BETWEEN 3 AND 6 MONTHS

This procedure applies to students over 18 years of age residing in Western Canada (BC, Alberta, Yukon, NWT) who wish to study in France between 3 months and 6 months, whatever their nationality.

Important :
Canadian citizens travelling on a student exchange program must follow the guideline found in the Canada-France Youth Exchange Agreement.

Procedure

Visa requirements

For a stay up to 90 days, nationalities exempted from a short stay visa are also exempted from requesting a student visa if the total stay does not exceed 90 days.

However, if a student decides to stay one day longer or more after the end of the school period, he/she must apply for a temporary long stay visa (up to 6 months) BEFORE leaving for France. Visas are never issued once you are in France. They are only issued at the French Consulate nearest the applicant's place of residence in his/her country.

The visa is mandatory in order to have a legal status in France.

The Consulate General of France in Vancouver has jurisdiction to issue long stay visas only to residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon and the North West territories.

The only students exempt from requesting a visa are nationals:

• of the European Union member states

• of the European Economic Trade Area member states

• of Monaco, Switzerland, Andorra and San Marino.

They must however request a residence permit within the first 2 months following their arrival. Click here to view the EU students webpage.

Documents required

Your original passport which must be valid for at least 9 months after your intended date of arrival to France. Make sure it bears you have signed it.

2 or 3 long stay visa application forms depending on your nationality (click here to find out). They must be neatly and completely filled out in original writing. Use black or blue ink. Attach a post-it to one of them stating your intended departure date from Western Canada to France. The visa will be dated starting one day before this date.

This form exists only in French. Contact us by fax or e-mail if you wish to be sent a translation and guidelines to fill them out properly. See address at the bottom of this page.

2 recent original identity photos. Cut to the size indicated on the form and glued to each one of them.

1 recent color photo, format 35mm x 45mm, with a clear plain background. The height must be between 31.5mm and 36mm from chin to crown. The person’s head must be full front view centered in the middle of the photograph. Photos with hat, caps, sunglasses, etc. will not be accepted nor digitized photos. This photo will be scanned in the visa.

 

The original letter of acceptance from the school, university ("certificat de pré-inscription) or French language institution ("certificat d'inscription définitif") stating that you are registered to attend their courses .

- This letter must indicate the dates of duration of the course. If it is a private school or institution, proof of total or partial payment must be submitted.

- If you are going on a student exchange, include the original of the acceptance letter from your university in Canada in addition to the letter from the university in France.

Proof of financial resources such as:

• a letter from your bank stating that you have an amount in your account equivalent to a minimum of CAN $600 per month of stay in France (up to 6 months) in addition to the school's tuition fees.

• Or a letter from a guarantor (fill out bilingual form below) stating that you will be provided with a minimum of CAN $600 per month in addition to tuition fees. The guarantor may come in and sign it in front of the visa officer upon presentation of a signed picture ID (plus 2 photocopies) in addition to a letter from his/her bank stating that he/she currently possesses at least that amount multiplied by the number of months you are applying for (original plus photocopy). If your guarantor cannot come in person, he/she must sign this form in the presence of a Notary Public who will then stamp and sign it. Photocopy the form after it has been signed.
If the guarantor resides in France enclose proof of his/her financial resources as well as proof of his French nationality (photocopy of the "carte nationale d'identité") and of his status in France if this person is a foreigner living in France. (2 photocopies of each supportive document)

For students 28 years of age and over :

Excess emergency medical insurance valid for the total of your stay in France. This insurance covers the part not included in your provincial health plan while you are outside of Canada. Ask your travel agent. For the visa application, submit the original policy brochure (no photocopy needed) as well as the receipt (in original plus one photocopy) detailing what kind of insurance you bought and also the dates of coverage.

If you already have insurance for your stay in France, provide supporting documents (letters, policy, receipts, etc.) with your application.

For more information on medical insurance in France for Canadian citizens only, click here.

