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In brief
Section actions
Duration: Card application — 1 to 6 months; 1 to 4 years
Cost: Tax € ~60 for students (19 € + OFII 50 €) ; exemptions for fellows
Possible online

Who this guide is for

Section actions
  • You if you are a foreign student arriving in France with a student VLS-TS visa
  • You if you renew the student card or go to the next level
  • You if you plan to work during your studies (up to 964 hours/year)

To be prepared in advance

Section actions
  • Current passport and VLS-TS visa (or receipt)
  • Current year's certificate of education
  • Resource rationale (~615 €/month via guarantor/Visal/account), proof of domicile

Step-by-step procedure

Section actions
  1. 1Within 3 months of arrival, validate the VLS-TS visa on ANEF and submit the student card application online. Download: passport, visa, registration, resources, address, photo.
  2. 2Pay the tax (~60 € for students: stamp 19 € + tax OFII 50 €, to be confirmed on ANEF). Exempt: Government scholarship holders, some scholarships.
  3. 3Wait until you call for fingerprints and handing over the card (often months). In the meantime, the receipt proves the legal status and the right to study/work.
  4. 4Right to work: The student card allows to work up to 964 hours a year (~half-time), without separate authorization. Exceeding is an offence.
  5. 5Renewal: 2 months before expiry via ANEF. Please attach: registration for the following year, resources, address. Duration: usually 1 year; for certain courses (Master, thesis) up to 4 years (multi-year title).
  6. 6Exits: With a valid card, you can exit and enter. After expiry without renewal, irregular situation — neither work nor stay.
  7. 7After studying: possibility to apply for a temporary residence permit (APS, 12 months for Masters) to search for a job, or a change of status to an employee.

Common mistakes

Section actions
  • Do not validate the VLS-TS within 3 months — status is cancelled.
  • Exceeding 964 hours of work — infringement, risk to title.
  • File renewal after expiry — irregular situation.
  • Do not prove resources (€615/month) — refusal possible.
  • Believing that the student card automatically gives the employee title. No — we need a change.

Official sources

Section actions
Show sources in this section

Useful links

Section actions
VLS-TS validationChange of status (→ salaried)Students (Campus France)

Important remark

The conditions of the student card (taxes, duration) change. This information is indicative — for your situation, check on ANEF and Campus France.

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