I M M I G R A T I O N
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About TSA

TSA FIIC is based in Paris (10th arrondissement). We support people from all over Asia with visas, residence permits, family reunification, French nationality and asylum, in their own language.

Paris head office
Address

10 Rue Saint-Vincent de Paul, 75010 Paris - France.

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 18:00

Future offices (in project)
Asia

India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Dubai

Europe

Russia

Contact Info

helloweb[at]tsafr.com

+33 9 70 70 04 64

10 Rue Saint-Vincent de Paul, 75010 Paris - France.

Student Visa

Student Visa

FRENCH STUDENT VISA (VLS-TS)

To study in France for more than 3 months, you need a student long-stay visa (VLS-TS). We help you prepare your file, from Campus France to your first residence permit, in your language.

Updated October 2026

To study in France for more than 3 months, you need a student long-stay visa, called VLS-TS (visa long séjour valant titre de séjour). It works as your residence permit for the first year. Here are the steps and the rules in force in 2026, explained simply.

In short

  • The student visa (VLS-TS) is valid from 4 months to 1 year.
  • In 72 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, Nepal and Vietnam, you start with the Études en France procedure of Campus France.
  • Since 1 August 2026, you must show at least €877.50 per month of resources.
  • After you arrive, you must validate your visa online within 3 months.

Planning to study in France? Take the free eligibility test

Before you apply: choose your studies

First, you need an admission or a pre-enrolment in a French school or university. Useful official tools:

  • Campus France: the official French agency to find a programme, including programmes taught in English
  • The "Bienvenue en France" label: it shows schools with good services for international students
  • Recognised diplomas: if you want to work in France after your studies, choose a diploma recognised by the State, for example registered in the RNCP

Be careful: some private schools promise a visa to sell their courses. Before you pay, check that the diploma is recognised by the State.

How to apply for the student visa

  • Études en France countries: in 72 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, Nepal and Vietnam, you apply for your studies through the Études en France platform of Campus France, then you finish your visa application on France-Visas.
  • Other countries: for example Sri Lanka or Bangladesh, you apply directly on France-Visas, the official visa website.
  • Appointment: you give your documents and your fingerprints at the French consulate, or its visa service provider.
  • Fees: €50 if your file went through Études en France, €99 otherwise. Campus France also charges a fee for its procedure.

The documents usually requested

  • A valid passport
  • Your admission or pre-enrolment letter from a French school or university
  • Proof of resources of at least €877.50 per month: bank statements, scholarship, or a sponsor's commitment
  • Proof of accommodation, at least for your first months in France
  • Your diplomas and transcripts
  • Your Études en France number, if your country uses this procedure

The exact list depends on your country. Always check it on France-Visas.

€877.50per month of resources required since 1 August 2026 (€615 before)
964 hoursof work allowed per year during your studies
3 monthsafter your arrival to validate your visa online

After you arrive in France

  • Within 3 months: validate your VLS-TS online on ANEF, the official website for foreigners in France, and pay the tax online. If you miss this deadline, you will have to apply for a new visa.
  • Health insurance: register for free with the French health insurance for students.
  • Work: you can work up to 964 hours a year, without a separate work authorisation.

Renewing your student residence permit

After your first year, you can apply for a multi-year student residence permit, valid for the remaining years of your studies. For example, after the first year of a 3-year bachelor's degree, you can get a 2-year card.

  • When: at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before your current permit ends
  • Conditions: real and serious studies (progress in your programme, attendance) and enough resources
  • How: online only. See our renewal of student visa service.

After your studies

If you obtained a master's degree or an equivalent diploma in France, you can apply for a 1-year residence permit called recherche d'emploi ou création d'entreprise (job search or business creation). It allows you to:

  • Look for a job or create a company linked to your studies
  • Change to an employee or Talent residence permit once you find a job linked to your studies, paid at least €2,800.53 gross per month in 2026

Apply within the 2 months before your student permit ends. See our APS service.

