France Visa Requirements
1. When you can apply
You can apply for a study visa if you are planning to come to France to undertake a course of study for more than 3 months. You can apply for study visa upto 3 months before your date of travel to France.
No one likes a slow & old process, not even you, especially when it comes to your Visa Process. That’s why the New VFS process comes into the picture, which helps in getting a student visa very quickly and relieves you from the traditional process where you need tons of documents.
So, let’s quickly jump to some important checklist to ensure before applying for the France VFS.
2. How to Apply for a Student Visa for France- India
Note: The visa checklist documents should be same for all nationalities. Visit VFS website of the country you reside in to get additional information.
| VFS | France Student Visa Documents checklist |
| Checklist | |
| Passport/Travel Document with at least 2 blank pages (face to face) and having a validity of at least 3 months after intended stay + Old passport | |
| Passport photocopy (first and last page) | |
| Long stay visa application form correctly filled, dated, and signed 2 passport-size photographs not older than 3 months. One must be attached to the application form. Please visit http://www.vfs-france.co.in/photospec.html for the photo specifications. | |
| OFII attestation duly filled and signed (for more than 6 months studies) | |
| Admission letter from the school mentioning the duration and the payable fees | |
| Receipt of payment (50% at least or full amount of the tuition fees) | |
| For French Government scholarship holder: attestation certifying the amount and duration of the scholarship | |
| Covering letter mentioning the purpose of the trip, duration, sponsors, motivation… | |
| Curriculum Vitae | |
| Original + Copy of latest degree / diploma | |
| Expenses Statement + Proof of financial means: updated bank statement(s) with sufficient funds, loan. At least 615€/month (around 45 000 INR) is required or 300€/month in case of free accommodation. | |
| For each sponsor: Covering letter (mentioning social situation and financial elements) ID proof Last 3 months Bank statement Last 3 years ITR Last 3 months payslips or proof of professional situation | |
| Accommodation proof for at least the first 3 months | |
| If accommodation is provided without any charge by an individual : Undertaking by the person to accommodate the applicant without any charge (affidavit and proof of address) Copy of ID card Copy of the property deed or lease agreement Last income tax paper or copy of the family book (livret de famille) | |
| Campus France letter with registration number (for long-stay visa) | |
| Travel insurance for the first three months | |
| Air ticket booking | |
| Copy of US, UK, and Schengen Visas issued for the past 5 years (including immigration seals) | |
| Additional documents could be requested by the Consulate | |