If you are planning to visit France, staying updated with the new French immigration policy is an absolute must. Be it for travel, work, or studies, keeping up with the latest updates helps you get the visa as required. The French government has made many changes to the old immigration law. This article will help you understand the French visa and the new rules that have come into effect.
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France’s New Immigration Policy
The French parliament passed the new immigration law in France on December 19, 2023. The policy was backed by President Emmanuel Macron. The French government published the new French immigration policy on January 27, 2024, with immediate effect. The new policy includes amendments to citizenship and residency. Strict measures are also included in terms of immigration issues.
Children born in France to foreign parents are no longer automatic citizens. Instead, they must apply for citizenship between 16 and 18 years of age.
The new policy will significantly impact people on work and student visas. The bill also enforces new visa fees for students who want to study there.
With the new rules included in the bill, immigrants will face some ‘France immigration issues. It will be more difficult for immigrants to bring their dependents and receive a housing allowance and family benefits. Tightening the restrictions on dependents will also affect international students.
Reason Behind the Changes
- The new law is introduced mainly to combat French immigration issues due to irregular migration. It will help the French government control the overstay of foreign workers.
- Promote the integration of foreigners in France through work.
- Better integration through a commitment to French principles and language.
- Guarantee the right to asylum.
Effects Of the Law on International Students
The immigration law has some implications for international students studying there.
New Visa Fees: The most onerous measure for international students is the introduction of a security deposit. The deposit needs to be paid when applying for a student visa. The change in visa fees will definitely affect international students greatly. The new fee is introduced for student visas to prevent overstays and criminal activities.
The deposit covers any unexpected expenses that may occur during their stay. It will be returned to the student if they leave France when the residency permit expires or renew it depending on the requirement. The security deposit will also be returned if the students obtain a new residency permit with a different status.
The new French immigration policy also states that the deposit will be withheld if the student “evaded enforcement of a removal order.” The policy also includes an increase in tuition fees for non-EU countries.
Rules For Bringing Dependents: In the past, international students could bring their dependents to France. However, it will be difficult for them to get their families after the new bill has passed.
Housing Allowance: Though immigrants would have a tough time receiving housing allowances, students are exempted from the specific change in housing allowance. They can still receive housing benefits with their student visa.
Proof of Study Program: Students possessing a multi-year residency permit must provide proof of enrollment in a study program annually.
Work-related Changes
- For medical professionals, there will be a new residence permit.
- On specific temporary residence permits, there will be limits on repeated renewals.
- For multi-year residency permit holders, a new requirement will be needed: French language proficiency.
New Route To Regularization
Certain undocumented workers in construction, catering, house help, etc., will be regularized by providing a new residence permit. They can obtain a temporary visa or employee residence permit on an exceptional basis.
Going through the employer to apply for this visa is no longer necessary. However, some requirements need to be fulfilled. Let’s check the French immigration requirements for undocumented workers:
- You should provide proof of working for at least 12 months in the last two years, whether for a stretch or not.
- You should have been a French resident for three years and have integrated.
Dependent Laws
France is tightening its restrictions on bringing dependents. The divisive measure makes it harder for migrants’ families to come to France.
Let’s check the requirements needed for applying for a family visa:
- The applicants need to provide proof of their stay in France for two years. Previously, the time duration was one and a half years.
- The age of the family member or unmarried partner should be 21, previously 18.
- Provide proof of having a regular income.
- Have French health insurance for each family member.
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Conclusion
Travelers, migrant workers, and students need to be explicit about the process of French visa applications in order to have a smooth process. They must also keep themselves up-to-date with recent changes in French immigration policy. You should make a well-informed decision when applying for a France visa. Though it may be challenging to stay updated with all the updates, the advancement of technology in the form of eSIM France travel is a savior.
Zetexa’s ZetSIM app is a useful resource for learning about the latest changes and insights into French immigration procedures. Having this app means you have the best France eSIM prepaid. You can access the internet anytime and anywhere in France, and you can make voice calls as well. Whenever you need information related to a France visa or any other related information, just a few clicks on your phone will do the needful.
The ZetSIM app can be downloaded from the Google Play store for Android users or the App Store for iPhone users. Then, you can install it easily within a few minutes. Stay connected with your family members when you’re in France. The Zetexa France eSIM prepaid offers various data and voice plans, such as student plans, family packs, and lots more. You can even customize your data plan according to your requirements. You can even use the same eSIM for your travel to other countries. Zetexa offers services in more than 180+ countries with 24-hour online assistance.
FAQs
To apply for a permanent residence permit in France, you have to provide evidence of staying in France for five years. And if you’re a family member or spouse of a French national, the stay is three years. This can be as a European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizen or on a temporary France visa.
Visa fees are mentioned on the French immigration official website, FRANCE-VISAS (https://france-visas.gouv.fr/). You will also find information about the list of required documents to apply for a visa. Visa fees must be paid at the VFS center in local currency. The method of fee payment is cash.
There are many reasons why a visa gets rejected. Here are some common reasons:
1. Incomplete application
2. Passport issues
3. Unclear purpose of travel
4. Insufficient funds
5. No travel insurance
6. Violation of rules
7. Application Timings
8. History of crime
Once you receive an official rejection letter, you can apply again for the visa anytime. You can even file a lawsuit against the rejection if you are assured that you have provided all the necessary documents and correct information.
Once you know you need a visa based on your nationality, you must apply for a short-stay visa. You must provide some supporting documents depending on your nationality and country of residence. The purpose is to check if you have enough financial resources to stay on holiday and return to your country of origin. You will be provided a maximum of 3 months visa for tourism reasons. You shouldn’t be involved in any professional activity during the stay.
