La Commission du titre de séjour (CTS)

Updated October 2026

The Commission du titre de séjour (CTS) is a local commission that gives its opinion before the prefecture refuses some residence permits. If you receive a convocation, it is an important step: here is how it works and how to prepare.

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What is the CTS?

Each département has a Commission du titre de séjour. It is made up of local elected officials and qualified people. The commission does not decide: it gives an opinion to the prefect, who then takes the final decision.

When must the prefect consult it?

The main cases are:

• Before refusing to issue or renew a temporary residence permit to someone who really meets the conditions for it, for example a vie privée et familiale card
• Before refusing a 10-year resident card (carte de résident) to someone who meets the conditions
• Before refusing an exceptional admission (admission exceptionnelle au séjour) to someone who proves more than 10 years of habitual residence in France

If the prefect should have consulted the commission and did not, the refusal can be cancelled by the administrative court.

Your rights during the procedure

• You can be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice
• You can be heard with the help of an interpreter
• You can ask for legal aid (aide juridictionnelle) to pay for a lawyer
• While the procedure is ongoing, the prefecture gives you a document that allows you to stay in France. If your previous card allowed you to work, you can keep working
• The commission's opinion is sent to the prefect and to you

How to prepare the hearing

The commission wants to understand your situation and your life in France. Prepare clear proof of:

• Your years in France: lease, bills, tax notices, medical or school documents
• Your integration: French level, work, training, volunteering
• Your family and personal ties: spouse, children at school, family in France
• Letters of support from people who know you: employer, association, neighbours

Bring the originals and copies, arrive early, and answer simply and honestly.

After the hearing

The prefect is not obliged to follow the commission's opinion. If the opinion is favourable, the prefect may still refuse, but a favourable opinion is a strong argument if you later challenge the refusal before the administrative court. If the refusal comes with an OQTF, the deadline to appeal is very short and written on the decision.

Personal support from TSA

TSA accompanies people before the Commission du titre de séjour. If you need personal support, we stay with you at every step:

• We review your convocation and your file with you
• We help you gather and organise your proof
• We prepare the hearing with you, in your language
• We can accompany you on the day of the hearing
• When needed, one of our partner lawyers assists you

Legal source: CESEDA, Commission du titre de séjour, on Légifrance