Updated October 2026

An OQTF (obligation de quitter le territoire français) is a decision of the prefect ordering a foreign person to leave France. The deadlines to challenge it are very short: sometimes only 48 hours. Here are all the types of OQTF, the deadlines in force in 2026, and what to do the day you receive it.

You received an OQTF or an IRTF? Take a photo of your decision and send it to us the same day. Our partner lawyers can file the appeal before the administrative court. You are not alone: we guide you at every step. Send it on WhatsApp

When the prefect can issue an OQTF

• You entered France irregularly and you have no residence permit
• You stayed after the end of your visa
• Your residence permit was refused, withdrawn or not renewed
• Your asylum application was finally rejected
• You are a threat to public order, or you worked without authorisation during a short stay

An OQTF cannot be issued against a minor. And you cannot be sent to a country where your life or freedom is at risk, or where you risk torture or inhuman treatment.

The 2 types of OQTF

• OQTF with a 30-day period: you have 30 days from the notification to leave France by yourself.
• OQTF without delay: you must leave immediately. It is used in particular in case of threat to public order, fraud, a manifestly unfounded application or a risk of absconding.
• After an asylum rejection: since the European Pact of 12 June 2026, the OQTF usually comes with the OFPRA rejection. See our asylum service.

The deadlines to challenge an OQTF

• General case: 1 month from the notification. The administrative court decides within 6 months.
• You are under house arrest (assignation à résidence): 7 days. A single judge decides within 15 days.
• You are in a detention centre (CRA): only 48 hours. A single judge decides within 96 hours.
• After an asylum rejection in an accelerated or border procedure: 7 days.

Your appeal to the administrative court suspends the OQTF: you cannot be removed before the decision. An appeal to the court of appeal, later, does not suspend it. A lawyer is not mandatory, and legal aid can cover the fees.

The ban on returning (IRTF)

• OQTF without delay: the ban on returning is automatic, for up to 5 years, or 10 years in case of serious threat to public order.
• OQTF with a 30-day period: the prefect can add a ban of up to 5 years, in particular if you do not leave in time.
• The whole Schengen area: the ban is recorded in the Schengen Information System. It blocks visas for all Schengen countries.
• Lifting the ban: if you left within the deadline and proved it within 2 months, the ban can be lifted. You can also ask the prefect from abroad. Read our full guide on the IRTF ban on returning.

What to do the day you receive an OQTF

• Note the date and time of the notification, and keep the envelope and all the documents
• Check which deadline applies to you: 1 month, 7 days or 48 hours
• Gather your proof of presence in France, your work, your family ties and your health situation
• Contact us immediately: we help you understand the decision, and our partner lawyers prepare the appeal
• If you choose to leave, you can ask the OFII for voluntary return assistance

How TSA helps you

• We read your decision with you, in your language, and identify your deadline
• We gather the documents that support your situation
• Our partner lawyers file the appeal before the administrative court
• After the decision, we look with you at the possible next steps, including a new residence permit application