France Student Visa Checklist
16 essential steps to secure your France Student Visa. From Campus France process and Études en France portal to VLF-TLS appointment, OFII validation, and CVEC payment.
What Is the France Student Visa Checklist?
The France Student Visa (VLS-TS / Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour) allows international students to study in France for up to one year. The process begins with the Campus France Études en France portal, where you submit your application and attend an academic interview before applying for the visa.
You must demonstrate €615 per month in living expenses, pay the CVEC fee of €103, and purchase mandatory health insurance. The visa fee is €99, and processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. After arrival, you must validate your VLS-TS online within 3 months and register with OFII.
Use this comprehensive checklist to track every step from university selection through visa approval, travel, and your post-arrival OFII registration.
16-Step France Student Visa Checklist
Choose Your University and Program in France
Research French universities and Grandes Écoles that match your academic profile. Consider public universities (low tuition), business schools, and engineering schools. Use Campus France resources to find English-taught programs available for international students.
Submit Application via Campus France (Études en France)
Create an account on the Campus France Études en France portal. Complete the online application form, upload your academic documents, transcripts, statement of purpose, and language test scores. Pay the Campus France fee of approximately 17,000 INR.
Attend the Campus France Interview
Schedule and attend a mandatory academic interview at your local Campus France office. The interviewer will verify your academic documents, assess your study plan, and confirm the authenticity of your application. Bring all original documents.
Receive Your Admission Letter
Once accepted by a French university, you will receive a letter of admission (Lettre d'admission). This document is essential for your visa application. Some programs may require a pré-inscription certificate instead.
Pay the CVEC (Contribution de Vie Étudiante)
Pay the CVEC (Student Life Contribution) fee of €103 (approx. 9,000 INR) on the dedicated government portal cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr. This fee is mandatory for all students enrolling in French higher education institutions.
Open a French Bank Account or Proof of Funds
Prepare financial evidence showing you can support yourself during your stay. You need to demonstrate at least €615 per month (€7,380 per year). Acceptable proof includes bank statements, fixed deposits, education loan letters, or scholarship award letters.
Purchase Health Insurance (Visa EHVI Required)
International students under 28 must purchase mandatory health insurance through the Visa EHVI (European Health Insurance for Visas) program. Students over 28 need private international health insurance covering the entire study period.
Complete the Visa Application Form (VLF-TLS)
Fill out the long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) application form on the France-Visas website. Provide accurate personal information, details about your stay, and upload a digital passport photo meeting French visa photo specifications.
Gather Your Visa Documents
Compile all required documents including a valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your visa expiry), admission letter, CVEC receipt, financial proof, health insurance, accommodation proof, flight itinerary, and passport-sized photographs.
Pay the Visa Application Fee (€99)
The France long-stay student visa fee is approximately €99 (around 9,000 INR). Payment is made at the TLScontact or VFS Global centre during your appointment. A service charge of approximately €20–30 may also apply.
Book and Attend Your Visa Appointment at TLS/VFS
Schedule a visa appointment at the TLScontact or VFS Global centre in your jurisdiction. Arrive with all original documents and photocopies. Submit your biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) and submit your application package.
Track Your Application
After submission, track your visa application status online using the tracking number provided. Standard processing takes 2–4 weeks but can extend to 6–8 weeks during peak seasons (July–September).
Receive Your VLS-TS (Long-Stay Visa)
If approved, you will receive a VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour) sticker in your passport. This visa allows you to stay in France for up to one year and must be validated within 3 months of arrival.
Travel to France
Book your flights and travel to France. Carry all original documents including your passport with VLS-TS, admission letter, CVEC receipt, and accommodation proof. You can enter France up to 15 days before your program start date.
Validate Your VLS-TS and Register with OFII
Within 3 months of arrival, validate your VLS-TS online on the Administration Numérique des Étrangers en France portal. Pay the validation fee (€50–€60 depending on your age). Then register with OFII (French Office for Immigration) to complete your residence process.
France Student Visa — Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does a France student visa take to process?
Standard processing for a France long-stay student visa takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date of your appointment at the TLScontact or VFS Global centre. During peak application season (June–September), processing can take 6–8 weeks. It is recommended to apply at least 3 months before your intended departure date.
Q. Do I need to speak French to study in France?
Not necessarily. Many French universities offer English-taught programs at the bachelor's and master's levels, especially in business, engineering, and sciences. However, learning basic French (A1–A2 level) is highly recommended for daily life, and some universities may require a minimal French level even for English programs.
Q. What is the CVEC and why do I need to pay it?
The CVEC (Contribution de Vie Étudiante) is a mandatory student life contribution of €103 that all students must pay before enrolling in a French higher education institution. The fee funds student services including health services, social support, cultural activities, and campus facilities. The payment receipt is required for both university enrollment and visa application.
Q. How much financial proof do I need for a France student visa?
You must demonstrate at least €615 per month of living expenses, which amounts to approximately €7,380 for a full academic year (12 months). This can be proven through personal bank statements, fixed deposit certificates, education loan sanction letters, scholarship award letters, or a combination of these.
Q. Can I work while studying on a France student visa?
Yes, international students on a VLS-TS student visa can work up to 964 hours per year, which is approximately 60% of full-time employment (about 20 hours per week). You do not need a separate work permit. Income from part-time work is generally tax-free up to certain limits.
Related Resources
Explore related guides and tools for your study abroad journey.
Need Help With Your France Student Visa Checklist?
Get expert guidance from Dr. Shruti Mehtaa's team — drop your details and we'll connect on WhatsApp.
Thank You!
Redirecting you to WhatsApp to connect with our team...
Still have deep immigration questions?
Don't risk guessing your future. Speak with our experts instantly.
WhatsApp Now For Instant Advice