The International Student Welcome team has listed all the questions you might have concerning the VISA to come to Aix-Marseille Université:
- When should I apply for my visa?
- Which visa should I apply for?
- How much does a visa cost?
- Can the university accelerate my visa application?
- Where can I find the French consulate or embassy in my country of residence?
- I need to provide an address in France to apply for a visa but I haven't found a place to live yet.
- What to do if there is an error in the visa application form?
- What should I do if my visa is delayed?
- What should I do if my visa is denied?
- Do I have to validate my visa when I arrive in France?
- Why do I have to validate my visa?
- How do I pay for the tax stamp? How much is it?
- What do I do if I change my address?
- What to do in case of dual or triple nationality ?
- What should I do if my visa is lost or stolen?
- I didn't find the answer to my question? I use the international students' helpdesk!
When should I apply for my visa?
As soon as possible. The time required to obtain an appointment with the French consular services varies from one country to another and the processing of a visa application can take up to several months.
Do not hesitate to consult our web page on consular procedures to know how to apply for a visa.
Which visa should I apply for?
If you did not find the answer with our visa application page, we recommend you to use the simulator of the governmental website France-Visas! You will be able to verify that you need a visa, find the one you need, the list of supporting documents to provide and the steps to follow in the procedure.
How much does a visa cost?
The cost of a visa depends on your country of origin.
To find out, please consult the applicable fees section of the France-Visas Wizard country pages.
Can the university accelerate my visa application?
No, we do not have a dedicated contact in the French consulates or embassies in every country in the world.
However, we work with our partner Studely, who can help you to give more weight to your visa application.
Studely is an alternative to local banks (in the student's country of origin) for issuing irrevocable standing orders or AVI (Attestation de virement Irrévocable) (blocked bank account). You can attach this unique proof of resources to your visa application.
Where can I find the French consulate or embassy in my country of residence?
Consult the Ministry's website to find the addresses of French consulates and embassies abroad.
I need to provide an address in France to apply for a visa but I have not yet found a place to live.
You can use the address of a close friend or relative. You can also use a temporary address such as a hotel or Airbnb accommodation for example.
Do you have any other questions about housing? Check out the dedicated FAQ!
What to do if there is an error in the visa application form?
You must complete a new form without deleting the existing one.
What should I do if my visa is delayed?
Sometimes it takes a long time to get your visa. Contact your school to inform them quickly of your situation and ask them about the late arrival date.
What should I do if my visa is denied?
If your visa has been denied, you will not be able to come to France. You can then try to renew your application at the consulate or you can also appeal to the Commission of Appeal against the decisions to refuse a visa to enter France (CRRV). This appeal can be filed by you, your lawyer, or by any person who has an interest in challenging the visa refusal (for example, a family member).
However, if you hire a lawyer, he or she may charge you for the time spent, so be sure to clarify this with the lawyer beforehand.
Do I have to validate my visa upon arrival in France?
Yes, you must validate your visa within 3 months of your arrival in France if you hold one of the following visas:
- "STUDENT"; "STUDENT-MOBILITY" or "STUDENT-MOBIL." "STUDENT SEEKING EMPLOYMENT
- "TRAINEE"; "ICT TRAINEE" or "STAG. ICT TRAINEE"; "ICT FAMILY TRAINEE".
You do not have to validate your visa if you are a minor or if :
- you have a D visa with the mention "CARTE A SOLLICITER DANS LES DE DEUX MOIS" or "C.SEJ A SOLLIC" ;
- you have a short stay visa (type C)
Why do I have to validate my visa when I arrive in France?
It is mandatory by law. It is only once your visa has been validated that you will be completely legal on French territory. The validation of your visa also allows you to benefit from the social benefits to which you are entitled and to register with the French social security system in order to access health care.
How do I pay the tax stamp? How much is it?
The amount of the student visa tax stamp is 50 €. You can buy it online on the government website ("titre pour étrangers") or in a tobacconist's shop equipped to issue tax stamps. In this case, you will have to put the stamp number on the website.
For more information on the steps to follow, please visit the government website.
What to do in case of a change of address?
You must declare your new address within 3 months after your move and request a duplicate. You must do this online on the government website.
What to do in case of dual or triple nationality?
You must indicate the nationality indicated on your passport.
What to do in case of loss or theft ?
You must submit your request for a duplicate residence permit online on the government website.
If your passport is lost or stolen, you must first file a complaint and then contact the embassy or consulate of your country of origin to obtain a new passport.
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Didn't find your answer in our FAQ?
Contact the International Student Welcome Team via the Helpdesk!