Validating a long-stay visa valid as a residence permit for PhD students & researchers

You have arrived in France with a Long-Stay Visa valid as a Residence Permit (VLS-TS). Within the 3 months following your arrival, you must validate your visa in order to convert it into a residence permit and benefit from the corresponding rights.

Validation of your VLS-TS is carried out on the ANEF platform. This quick and easy procedure guarantees you a legal stay in France and help you carry out your settlement project.

ValidATING YOUR

RESIDENCE PERMIT

If you need help with this procedure, make an appointment with your EURAXESS Center

Steps in validating your VLS-TS

  1. Access the https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr website.
  2. Enter the information about your visa: number, validity dates, delivery date and purpose of stay.
  3. Provide the complementary information: family situation, phone number and email address.
  4. State your date of arrival in France and your address in the country.
  5. Pay the visitor’s tax: €50 if you have “Student” status, or €200 if you have “Researcher Talent Passport” or “Family Talent Passport” status. You have 2 options in this regard:
    • Purchase an electronic stamp online.
    • Purchase a fiscal stamp at a tobacconist’s.
  6. Download the confirmation of validation of your VLS-TS. You can also recover it later by logging on to your personal space or by downloading the confirmation email.

If you don’t validate your visa within 3 months, you will no longer be a legal resident in France and won’t be able to cross Schengen Area borders again.

I validate my VLS-TS

The validated VLS-TS replaces the residence permit for your first stay in France. Be sure to keep the “Confirmation of Validation” of your VLS-TS in your passport with your visa, and to always have these documents with you when you travel and while carrying out administrative procedures.

YOU NEEDN’T validATE YOUR VISA IF YOU HAVE A visa

  • type D – long stay – with the mention “Carte à solliciter dans les 2 mois” or “C. SEJ. A SOLLIC.”
  • type D – long stay – with the mention “Temporary long stay visa” (VLS-T)

And after the visa?

If you’re continuing your studies or research after your VLS-TS expires:

  • Between 4 and 2 months before your visa expires, you must submit a request for a residence permit (also called “Residence Card” or “Certificate of Residence” for Algerians).

For further information, please consult the following links:

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