Visa Services
France Visa Guide
Documents, TLScontact steps, and timelines for studying, visiting, or working in France
Application channel
Campus France + France-Visas online forms + biometrics at TLScontact
Processing time
15–30 calendar days for short-stay; 3–6 weeks for VLS-TS Étudiant
Biometrics
Mandatory fingerprints & photo for all applicants aged 12+
Visa fees
EUR 99 long-stay student | EUR 80 Schengen | EUR 269 Talent Passport (≈ 1,070 / 865 / 2,910 MAD)
Overview
France processes visas through the France-Visas portal and TLScontact centres. Most long-stay student visas begin with Campus France validation, while work and family visas require supporting approvals such as the Passeport Talent authorisation or OFII certificates.
All applicants submit forms online, book a TLScontact appointment, and present original documents for verification. Biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo) are captured during the appointment. Processing timelines vary with season, so plan at least 8–12 weeks before your intended travel date.
France Visa Types
VLS-TS Étudiant
Long-stay student visa (≥ 90 days) allowing study, part-time work (964 hours/year), and on-arrival validation with OFII.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Permits stays up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, short courses, or business. Single or multiple entry depending on travel history.
Passeport Talent / Work Visas
For highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, artists, and ICT staff. Valid 1–4 years with family reunification rights.
Family & Visitor Visas
Includes spouse and dependent visas, visitor long-stay visas (VLS-T), and family reunification once the sponsor meets income and housing criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
France evaluates visa applicants on travel purpose, financial stability, accommodation, and commitments to comply with French law. Tailor your evidence to the specific visa category while demonstrating ties to your home country and a clear plan for your stay.
general
- Valid passport issued within the last 10 years and expiring at least 3 months after planned departure from the Schengen Area.
- Completed France-Visas application form and signed visa declaration.
- Proof of accommodation (university housing, hotel reservation, invitation letter, or tenancy agreement).
- Evidence of sufficient funds covering at least EUR 120 per day for short-stay or EUR 615 per month for long-stay visas.
- Comprehensive travel/health insurance covering a minimum of EUR 30,000 for emergency medical care and repatriation.
student
- Campus France Etudes en France approval certificate (where applicable).
- Letter of Acceptance from a recognised institution detailing programme duration and tuition fees.
- Proof of tuition payment or ability to pay first-year fees plus EUR 820 per month (≈ 9,000 MAD).
- Academic transcripts, diplomas, and language certificates (French B2/English B2 as required).
work
- Valid employment contract or secondment letter referencing salary, role, and duration.
- Passeport Talent approval, work permit (Autorisation de travail), or DIRECCTE validation if required.
- Proof employer has registered the contract with the French authorities and arranged social security contributions.
visitor
- Detailed itinerary including entry and exit dates within the 90/180-day Schengen rule.
- Invitation letter (attestation d’accueil) formalised at the French town hall if visiting friends or relatives.
- Evidence of strong social or economic ties encouraging return to home country (employment letter, property deeds, school enrolment).
Required Documents Checklist
Core Documents
- Passport + photocopies of biodata and previous visas stamped with entry/exit records.
- France-Visas application form, proof of online submission, and appointment confirmation.
- Two recent biometric photos (35mm x 45mm) on a white background.
- Receipt for the visa fee and, if applicable, Campus France service fee.
Financial Evidence
- Personal bank statements (last three months) showing consistent balances.
- Sponsorship letters with proof of relationship and financial capacity (pay slips, tax returns).
- Scholarship award letters, guarantee of coverage, or proof of prepaid accommodation.
Purpose-Specific Attachments
- Students: LOA, academic transcripts, language certificates, internship agreements, and Campus France validation.
- Workers: Work permit/exemption, employment contract, corporate registry documents, CV, and qualifications.
- Visitors: Round-trip flights, hotel bookings, invitation letter (attestation d’accueil), or conference registration.
- Family applicants: Marriage/birth certificates, sponsor’s residence permit, proof of accommodation, and OFII approvals.
Additional Supporting Documents
- Travel insurance certificate with coverage in all Schengen states.
- Police clearance (if requested) issued within six months.
- Medical certificate or vaccination record for long-stay categories involving childcare, healthcare, or study.
- Translations by sworn translators (traducteur assermenté) for any documents not originally in French or English.
