Student Residence Permit in France: Complete Procedure

The student residence permit allows foreign nationals to pursue their studies in a higher education institution in France. This status offers legal coverage for the duration of studies and grants part-time work rights.

This guide accompanies you through all steps to obtain, renew, and optimize your student residence permit.

🎓 What is a Student Residence Permit?

The residence permit mentioning "student" is issued to foreign students enrolled in a higher education institution in France.

Main Characteristics

Duration: generally 1 year, renewable
Right to work: up to 964 hours per year (60% of annual working time)
Validity: covers the duration of the academic year
Family: possibility to bring spouse and children under conditions

📋 Eligibility Conditions

To benefit from a student residence permit, you must meet several criteria:

1. Enrollment in a Recognized Institution

Public university
Grande école
State-recognized private school
Higher education institution awarding recognized diploma

2. Sufficient Financial Resources

You must prove that you have resources of at least:

€615 per month (indicative amount corresponding to basic student allowance)

Accepted proof:

Bank certificate
Scholarship certificate
Financial support certificate from third party
Parents' income proof

3. Health Coverage

Registration with student social security or
Private insurance covering medical costs in France

4. Housing

Proof of address (lease, accommodation certificate)

🖥️ Application Procedure via ANEF

Since 2019, student residence permit applications are made exclusively online via the ANEF platform.

Step 1: Create an ANEF Account

Go to:

https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr

Create your account with your personal information
Validate your email

Step 2: Initiate the Application

Select "I am a student"
Choose the reason: first application or renewal
Indicate your enrollment institution

Step 3: Fill Out the Form

Complete the following sections:

Civil status: last name, first name, date and place of birth, nationality
Current situation: current visa, previous residence permit
Studies: course followed, level of studies, year of enrollment
Resources: financial proof
Housing: address in France

Step 4: Upload Documents

Documents to attach in PDF or JPEG format (max 2 MB per file):

Valid passport (all pages)
Long-stay visa or current residence permit
School certificate for current year
Recent ID photos meeting standards
Proof of address less than 6 months old
Proof of resources (last 3 bank statements, scholarship certificate, financial support)
Social security certificate or health insurance
Birth certificate with certified translation if necessary

Step 5: Pay Stamp Duties

Amount: €75 (student rate)
Online payment by credit card

Step 6: Validate and Submit

Once all documents are uploaded and payment made, submit your application. You will receive an acknowledgment of receipt by email.

⏳ Processing Times and Application Tracking

Processing Times

2 to 4 months on average depending on prefecture
Faster for renewals

Online Tracking

Check the progress status of your file
Respond to requests for additional documents
Be informed of the decision

Application Receipt

During processing, you have a downloadable receipt that:

Certifies submission of your application
Authorizes you to remain legally in France
Allows you to work (if mentioned on receipt)

🔄 Student Residence Permit Renewal

Renewal must be requested 2 to 3 months before expiration of your current permit.

Specific Documents for Renewal

Academic results from past year (transcripts, success certificate)
New school certificate for upcoming year
Updated proof of resources
Recent proof of address

⚠️ Important: in case of repeated failures or lack of progress in studies, renewal may be denied.

💼 Work Rights with Student Residence Permit

The student residence permit authorizes part-time work:

Maximum 964 hours per year (approximately 20h per week)
Any type of employment (employee, paid internship, self-employed under conditions)
No additional work authorization required

During Vacations

Students can work full-time during university vacations.

🎯 Transition from Student to Employee Status

At the end of your studies, you can request a status change to stay and work in France.

Option 1: APS (Provisional Stay Authorization)

If you have at least a master's degree (bac+5), you can apply for a 12-month APS to search for employment or create a company.

Option 2: Direct Status Change

If you have a job offer, you can apply for an employee residence permit or Passeport Talent.

Conditions:

Permanent or fixed-term contract of at least 1 year
Market-compliant salary (at least 1.5 times SMIC for Passeport Talent)
Match between position and obtained diploma

❌ Refusal and Appeals

Common Refusal Reasons

Insufficient resources
Repeated failures without justification
Lack of progress in studies
Incomplete or non-compliant documents

Possible Appeals

Administrative appeal: ask prefecture to re-examine file
Contentious appeal: refer to administrative court within 2 months

🤝 VisaPref Assists You

Student residence permit application requires rigor and anticipation.

At VisaPref, we assist you to:

Compile a complete and compliant file
Optimize your renewal chances
Prepare your status change after studies

👉 Contact us for personalized assistance.

❓ FAQ – Student Residence Permit

1. Can I work full-time with a student residence permit?

No, you are limited to 964 hours per year, except during university vacations.

2. What to do if my permit expires before the decision?

The renewal application receipt authorizes you to remain in France legally.

3. Can I travel in Europe with my student residence permit?

Yes, you can circulate in the Schengen area for stays of less than 90 days.

4. Can my spouse join me in France?

Yes, via the family reunification procedure, but under strict resource conditions (often difficult for a student).

5. How much does the student residence permit cost?

€75 for first application and each renewal.