Students visas
Table des matières
1- General information 
American citizens willing to study in France have to apply for a visa before leaving the United States except for a three-month-period or less.
The visa issued will depend on the duration of the studies in France.
You have to apply at the French Consulate in Miami if you live or study in Florida, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos.
IT IS MANDATORY TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE TO GET A VISA.
Please bring the original of each document along with one copie of each document.
This visa section does not make any copies.
Take an appointment at least one month before your departure.
2- The different types of student visas
The visa issued varies according to the duration of stay:
2-1 Studies in France for less than 90 days:
If you are an American citizen who intends to study in France less than three months, you do not need a visa.
Other citizenships have to fill out the application form for a short stay visa and provide the documents requested.
- Short stay visa - Form
2-2 Studies in France for more than 90 days
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A LONG STAY VISA IT IS MANDATORY TO ENROLL WITH CAMPUS FRANCE. No visa will be delivered to the student who has not fulfilled those prerequirements.
You need to fill out 1 long stay application form signed (type D). Please indicate your phone number and e-mail address and the exact dates of your stay.
Since June 1st, as a change of regulation making the student long stay visa valid at the same time as a resident permit for stays from more than 3 months and up to 12 months, a minimum 10 business days (2 weeks) processing time will be required to issue this visa (including for American citizens). The processing time may be extended to 5 more business days (3 weeks).
Therefore, we strongly advise you to apply at least 4 to 5 weeks prior to your scheduled departure. Failing to do so will more than likely require you to postpone your trip. If you cannot come back in person at the visa section of this Consulate, provide a prepaid envelop at your address to receive your passport and visa at home.
3- Requirements
IMPORTANT: The visa section does not accept original documents by mail or fax.
The originals have to be brought by the applicant to the scheduled interview with one set of photocopies per applicant. (This Consulate does not make any copy).
This Consulate declines any responsibility in case of lost original documents.
- A passport valid at least six months after the last day of your stay in France. Please make sure two blank pages remain in your passport for the visa stamp;
- Application form: 1 long stay application form for long stay visa;
- Long stay visa form
- A recent passport size picture;
- Picture requirements
- For long stay visa applicants, the identification number given by Campus France;
- A letter from your university in the US stating that you are currently registered as a student.
- A proof of medical insurance: a letter from your insurance company in the US indicating that you are covered in Europe for any medical and repatriation expenses for at least $ 37000 BUT ONLY if you study for 6 months or less. If you stay more than six months, you will automatically be taken care of by the French social security;
- a letter of admission or pre admission from a French school/University ;
- the itinerary or airline ticket ;
- Proofs of sufficient funds:
If your parents are going to pay for your expenses in France : a financial guarantee such as a notarized statement certifying that the applicant will be provided with a minimum monthly allowance of € 430 for the duration of his/her stay in France,
OR proof of personal income along with a letter from school stating that your accomodation and tuition are fully prepaid.
If your host provides the student a letter certifying that lodging will be free of charge, and provides a copy of his/her pictured I.D., an allowance of € 215 will be accepted.
If you pay for your own expenses, you have to bring your three last bank statements.
For non American citizens: a proof of your status in the US (e.g. Green card, OR a valid US visa WITH the I-94, the I-20 or the valid I-AP66… ).
4- Processing fees
The visa is paid by money order or credit card.
To know more about the fees, click here.