How do I renew my student visa in France?

Studely
December 4, 2025

The types of renewable residence permits

There are various types of renewable student residence permits in France, allowing foreign students to continue their studies in the country. Here are the main types of renewable residence permits for students in France:

1- The long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS)

If you hold this type of visa, you can renew your residence permit. To do this, all you have to do is apply for a multi-year residence card. It is a paid approach.

The validity period of your first multi-year residence card corresponds to the remaining time of the study cycle in which you are enrolled.

For example, if your VLS-TS visa expires at the end of your first year of license, your multi-year residence card will be valid until the end of the third year of your license. On the other hand, if you are enrolled in a Grande École, your multi-year residence card will be valid until you graduate.

2- The multi-year residence permit

Holder of a multi-year residence card, will it expire while you want to continue your studies? You can still request a renewal. Here too, this is a profitable approach.

Your new residence permit will be valid throughout your next cycle of studies.

3- Temporary Student Residence Card

After the first year in France, students can apply for a temporary student residence card, valid for one year. This card is renewable every year for the duration of your studies.## What are the conditions for renewing a visa?

What are the conditions for renewal?

The conditions for requesting a renewal of residence permit are the same as for a first request. You need:

  • Be registered with a French higher education institution
  • Benefit from minimum monthly resources of 615 euros/month (this amount is equivalent to the monthly stipend received by French scholarship students).

To renew your visa, you must also demonstrate that you are pursuing your studies in France in a serious manner. In particular, you must prove that you attend classes assiduously, that you are taking exams and your results. Repeating does not necessarily call into question the seriousness of studies.

In particular, prefectures must assess whether, after five years of presence in France, the student's progress allows him to obtain his license. Also, a student who has suffered three successive failures without being able to validate a single year will automatically be refused at the Renewing your visa.

What documents are required to renew a student visa?

All the procedures for renewing a student visa are carried out in France. So you don't need to go back to your country of origin. You can file your application with the prefecture where your establishment or accommodation depends.
Here are the documents that you must produce at the prefecture to start the procedures related to the renewal of your student visa:
Your passport

  • Your residence permit
  • Proof of enrollment for the coming year
  • A complete copy of a birth certificate or a birth certificate with filiation
  • The latest transcript
  • A proof of residence less than three months old (or a lease contract or
  • an electricity bill)
  • A proof of income to prove that you have the means to support
  • your needs and your studies for one year in France (at least 615 euros/month)
  • A proof of health insurance
  • 3 identity photos
  • Make sure that your file is complete as incomplete applications are automatically refused.

    You can also get support from your school. Indeed, some higher education institutions have a “reception desk”. It is a specific system intended to welcome, advise and support foreign students in their administrative procedures.

    The renewal cost is €75, payable in the form of tax stamps. If you are out of time, a tax of €180 also applies.

    When should you start the process?

    Your visa renewal application can be submitted two months before the expiry of your residence permit. However, it is strongly recommended to do this in advance. Indeed, administrative processing can take time. You must therefore start the procedures 3 months or even 4 months before it expires.

    Step 1: Preparing the documents

    Before starting the renewal process, make sure you have gathered all the required documentation. This may include your passport, current residence permit, certificate of enrollment at your higher education institution, transcripts, proof of financial resources, etc.

    2nd step: Online request

    Most procedures for renewing a student residence permit in France are done online. Go to the dedicated national platform, such as ANEF-Séjour (https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/), to create an account and complete your online application.

    3rd step: Waiting for the decision

    Once you have submitted your application and documents, you will have to wait for the prefecture to process your request. Deadlines may vary depending on the time of year and the prefecture.

    4th step: Withdrawing the new title

    If your application is approved, you will receive a summons to withdraw your new residence permit at the prefecture. Be sure to respect this invitation and bring the required documents for withdrawal.

    However, if you are waiting for the renewal of your title, the prefecture can provide you with a certificate extending the processing of the application (valid for up to 3 months, renewable via the online service). This allows you to temporarily justify the regularity of your stay in France.

    What recourse can be made in case of refusal to renew a student residence permit?

    If your application for the renewal of a student residence permit in France is refused, you can file an appeal to challenge the decision. The main recourse options available are as follows:

    1. Administrative remedy (Exempt remedy)


    : You can first file a free appeal with the prefecture that issued the refusal decision. In this appeal, you state the reasons why you think the refusal decision is unjustified. The prefecture will then review your file.

    2. Hierarchical recourse:


    If your ex gratia appeal is also rejected, you can take your case to the next level by filing a hierarchical appeal before the Minister of the Interior. This appeal can be initiated if you believe that the prefecture has not properly applied the law in your case.

    3. Litigation remedies:


    If administrative remedies fail to resolve the situation, you can file a contentious appeal before the competent administrative court. This involves challenging the refusal decision in a specialized court. You will need the assistance of a lawyer to initiate this type of recourse.

    When you receive a refusal decision, you should also receive information about the remedies available and the deadlines that need to be met.

    Before filing an appeal, it is recommended to consult a lawyer specializing in immigration law or to seek advice from organizations that help foreign students in France. Legal procedures can be complex, and it is important to ensure that you are following the appropriate steps to maximize your chances of success in your appeal.

    However, if your renewal request is rejected, be hopeful. Recourse is possible to explain your situation. With patience and perseverance, you will manage to regularize your status in order to continue your study project in France.

    Facilitate your studies in France thanks to Studely?

    Studely is the best ally of foreign students in France. Indeed, we have all the services to facilitate your stay in France:
    A subscription to a payment account. Having a means of payment is essential for any student to ensure your daily expenses, for the payment of your rent, etc.

  • The creation of a Account blocked. We have seen that for your procedures for renewing your residence visa, you must be able to demonstrate that you have at least 615 euros/month of income.

  • The Studely blocked account can be used for this purpose. This account in fact makes it possible to benefit from a reliable proof of resources that can be produced at the prefectures.
    This can be obtained in 48 hours and can also be used to search for student accommodation, for example.

  • Support for the search for a student housing. Are you no longer satisfied with your current home? So you are looking for new student housing? Studely can also assist you in this regard.

  • Thanks to its partner student residences, Studely helps you find your accommodation based on your own criteria. This service also allows you to benefit from a free rental guarantee.

  • Insurance formulas adapted to your needs. Take out health insurance, home insurance or travel insurance with Studely's insurance service.
  • In conclusion, the student visa renewal is an essential step in order to be able to continue and complete your studies with complete peace of mind. All you have to do is respect the 3-month deadline before the expiry of your current visa to avoid any disappointments. By subscribing to the Studely blocked account, you will be able to obtain proof of resources. You can thus facilitate your procedures for Visa renewal.

    Studely
    December 4, 2025
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