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| FRANCE
: VISA INFORMATION |
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VISA PROCESS :
Applying for a Visa :
All prospective students intending to study in France
for more than six months and who are not nationals of
one of the countries of the European Economic Space, or
of Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland, San Martin, or the Vatican,
must obtain a long-stay student visa. Prospective students
apply for their visa at the French consulate in their
country of residence. The time required for visa processing
varies.
Visa Requirements :
The following documents are required to obtain a student
visa :
A valid passport
Certificate of registration from a French University/Grandes
Ecoles
Proof of having sufficient resources to cover expenses
for one year of stay.
Please check the exact amount to show from the French
Consulate.
Long – Stay Student VISA
A long-stay student visa is issued to international students
intending to pursue a program of postsecondary study lasting
six months or more. Within two months of their arrival
in France, holders of the visa must apply for a renewable
one year residency permit at the French government office
serving their place of residence in France. That permit,
and a valid passport, constitutes proof of legal presence
in France.
Other Types of VISA
Short – Stay Student VISA
A short-stay student visa allows the holder to study in
France for a period not exceeding three months. This type
of visa is not renewable. Holders of the short-stay student
visa are not required to obtain a residency permit.
Examination VISA
A visa marked “étudiant-concours” entitles
the holder to enter France for the purpose of sitting
for an examination or attending an interview in connection
with an application for admission to an institution of
higher education. Students who pass the examination (or
interview) and are offered admission are not required
to return to their home country before applying for a
renewable one-year residency permit.
Long – Stay Temporary Student VISA
This type of visa allows the holder to attend an institution
of higher education for a period of three to six months.
It is not renewable. No residency permit is required while
the student is enrolled. Holders of long-stay temporary
student visas may not remain in France for more than six
months.
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr
> Espace étudiants.
Note :
Under no circumstances may a tourist visa be converted
into a student visa—anywhere in the European
Union.
Students intending to complete two separate programs in
succession (for example, a language course
followed by an academic program) should
be admitted to both programs before applying for their
visa, so
that the visa will cover the entire
study period. French visas cannot be modified, adjusted,
or amended
within France.
Student visa information on this website is an outline
only and subject to change. For more detailed, accurate
and up-to-date information on student visas and visa requirements
please visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship
website.
Working in France :
French law permits international students to work.
Working While In School
French law permits international students to work under
certain conditions. If you hold a temporary student residency
permit you may accept employment without prior authorization
from the authorities and, as long as you remain enrolled
and in good academic standing, to work up to 60% time.
The minimum hourly wage, set by law, is €8.71.
After Graduation
Temporary Employment Authorization
International students who earn a French national diploma
at the master 2 level (two-year master’s degree
or equivalent) may apply for temporary and nonrenewable
employment authorization for the purpose of completing
a professional internship or working at a first job. The
authorization is valid for six months. Your application
must be filed four months before the expiration of your
student residency permit.
Students may apply for a “skills and talents”
residency permit at any time. Permits are issued to individuals
who propose to contribute in a significant and lasting
way to the economic development or international influence
of France and the economic development of their home country.
The permit is valid for three years and may be renewed
once. Permit holders may engage in any form of employment
consistent with the proposal for which the permit was
issued.
www.servicepublic.fr
> Etrangers en France > Séjour des étrangers
> Carte de séjour « compétences
et talents »
Students or graduates wishing to accept employment in
France must apply to have their status adjusted to a category
in which they are authorized to work full-time. Applicants
must present an employment contract or job offer from
a French firm. Their application will be adjudicated before
a residency permit is issued.
www.servicepublic.fr
> Etrangers en France > Travail des étrangers
> Demande d’autorisation de travail > Autorisation
de travail : changement de statut d’étudiant
à salarié.
Insurance :
Medical and renter’s insurance are mandatory.
Medical Insurance
All students under 28 years of age enrolled in a recognized
educational institution for a program of at least four
months’ duration are automatically enrolled in the
student social security plan, part of the national social
protection system. Students join the plan when they register
at their educational institution. The cost of membership
is approximately €190 annually. On average, social
security covers about 70% of the expenses related to an
illness. Students may join group health insurance plans
for additional coverage.
All other students, those whose programs are shorter than
four months, those enrolled in an unrecognized institution,
and those older than 28 years—are required to obtain
a personal health insurance policy from a private insurance
carrier. In France, the cost of an individual policy ranges
from €150 to €550 per year.
Multirisk Renter’s Insurance
All dwellings must be insured against risks such as theft,
fire, and water damage. Renter’s insurance can be
purchased from private companies. Multirisk renter’s
insurance includes liability coverage, meaning that the
policy holder is insured against claims from third parties
who may be injured on the premises.
Useful Contact Information :
Embassy of France in India
2/50-E Shantipath,
Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi - 110 021
Phone: 91 (11) 2419
6100
Fax: 91 (11) 2419 6169
Email:
webmaster@france-in-india.org
Website:
www.france-in-india.org
France Consulate, India (Chennai)
2 rue de la Marine Pondichéry,
Chennai,
India - 605001
Phone: +91-413-233-4174
Fax: +91-413-233-5594
Email:
cgfpondy@sify.net.in
France Consulate, India (Bombay)
Dattaprasad Bldg, 2nd flr,
10 Naoroji Gamadia Cross Rd.,
Bombay,
India - 400 026
Phone: +91-22-495-0918
/ +91-22-495-1870
Fax: +91-22-495-0312
Website:
www.consulfrance-bombay.org
Useful Websites :
http://www.eracareers.fr/he/index-en.html
http://www.campusfrance.org/
http://fr.franceguide.com
http://www.france-in-india.org
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