I have submitted my Etudes en France (EEF) application. What do I do next to get a visa?

First, please make sure you have both submitted your pre-consular application via the EEF platform and paid the Etudes en France application fee (or requested an exemption if you are eligible). If you have done both of these things AND have received a confirmation email that Campus France has processed your Etudes en France application, you're ready to move forward to the next step of the student visa application process. First, complete a visa application on the France-Visas platform. Then schedule an in-person visa appointment at one of the 10 TLScontact centers in the United States. More details about this process can be found in our Student Visa Guide.

 

I am having trouble with the TLScontact website. Who can I contact for help?

If the TLScontact website is not working properly (page not loading, error messages, payments not being accepted, etc.), we suggest clearing your browser cache and/or trying another device. If you are still experiencing issues, please contact the TLScontact call center at +1 305-602-5861. If you are unable to reach the TLScontact call center after a few attempts, please email the visa service of the French consulate in Washington at visas.washington-fslt@diplomatie.gouv.fr with your first and last name, contact information, and France Visas reference number.

 

I am eligible for an exemption from the TLS fee. What should I do to get the exemption?

Students who are recipients of a qualifying scholarship (France Excellence Eiffel, France Excellence Graduate Scholars, Gilman-France, Fulbright) or who are pursuing a Licence, Master, or Doctorat degree in France, are exempt from paying TLS appointment fees. Eligible students will receive confirmation of their exemption by email once their Etudes en France application has been processed. In order to benefit from the exemption and schedule their visa appointment, students must follow the instructions provided in the exemption email. Exempted students should not schedule an appointment until they have received this email confirming their exemption as Campus France USA cannot guarantee reimbursement for fees paid to TLS in error.

 

I think I am eligible for an exemption from the TLS fee but I did not receive an exemption email. What should I do?

Students accepted to degree-seeking programs (licence, master, doctorat, dual degree) are eligible for an exemption, as are recipients of French government scholarships (France Excellence Eiffel, France Excellence Graduate Scholars, Gilman-France, or Fulbright).

(Please note, not all Gilman scholarships are eligible, only Gilman-France.)

If you are eligible, please check the messaging system in Etudes en France for your exemption letter. If you did not receive it, please contact Campus France USA at washington@campusfrance.org with your name, Etudes en France ID #, and proof of the reason for your exemption.

 

Can I get a visa for France in France?

No. If you are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you will need to request your visa in the US. All applicants for a long-stay student visa must apply for their student visa from their home country or country of residence before departing for France.

 

Can I travel to France internationally while my visa application is being processed?

No. At your in-person visa appointment at a TLScontact center, you will submit your passport to be sent to the visa service of the French Consulate in Washington. The processing time is between 2 and 4 weeks from the date of the visa appointment. You will not be able to travel out of the country before your passport is returned to you.

 

Can I enter France before my visa is valid?

The student visa is issued according to the dates of the academic program. In general, students are granted a grace period of ten days to two weeks before and after the program to allow time to settle in and prepare for departure. If you are planning to travel to France before the start date of your visa and are eligible to enter France without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you will need to exit the Schengen Area and re-enter France after the start date of your visa. If you have specific questions, please contact the visa services of the French Consulate in Washington: visas.washington-fslt@diplomatie.gouv.fr

 

I am under the age of 18 but going to France as a student. What visa should I request?

If you will turn 18 within 30 days of starting your educational program in France and your program is longer than 90 days, you may request a long-stay student visa.

If you will not turn 18 within 30 days of starting your educational program and your program is longer than 90 days, you should request a school-going minor visa (mineur scolarisé). Please contact Campus France USA at washington@campusfrance.org for more information.

Please note that as a minor, you will need a parent/guardian present at your in-person visa appointment.