can apply for naturalization to become a French citizen.

🤝 VisaPref Assists You

The asylum application is a complex and delicate procedure. A poorly written account or inconsistencies can lead to rejection.

At VisaPref, we assist you to:

Write a clear and convincing account
Compile a complete file with all necessary proof
Prepare you for the OFPRA interview
File an appeal before CNDA in case of refusal

👉 Contact us for personalized assistance.

❓ FAQ – Asylum Application in France

1. Can I apply for asylum if I entered France illegally?

Yes, the right to asylum is independent of your mode of entry to France. Any person on the territory can apply for asylum.

2. Can I travel during my asylum application procedure?

No, leaving France during the procedure can be considered as abandonment of the application.

3. How long does it take to receive a response from OFPRA?

On average 6 to 12 months, but this can vary depending on file complexity.

4. What happens if my application is rejected?

You can appeal before CNDA. In case of final rejection, you receive an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF).

5. Can my family members join me if I obtain refugee status?

Yes, family reunification is facilitated for refugees, without resource conditions, for spouse and minor children.