A visa is an official document delivered by the French embassy which allows a foreign students to enter French territory. All students are advised to contact the French Embassy in their country of origin to check the formalities and the required documents
Once in France, most foreigners must apply for a residence permit (“titre de séjour”) which is delivered by the local “Préfecture de Police”. To obtain the residence permit, the student will be asked for proof of sufficient financial resources (a minimum of 500 € per month is required). All non-European students will have to take a medical test including a chest X-ray in France (cost: 80 €).
- Students from the European Union plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland need not apply for a visa or a residence permit. Holders of a residence and students from the 12 founding members of the EU may work up to 20 hours a week without a special work permit.
- US and Canadian students need a student visa (“visa D”). A residence permit is not required if they stay under 6 months in France.
- All other students need a student visa (“Visa D”) and a residence permit.
On arrival in France, the students will be directed to the Pôle Universitaire Européen de Lorraine, “the Guichet Unique d’Accueil” to fill in all the administrative formalities required.