Renewal is essential to continue your studies or research beyond the initial duration of your residence permit. This online procedure ensures that your stay remains legal and that your rights (health insurance, housing subsidies, etc.) are maintained.
RENEWING A “STUDENT” RESIDENCE PERMIT
Who should apply?Students who wish to stay in France after the expiration date of their VLS-TS or residence permit must submit a renewal application.
When to apply?
The application must be submitted online via the ANEF website, between 4 and 2 months before your residence permit expires.
⚠️ Late submission : €180 penalty in addition to the residence permit tax.
How to apply?
• Complete the online form and upload the required documents.
Documents you’ll need:
• Proof of residence (issued within the last 6 months).
• ANTS-approved digital photo (e-photo).
• Enrollment certificate (⚠️ a pre-enrollment letter alone is not accepted).
• Transcripts and the most recent degree obtained in France.
• Proof of financial resources (min. €615/month).
• For interns: Internship agreement (convention de stage)
• Since July 2024 : Contract of commitment to respect the principles of the Republic
After submission:
• The Préfecture may issue a certificate of extension of instruction (attestation de prolongation d’instruction) → maintenance of rights (studies, work, travel).
• Once the application is approved: a notice of favorable decision (attestation de décision favorable) is issued before the card is printed.
• You will be notified by SMS to collect your card at the Préfecture (bring your passport + a €75 tax stamp).
💡 Tip : If you don’t receive any updates within 2 months after the favorable decision, contact the prefecture to check if your card is ready.
RENEWING A “TALENT-RESEARCHER” RESIDENCE PERMIT
Researchers wishing to extend their stay in France must apply for a renewal of their residence permit (titre de séjour) or VLS-TS (Long-Stay Visa equivalent to a Residence Permit).
When to apply?
Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the ANEF portal, between 4 and 2 months before your current permit expires.
⚠️ Warning : In the event of late submission, a €180 penalty will be added to the cost of your residence permit.
💡 Tip : Submit your application even if a document is missing. Attach an explanatory letter in place of the missing document to avoid late penalties.
How to apply?
• Fill out the renewal application form.
• Upload your scanned supporting documents.
Documents you’ll need:
• Passport : Pages showing personal identity details, validity dates, and entry stamps.
• Proof of residence : Issued within the last 6 months.
• E-photo : Digital ID photo (with the blue ANTS code).
• Diploma : At least the equivalent of a Master’s degree.
• Proof of activity : Either a new signed hosting agreement (convention d'accueil – Cerfa n° 16079*03) or a "France Travail" certificate.
• New Requirement : Contract of commitment to the principles of the Republic (obligatory).
After submission:
• Certificate of extension (API) : Maintains your right to work and travel..
• Responding to requests : Monitor your ANEF account for requests for "additional documents" (pièces complémentaires).
• Favorable decision : A certificate of favorable decision (attestation de décision favorable) will be available on your account.
• Collecting your card : You will receive an SMS when the card is ready. You must bring a €225 tax stamp.
💡 Tip : If you have not heard anything 2 months after receiving the favorable decision, contact the Préfecture to check if your card is available.
RENEWING AN ALGERIAN "SCIENTIFIC" RESIDENCE CERTIFICATE
Algerian researchers wishing to stay in France beyond the expiry date of their residence permit must apply for a renewal.
When to apply?
The application must be submitted to your local Préfecture within the 2 months preceding the expiry of your residence permit.
💡Tip : Anticipate the preparation of your file at least 2 months before starting the procedure.
How to apply?
• Outside Paris : Contact the Préfecture of your place of residence to find out the specific submission procedures.
Documents to prepare (originals and copies)
• Passport : Pages showing personal identity details, validity dates, and entry stamps.
• Proof of residence : Issued within the last 6 months (electricity bill, lease agreement, or a certificate of host's residence).
• 3 photos : Recent ID photos meeting official standards.
• Diploma : At least the equivalent of a Master’s degree.
• Proof of activity: Either a new signed hosting agreement (convention d'accueil - Cerfa n° 16079*03) or a "France Travail" certificate.
• Optional : Contract of commitment to respect the principles of the Republic.
After submission:
If your application is complete, you will receive a receipt (récépissé) on the day of your appointment.
⚠️ Tip : Before leaving the Préfecture counter, double-check that the mention "authorizes its holder to work" (autorise son titulaire à travailler) is clearly indicated.
Maintenance of rights : This document extends the validity of your previous permit. It allows you to work and travel.
Collecting your card : You will receive an SMS as soon as your residence permit is ready. To collect it, you must bring your passport and a €225 tax stamp.
💡 Pro-tip : If you have not received an SMS within 2 months of the favorable decision, you may contact the Préfecture.