 

If your application is accepted, a visa for a maximum of 6 months will be issued.

It cannot be extended while in France. You must leave France before the expiry date of your visa.

You can apply for a new visa covering another academic year at the French consulate nearest your permanent place of residence.

This visa is valid for multiple entries. Therefore, you may travel in and out of France during the validity of your visa without having to apply for another one.

This visa does not allow you to enter other countries of the Schengen area. Before traveling outside France, you must check with the Embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit, whether you need a visa or not.

Fees

Click here for fees and instructions for payment.

Time process

Once you submit a complete application as requested, the French consulate might be able to issue a visa the same day. However, for some nationalities the process can take up to 2 months.

Contact us by e-mail stating your nationality and status in Canada (landed immigrant or other) to find out how long the process will take and how many forms you need to submit: visas@consulfrance-vancouver.org

Applications are accepted no longer than 3 months prior to departure to France.

Formalities upon arrival to France : immigration - customs

The immigration officer will ask you to show your passport and the visa and might ask you questions related to your stay in France. You will not be asked to show your return air ticket to Canada.

The website of the French Customs Attaché for Canada (Embassy of France in Washington D.C.) answers your questions on what the customs regulation allows you to import to France as a student.

Formalities once in France : residence permit ( "carte de séjour" )

You do not have to request a residence permit at a French Préfecture.
Your passport, the visa and the original documents that you submitted for the visa application are the proof of your legal status in France.

Frequently asked questions :

How can I get a list of French schools or universities ?

2 websites answer your questions:
- the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.diplomatie.fr
- the Edufrance Agency www.edufrance.fr or contact them by e-mail edufrance@intergate.ca

Is it really necessary for me to have a visa if I stay longer than 3 months ?

Yes. If you are exempted from the visa obligation for a period of 90 days, you become an illegal immigrant if you exceed this limit. When a university or language institution requests you to obtain a visa, it means that you need to have a French student visa issued in your passport prior to your departure from Canada.

Can I stay longer than the period I applied for ?

Your visa cannot be extended. Since you cannot be issued a residence permit, you cannot stay in France longer than the period the visa allows you.

Can the wife/husband and/or children of the student accompany him/her ?

Yes, they may apply for a separate visa at the same time as the student. Each family member must submit his/her own application with proof of financial resources ($1200.00 CAN per month per person) plus excess emergency medical insurance valid for the total stay in France. Also, marriage and birth registrations and certified translations of the same.

Can I work in France if a student visa has been issued to me ?

No. As you will not be issued a residence permit, you cannot apply for a temporary working permit ("autorisation provisoire de travail").
Your spouse is not allowed to work too.

Can I work after I finish my studies ?

If you find a potential employer, it is his responsibility to request authorization to hire you by submitting your file to the (DDTEFP - Direction Départementale du Travail de l'Emploi et de la Formation Professionnelle). There is one in each "département" in France. If approved, the Immigration office (OMI) will send it to the Consulate nearest your place of residence in Canada who will, in turn, contact you to issue a specific kind of long stay visa that will allow you to enter France to request a residence and a work permit.

Can I travel in Europe during my studies ?

Your visa does not allow you to travel outside France. You should enquire whether you need a visa or not at the Embassy or consulate of the countries you intend to visit.

Can I travel across Europe after my studies ?

To travel outside France, you should enquire whether you need a visa at the Embassy or consulate of the countries you intend to visit.

Should I keep the original documents with me at all times ?

You must keep your passport with you. Also, in case you are requested to show them to the French authorities, you are strongly advised to keep a photocopy of the passport and the documents you submitted for the visa in a safe place separate from the originals.

Can the French Consulate help me if I have problems while I am staying in France ?

The role of the French Consulate is limited to processing the visa application. If you wish to lodge a complain, you should contact directly French authorities as well as your country's Embassy or Consulate in France. However, you may inform us.