Long-stay student visas (3+ months)

Researchers, Students

Pays concerné(s)

Philippines

Doctorate, PhD

Master 1

Exchange programs

Licence, Bachelor, Undergraduate

Undergraduate programs

Visa

FLE, Learn French in France

Applications

Campus France

Administrative procedures

Erasmus Mundus, Erasmus +

The long-stay student visa (Visa de Long Séjour) is necessary for any study program whose duration exceeds 90 days. Keep reading to find out more about the procedure and requirements.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

°Last update: May 8, 2023

As of this article's update, all Covid restrictions have been lifted for inbound mobility in France. The same cannot be said, however, for France's neighboring states. Please make sure to confirm each country's health requirements prior to any trips outside of France.

Overview

The Long-Stay Visa (VLS) is mandatory for Filipino citizens and foreigners legally residing in the Philippines, and who are enrolled in/have been admitted into/registered in a program in France with a duration of more than three months (90+ days). Some examples (but not limited to):

Degree programs (Undergraduate / Licence, Master's, Ph.D.)
Erasmus programs whose first semester will be spent in France
French language programs (FLE)
Long certificate courses
Long non-degree programs
Exchange programs

THE LONG-STAY VISA PROCEDURE

I. France Visas

All visa applications must be coursed through the official visa website, France-Visas. This website contains a list of requirements and an appointment-setting feature for submitting your requirements, which include:

Step-by-step visa application guidelines
Application forms
List of requirements
Fees to be paid (visa + supplementary)
Location of document submission
What to do after submission

The France-Visas wizard will prompt you to provide an EEF number. The Philippines is not under the Études en France procedure; the EEF number field may be left blank.

You will be asked to compile your requirements and file your application at VFS Global, the official drop-off center for visa applications for France (more in section III).

II. The pre-consular interview

The pre-consular interview is a necessary step in obtaining a long-stay student visa. A representative of the French Embassy's cultural department will conduct a brief online interview to gain more context on an applicant's educational and professional background, as well as how these relate to the study program that the candidate wishes to pursue. The pre-consular interview must be completed prior to the lodging of your application at VFS Global.

Consult the dedicated article on pre-consular interviews here.

III. Filing of application at VFS Global

Once you've completed your requirements and done your pre-consular interview, you may drop off your application at VFS Global. Appointments can be done here. Once received, processing times of applications can vary, with off-season delays estimated at around 3-4 working weeks.

Please note that Campus France is not privy to the results of visa applications, nor can we appeal an application in the event of a refusal.