Guide to Applying for the French Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)

If you are planning to study a Bachelor, Master, or PhD program at a French university, business school, or engineering school for more than 90 days, you must apply for a Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour). This visa serves as both an entry permit and a residence permit for your first year in France.

In this guide, we break down the two-step application process involving Campus France and VFS Global.

Step 1: Complete the Campus France Interview

For students from countries under the "Etudes en France" procedure (including India, USA, China, Vietnam, etc.), you must register with Campus France before applying for a visa.

  1. Create a profile on the Etudes en France portal and submit your academic documents.
  2. Pay the Campus France processing fee.
  3. Attend a personal interview with a Campus France advisor, where you will discuss your study plans and academic background.
  4. Once cleared, Campus France will issue an Attestation (interview certificate).

Step 2: Create a France-Visas Account

Register on the official government website France-Visas (france-visas.gouv.fr).

  • Complete the online visa application form.
  • The portal will generate a customized document checklist and a visa application PDF.

Step 3: Book Your VFS Global Appointment

Schedule an appointment at a local VFS Global visa application center.

  • You must pay the visa fee (currently €50 plus VFS service fees).
  • Bring your physical passport, France-Visas application form, Campus France Attestation, university acceptance letter, and financial proofs.

Step 4: Organize Your Financial Proof

France requires international students to demonstrate a minimum monthly support of €615 (totaling €7,380 for the first 12 months).

  • You can prove this using personal bank statements, an educational loan, or a sponsorship letter from a French citizen/guarantor.

Calculate your study budget and check currency rates on Studplex Services.

Step 5: Validate Your VLS-TS Upon Arrival

Within 3 months of arriving in France, you must validate your VLS-TS visa online on the official ANEF portal.

  • You must pay a mandatory validation tax of €50 online.
  • Once validated, you will receive a digital confirmation certificate (Attestation de confirmation de validation du VLS-TS), which makes your stay legally secure.

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