Process for Student Immigration

You may study in France under one of three scenarios – Short Stay (up to 90 days), Long Stay (3-6 months) and Long Stay (6+ months). A residency card may be required in the long visa options. You must apply specifically for a student visa. Choose your visa length carefully since some of them can’t be extended or renewed.

Short Stay Visa for Studies

You must appear at the visa section of the French Consulate IN PERSON
You must provide all of the requested documents, copies, and fees at this appointment.
All documents must be translated into French.

Step By Step Procedures

Provide the following Original documents, plus 2 photocopies of each of the following:

A passport valid at least three months after the last day of your stay within the Schengen space. Please make sure a blank page remains in your passport for the visa stamp (+ a copy of the 5 first pages).
2 short stay visa application forms.
2 recent identity photographs meeting standard requirements.
A proof of residency (driving license, bank statements, phone/cellular bills).
Flight reservation: complete itinerary or round trip ticket with confirmed dates. Do not purchase tickets until the visa has been approved.
Proof of medical insurance: a letter from your insurance company indicating that you are covered in Europe for any medical, hospitalization and repatriation.
Letter of admission from a French public or private school/University.
Letter from your University in Mexico (if applicable) stating that you are currently registered there as a student or a copy of your last diploma.
Proof of sufficient funds:
- A financial guarantee such as a notarized statement from your parents, certifying that monthly allowance of $11893.40 (peso) will be provided for the duration of your stay in France.
- Proof of personal income along with a letter from school stating that room, board, and tuition are fully prepaid. If the host provides the student with a letter certifying that lodging will be free of charge, and provides a copy of his/her pictured I.D., an acceptable allowance will be accepted.
- If you pay for your own expenses, you have to bring your three last bank statements.
Processing fees ($1159.60 peso): by credit card (Visa, Mastercard only), cash (only if you apply in person), money order or certified check made out to "Consulate General of France". No personal checks.

You must apply in person at your local French consulate:
French Consulate in Mexico
Calle La Fontaine 32 - Colonia Polanco -11560 Mexico DF
Tél: [52] (55) 91 71 97 00
Website

Long-Stay Student Visas

Step By Step Procedures

You must appear at the visa section of the French Consulate IN PERSON.
You must provide all of the requested documents, copies, and fees at this appointment.
All documents must be translated into French.

Provide the following Original documents, plus 2 photocopies of each of the following:

For Long Stay 3-6 months, 6+ months, you MUST enroll with Campus France. You will need to obtain A PROOF OF PAYMENT FROM CAMPUS FRANCE! This is a new law by the French government, effective March 1st, 2007.
A passport valid at least three months after the last day of your stay within the Schengen space. Please make sure a blank page remains in your passport for the visa stamp (+ a copy of the 5 first pages).
2 long stay visa application forms, completed in detail.
2 recent identity photographs meeting standard requirements.
A proof of residency (driving license, bank statements, phone/cellular bills).
Flight reservation: complete itinerary or round trip ticket with confirmed dates. Do not purchase tickets until the visa has been approved.
Proof of medical insurance: a letter from your insurance company indicating that you are covered in Europe for any medical, hospitalization and repatriation.
Letter of admission from a French public or private school/University.
Letter from your University in Mexico (if applicable) stating that you are currently registered there as a student or a copy of your last diploma.
Proof of sufficient funds:
- A financial guarantee such as a notarized statement from your parents, certifying that monthly allowance of $11893.40 (peso) will be provided for the duration of your stay in France.
- Proof of personal income along with a letter from school stating that room, board, and tuition are fully prepaid. If the host provides the student with a letter certifying that lodging will be free of charge, and provides a copy of his/her pictured I.D., an acceptable allowance will be accepted.
- If you pay for your own expenses, you have to bring your three last bank statements.
Processing fees ($1159.60 peso): by credit card (Visa, Mastercard only), cash (only if you apply in person), money order or certified check made out to "Consulate General of France". No personal checks.
You must apply in person at your local French consulate:

French Consulate in Mexico
Calle La Fontaine 32 - Colonia Polanco -11560 Mexico DF
Tél: [52] (55) 91 71 97 00
Website
Email

If a minor is traveling alone or with one parent, the parental authorization form will need to be completed. The form will be provided to you at the time of your appointment.
If a visa is granted, you will have to apply, as soon as you arrive in France, to the French Prefecture for a residency card (carte de séjour). This will take place at the French Consulate nearest to your location.

Working in France during your studies

French law allows foreign students to work under the following conditions: