French Student Visa (VLS-TS)
Indian students require a VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour — Long-Stay Visa equivalent to a Residence Permit) to study in France for courses longer than 3 months. This visa acts as both your entry visa and your initial residence permit, valid for the first year of your studies. The Campus France clearance is a mandatory prerequisite for the French student visa application for Indian students. Prosper Overseas provides complete French student visa documentation support.
VLS-TS — France's Long-Stay Student Visa
The VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour) is France's long-stay visa for study purposes, valid for 1 year and functioning as both your entry visa and your first residence permit in France. Unlike most other European countries' student visas, the VLS-TS does NOT require you to apply for a separate residence permit (titre de séjour) at a French prefecture during your first year — instead, you validate the VLS-TS online with OFII within 3 months of arrival, which activates your right to reside in France. In your second year of study, you must apply for a Carte de Séjour (residence permit) at your local prefecture. Prosper Overseas guides students through both the initial VLS-TS application and subsequent Carte de Séjour renewal.
Campus France Clearance — Mandatory for Indian Students
Campus France registration and clearance is a mandatory prerequisite for the French student visa application for Indian students. You must complete Campus France registration, attend the Campus France interview, and receive your Campus France dossier number before you can submit your student visa application. The Campus France dossier number is entered on the visa application form and verified by the French consulate during visa processing. Prosper Overseas provides complete Campus France registration and interview support as part of our standard France service.
VFS France Visa Application — Documents Required
Documents required for the French VLS-TS student visa: valid passport (minimum 6 months' validity beyond intended stay), completed and signed French national visa application form (available at vfs-france.co.in), 2 recent biometric passport photos, university admission letter (lettre d'admission) from your French university or Grande École, Campus France clearance and dossier number, proof of financial resources (EUR 615/month — approximately EUR 7,380/year — demonstrated through bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship letters), proof of accommodation in France (CROUS dormitory confirmation or private housing contract), health insurance valid in France for the entire stay, academic transcripts and certificates (Class X, XII, bachelor's degree), English or French test result, and visa fee payment receipt. The French student visa fee is EUR 99.
OFII Validation — Mandatory Within 3 Months of Arrival
Within 3 months of arriving in France, ALL holders of a VLS-TS student visa must validate their visa online at administration.ofii.fr — the portal of OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration). Validation involves: visiting the OFII website; entering your passport and VLS-TS details; uploading a recent photo; paying the OFII validation fee (EUR 50 timbre fiscal — French revenue stamp, purchased at a tabac or online); attending an OFII medical examination if required. Once validated, your VLS-TS is legally active as your residence permit for the validity period. Failing to validate within 3 months is a serious immigration violation. Prosper Overseas provides step-by-step OFII validation guidance as part of our standard France arrival support.
Carte de Séjour — Residence Permit Renewal
After completing your first year of study in France (and if your studies continue beyond the initial VLS-TS validity), you must apply for a Carte de Séjour (residence permit) at your local Prefecture or Sous-Préfecture before your VLS-TS expires. The Carte de Séjour is issued for 1 year and renewable annually on the basis of satisfactory academic progress. Required documents include passport, VLS-TS with OFII validation stamp, university enrolment certificate, proof of accommodation, proof of financial resources, and recent photos. Prosper Overseas advises students on Carte de Séjour application timing and documentation.
APS Post-Study Work Permit
After completing your degree in France, you can apply for a 1-year APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) — post-study work permit — allowing you to live and work in France for 1 year while seeking employment. The APS is automatically available to graduates of French master's and doctoral programmes who have been legally resident in France for at least 6 months. Once you secure a job offer, you convert to a Talent Passport (Passeport Talent — Salarié Qualifié) for long-term French residence, or an EU Blue Card if the role meets salary thresholds. After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for French citizenship.