How TSA helps you

  • We check your project with you and the right route: Campus France or France-Visas
  • We help you prepare a complete file, including proof of resources and accommodation
  • We prepare you for the Campus France interview and the visa appointment, in your language
  • After your arrival, we help you validate your visa and renew your residence permit
  • In case of refusal, we help you prepare your appeal. Before the court, our partner lawyers take over.

HelloBonjourவணக்கம்नमस्तेආයුබෝවන්

Talk to us in your language

Our Paris team supports people from all over Asia, from the first visa to French nationality. We speak English, French, Tamil, Hindi, Sinhala and other Asian languages.

FreeTake the eligibility testAnswer a few questions about your situationTSA AcademyLearn French with our expertsA1A2B1B2From beginner to the levels required for residence permits and nationalityCall us+33 9 70 70 04 64WhatsAppSend us a messageContact formWe call you back

Paris office: 10 Rue Saint-Vincent de Paul, 75010 Paris · helloweb[at]tsafr.com

Official sources: Service-public.fr, foreign students in France, Campus France, validating your long-stay visa, France-Visas, visa fees and Service-public.fr, job search or business creation permit

Apply link:

Campus France: Études en France procedure

France-Visas: apply for your visa

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions & Answers

Can I work while studying in France?
Yes. With a student visa or a student residence permit, you can work up to 964 hours a year, which is about 60% of full-time work. You do not need a separate work authorisation, but your employer must declare you before you start.
Can I travel in Europe with my student visa?
Yes. You can travel in the other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and go back to your home country and return to France, as long as your visa or residence permit is valid.
What if my student visa application gets rejected?
You have 30 days to appeal to the visa refusal appeals commission (CRRV). If it rejects your appeal, or does not answer within 2 months, you can go to the Administrative Court of Nantes within 2 months. Depending on the reason for the refusal, a new application with a stronger file can be the better option. Contact us to check your case.
How much money do I need to show for a French student visa?
Since 1 August 2026, you must show at least €877.50 per month, which is €10,530 for a full year (it was €615 per month before). You can prove it with bank statements, a scholarship, or a sponsor's commitment.
Do I need to speak French to study in France?
Not always. Many programmes are taught in English, and you can find them on Campus France. For programmes taught in French, schools usually ask for a certified level, often B2. Learning French also helps in daily life and to find a job after your studies: our TSA Academy offers French classes from A1 to B2.
Can my spouse and children come with me to France?
There is no simplified procedure for the family of a student. Your spouse and children must apply for their own long-stay visa, often as visitors (a visitor cannot work), with enough resources and accommodation. Family reunification is usually difficult for students: it requires at least 18 months of legal stay and stable resources at least equal to the minimum wage. PhD researchers with a Talent Passport have an easier procedure for their family.
Can I get housing aid (CAF) as an international student?
Since 1 July 2026, students from outside the EU no longer receive the APL housing aid, unless they hold a French scholarship on social criteria or work alongside their studies, for example as apprentices. Plan your housing budget before you arrive.
Can I stay and work in France after my studies?
Yes, under conditions. With a master's degree or equivalent obtained in France, you can get a 1-year "job search or business creation" residence permit. Once you find a job linked to your studies, paid at least €2,800.53 gross per month in 2026, you can change to an employee or Talent residence permit. Without a master's degree, your employer usually has to apply for a work authorisation.
When should I start my application?
As early as possible. For studies starting in September, the Campus France procedure often starts the autumn or winter before, and visa appointments are very busy in summer. Apply for your visa as soon as you have your admission.
What are the risks of fake documents or fake studies?
The risks are serious. Using false documents (bank statements, diplomas, admission or attendance letters) is a crime in France: up to 3 years in prison and a €45,000 fine, and more for false official documents. If your studies are not real, the prefecture can refuse to renew your permit and order you to leave France (OQTF), with a ban on returning to the whole Schengen area for up to 5 years. Fraud can be discovered years later. Failing an exam or changing course is not fraud, but never pay an agent who promises a visa without real studies.