Getting Here

Embarking on your academic journey in a foreign country is an exciting chapter, and we're here to guide graduate students through the process. While “getting here” involves a certain amount of bureaucracy, this need not be a daunting experience. At AUP, we understand that the prospect of visa applications can be overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of international residency. Our goal for new students is to demystify the process, presenting it as a manageable endeavor with the backing of our 60 years of expertise in handling the visa applications and procedures you will be confronted with. 

Students arrive in Paris

While France’s reputation for administrative inefficiency is something of a reality, this is a process that AUP’s Student Immigration Services have successfully navigated for decades and we want you to understand that this won’t be a solitary venture. As you delve into the visa application journey, rest assured that AUP will be by your side, offering guidance at every step. While we can't physically go to your French consulate or embassy for you, we can help clarify procedures and identify any missing elements from your application dossier.

After completing their studies at AUP, many of our graduates end up working abroad, relocating strategically to build an international career. In this context, the ability to apply for and maintain foreign residency is a crucial skill we recommend you cultivate to ensure you are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of expatriation and work travel in general. Graduate students are a very different administrative case compared to an 18-year-old fresh out of high-school, so while the general AUP website has a wealth of information that may apply, the information and links below will point you towards resources that are tailored to your specific needs. 

A Complex Process Made Simple

EU Nationals

For EU citizens and residents, you are already entitled to legal residency in France so the process will be comparatively simple. Refer to the Student Immigration Services information page on this very topic.

Non-EU Nationals

For Non-EU National graduate students, below is a rough step-by-step guide to give you a general overview of the paperwork and logistics of moving to France for your graduate residency. We must remind you that immigration laws in Europe are strict, and that AUP requires that students remain in line with regulations in order to stay enrolled at the university, so we recommend you do your research to stay ahead of the paperwork.

Before You Leave Your Home Country

  • Contact Your AUP Admission Counselor: Reach out as soon as your registration is effective or upon receiving the acceptance pack. Your counselor along with AUP's dedicated Student Immigration Services (SIS) will help you navigate French immigration websites and the application process.
  • Initiate Student Visa Application Process: Upon acceptance at AUP, you'll receive instructions and documents in the acceptance pack to initiate the long-stay student visa application process at the French Consulate in your home country. Make sure you understand clearly the required documents and formalities for your specific circumstances in order to obtain the “Visa D - Long Séjour - Ceseda R311-3 6°”.
  • Prepare Travel Documents: Prepare your identity documents, those related to your visa, and the AUP graduate program you’ve been accepted for and you should have nothing to worry about clearing French immigration services on your way to Paris. Additionally, secure a certified copy of your birth certificate in English or French, and bring marriage, divorce, and adoption certificates to justify any change of name, as this will be required by SIS. 

Upon Arrival

  • Meet with SIS for the next steps: During Orientation in Fall or Spring, they will confirm the receipt of required documents and schedule a residency permit application appointment.
  • Settle in: Unless you are a summer student or a late arrival, in which case the deadline is within a week of arrival, you will have time to settle in before the residency visit.
  • Initiate Residency Procedure: Schedule an appointment with Student Immigration Services to initiate and finalize the residency permit application. Ensure you have all required documents, a valid housing address, and a payment card for the mandatory tax stamp in order to obtain the “VLS-TS Titre de Séjour”.

At the End of the Residency Period

  • Plan Residency Renewal: Three months before your residency expires, proactively contact Student Immigration Services to discuss renewal options. They will help you determine the required documents and deadlines for your specific circumstances to ensure a hassle-free renewal process.
  • Collect Temporary Residency Card: Once the renewal application is complete, SIS will send the renewal to the French Authorities. Collect the "Récépissé," a temporary residency card, and update your records with Student Immigration Services.
  • Stay Compliant: Understand the importance of maintaining compliance with residency regulations. Be proactive about the renewal process to avoid late fees or potential issues.
     

Refer to our dedicated Visas and Permissions page to guide you through the process with all relevant details.