Application Steps
1. Prepare your dossier
Gather documents, certify translations, and download category-specific checklists from France-Visas and Campus France.
2. Submit online form
Create an account on France-Visas, complete the application, pay the visa fee (where applicable), and print the generated form and receipts.
3. Book TLScontact appointment
Upload scanned documents to the TLScontact portal, select a date in Casablanca, Rabat, or other local centre, and print the appointment confirmation.
4. Attend biometrics appointment
Present originals and copies, provide fingerprints and photo, and answer clarification questions from TLScontact staff.
5. Track application
Monitor progress via TLScontact dashboard and France-Visas. Respond quickly to additional document requests from the consulate.
6. Collect passport
Receive a notification to pick up your passport or arrange courier delivery. Verify visa details before leaving the centre.
Visa Fees & Service Charges
Visa fees are payable in EUR and converted into local currency at TLScontact’s exchange rate. Campus France charges an administrative fee for student files. Service fees and optional courier or SMS updates are paid separately.
| Visa category | Fee (EUR) | Approx. MAD |
|---|---|---|
| VLS-TS Étudiant | EUR 99 | ≈ 1,070 |
| Schengen short-stay | EUR 80 | ≈ 865 |
| Talent Passport / Passeport Talent | EUR 269 | ≈ 2,910 |
| Campus France service fee | EUR 50 | ≈ 540 |
| TLScontact service fee | EUR 30 | ≈ 325 |
Processing Times
Processing begins once biometrics and complete documentation are submitted. Allow extra time during July–September (student intake) and November–January (holiday travel).
Standard processing
Short-stay Schengen: 15 calendar days; VLS-TS Étudiant and Passeport Talent: 3–6 weeks after appointment.
Peak season
July–September and December–January can extend to 6–8 weeks.
Book appointments early and avoid incomplete applications to reduce delays.
Priority options
Priority processing is not offered for France visas. Apply at least two months before travel.
Tracking & Communication
TLScontact account
Check appointment status, document requests, and passport dispatch notifications.
France-Visas portal
Enter your application reference and date of birth to see whether the consulate has issued a decision.
Checklist
- Add TLScontact noreply email to your safe sender list to avoid missing updates.
- Respond within 48 hours to additional document requests to prevent file closure.
- Keep copies of all submissions and receipts for future renewals or appeals.
After Approval
Validate VLS-TS online
Complete OFII validation within three months of arrival, pay the tax stamp (timbre fiscal), and book a medical visit if instructed.
Register with Assurance Maladie
Apply for the French health insurance system and request a social security number (INSEE) to access care and internships.
Open a bank account
Provide proof of address, passport, and visa to access French banking services and housing assistance (CAF).
Apply for multi-year titre de séjour
For stays beyond the visa validity (1 year+), request a residence permit renewal at the local préfecture 2–4 months before expiry.
Common Issues & Solutions
Insufficient proof of funds
Provide updated bank statements, scholarship letters, and notarised support affidavits. Include a budget outlining tuition, living costs, and reserves.
Missing Campus France validation
Ensure Etudes en France status shows 'Visa instruction completed' before attending TLScontact. Print confirmation and include it in your file.
Expired supporting documents
Police certificates, bank statements, and attestation d’accueil must be less than three months old. Refresh documents before the appointment.
Late appointment availability
Check TLScontact frequently, use cancellation slots, and upload documents promptly to unlock earlier dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start my France visa application?
Begin preparing 3–4 months before departure. Campus France dossiers can take 2–4 weeks, and consular processing may require 6 weeks during peak periods.
Can I travel within Schengen on a French student visa?
Yes. The VLS-TS acts as a residency permit and Schengen visa, allowing travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Do I need medical insurance for the visa?
Short-stay applicants must show travel insurance covering EUR 30,000. Long-stay students provide proof of social security registration or private insurance covering the first months.
Can I work in France on a student visa?
VLS-TS Étudiant holders can work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week). Internships longer than two months require a paid internship agreement.
What if my visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter. Submit an informal appeal (recours gracieux) to the consulate within two months or file a formal appeal with the Commission de Recours contre les Décisions de Refus de Visa (CRRV).
How do dependants join me in France?
Spouses and children can apply for a family VLS-TS or Passeport Talent Famille once the main applicant holds an eligible residence permit and meets income and housing conditions.