Visas

Before your arrival in France

You must apply for a student visa at the French embassy in your country and follow the procedure indicated, which can vary from one country to another.

 After your arrival in France

Complete the relevant sections of the application for a certification form of the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) which was issued to you with your VLS (long-stay visa).

Sent this form by registered letter with recorded delivery (document provided by La Poste),with a photocopy of your identity card, your visa and and the border post stampon your passport to:86 avenue du 8 mai1945 – 86000 POITIERS

The OFII will invite you for a medical examination and/or welcome and/or the approval of your VLS-TS (Long-stay visa).

Renewing your Long-Stay Visa

If you need to renew your visa or residence permit (for example for enrolment or an oral exam to defend your Internship), it is possible to apply for a VLS exit from the University’s International Relations Office. You will need the following documents:

• 1 Certificate of attendance for the current academic year
• 2 standard ID Photos (grey or clear background )
• A photocopy of social welfare certificate ( Carte Vitale not accepted)
• A copy of your proof of residence ( a rental contract or a certificate of accommodation with a photocopy of the identity card of the owner of your accommodation, and a proof of address like autilitiesinvoice, for example)
• A photocopy of a valid proof of resourcesto live in France, such as a bank statement or proof of scholarship, or the person who is financing your stay(at least 615€per month)
• Passport: copy of the identity page, visa and OFII sticker
• Self-addressed stamped envelope (write in capitalletters).

Renew a residence permit

One month before the expiration of your visa or residence permit, the following documents mustbe broughtto the International Office:

• Copy of your passport (identity page + validity of your passport+ Visa and OFII sticker)
• Copy of the previous temporary residence permit or long-stay visa valid as a residence permit
• Original or Photocopy of your enrolment certificate for the new academic year at La Rochelle University
• Photocopy of social welfare certificate ( Carte Vitale not accepted)
• Proof of residence less than 3 months old: utilities invoice, receipt for the rent, council tax receipt, OR a copy of the rental agreement OR an accommodation certificate (providing proof of residence with a declaration on the honor of the person you are renting from with a copy of his ID and proof of address – for example: utilities bills)
• 3 passport photos with a clear background
• 2 stamped envelopes with name, surname and address
• Any proof of sufficient income equivalent to an average of € 615 per month (bank statements for the last three months, certificate of scholarship or from the person who is financing your studies)
• Copy of your academic transcript for the previous academic year
• “Parcours Universitaire en France” form completed

Important: Each year international students with a multi-year residence permit must send to the administrative authority which issued the permit, by registered post with recorded delivery, proof that the examinations have been passed or of admission to the next year, accompanied by a letter on which the student should remember to give his full name and address together with his ID number, telephone number and / or electronic contact. This must be done before September 15th.

 Firstrequest fora Residence Permit

A first application for a residence permit is necessary if you are Algerian and coming to France or if you hold a “immigrant youth” visa, “temporary exemption”, “competitive exam visa” and wish to extend your stay. The following documents must be submitted to the University’s International RelationsOffice:

• Photocopy of your passport (identity page + validity of your passport+ Visa and OFII sticker)
• Original or Photocopy of your enrolment certificate at La Rochelle University
• Photocopy of social welfare certificate ( Carte Vitale not accepted) – Except Algerian students
• Proof of residence less than 3 months old: utilities invoice, receipt for the rent, council tax receipt, OR a copy of the rental agreement OR an accommodation certificate (providing proof of residence with a declaration on the honor of the person you are renting from with a copy of his ID and proof of address – for example: utilities bills)
• 3 passport photos with a clear background
• 2 stamped A4 envelopes with name, surname and address
• Any proof of sufficient income equivalent to an average of € 615 per month (bank statements for the last three months, certificate of scholarship or from the person who is financing your studies).