How to Obtain a Long-Stay Internship Visa (VLS-TS) for France: A Complete Guide
Introduction
The long-stay internship visa (VLS-TS) allows international students to undertake an internship in France for more than three months. This visa is crucial for those looking to gain professional experience in a French company or organization. This article outlines the steps necessary to obtain this visa, the eligibility requirements, the required documents, and the administrative procedures. Our legal services are here to assist you at every stage, making the process smooth and stress-free.
1. Eligibility Conditions
Who Can Apply for a VLS-TS?
The long-stay internship visa is intended for students enrolled in a higher education institution abroad who have secured an internship in France. To be eligible, the internship must be longer than three months and directly related to the student’s studies.
Our lawyers can help determine your eligibility for this visa by reviewing your internship agreement and advising you on the specific conditions that need to be met. We guide you through the administrative requirements to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
Internship Duration and Renewal
The VLS-TS is issued for the duration of the internship, up to a maximum of 12 months. If the internship is extended or if the intern wishes to continue gaining professional experience in France, the visa can be renewed. Renewal requires proof of continued internship and a new internship agreement.
Our experts are available to assist you with the renewal process, ensuring that your application is complete and that you meet all the conditions to extend your stay in France without interruption.
2. Preparing the Application
Required Documents
Preparing the VLS-TS application is a critical step. Required documents include:
- A valid passport for the entire stay.
- An acceptance letter from the French company or organization.
- An internship agreement signed by the intern, the host organization in France, and the educational institution abroad.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay.
- Health insurance covering all risks in France.
- Proof of accommodation in France.
Our lawyers are available to assist you in gathering all these documents, ensuring that every detail is checked to avoid any errors or omissions that could delay your application.
Validation of the Internship Agreement
The internship agreement is the central document of your application. It must comply with French legal requirements and specify the terms of the internship, including duration, tasks, remuneration (if applicable), and working conditions. It must also mention the insurance provided by the host organization.
Our legal experts can help you draft or review your internship agreement to ensure it complies with French law. We take care of the validation of this document, ensuring that it is complete and meets all the requirements of the French authorities.
3. Submitting the Application
Online Procedure
The VLS-TS visa application is primarily submitted online through the France-Visas website. After creating an account, the applicant must fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and schedule an appointment for an interview at the French consulate or embassy in their country of residence.
Our lawyers can manage this entire process for you, ensuring that your application is correctly completed and submitted on time. We handle the appointment scheduling and prepare you for the interview with the consular authorities.
Consular Interview
The consular interview is a mandatory step where you will need to explain the reasons for your internship in France and prove that you meet all the conditions for obtaining the visa. It is important to be well-prepared for this interview to answer the consul's questions confidently.
Our experts can help you prepare for this interview, providing advice on how to respond and ensuring you have all the necessary documents. We also prepare your file so that you are ready to answer questions clearly and accurately.
4. Validity and Arrival Formalities
Visa Validation
Upon arrival in France, the VLS-TS must be validated with the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) within three months of your arrival. This step is mandatory to ensure that your stay is legally recognized in France.
Our lawyers can assist you in validating your visa as soon as you arrive in France, ensuring that all formalities are completed on time and helping you fill out the necessary forms for the OFII.
Visa Renewal
If you wish to extend your internship beyond the initial duration of your visa, you must apply for a renewal. This request must be made several weeks before your current visa expires and requires proof of the internship extension.
We handle all the renewal procedures for you, preparing and submitting your application to the appropriate authorities. We ensure that your file is complete and compliant with requirements to avoid any interruption to your stay.
5. Appeals in Case of Refusal
What to Do in Case of Refusal?
If your VLS-TS application is refused, you have the option to appeal. This appeal must be filed within two months of receiving the refusal notice, usually with the competent administrative court. This process can be complex and requires legal expertise.
Our specialized lawyers are ready to represent you and assist you in drafting and presenting your appeal, maximizing your chances of obtaining a favorable decision. We accompany you throughout this process to defend your rights and facilitate your internship in France.
Conclusion
Obtaining a long-stay internship visa (VLS-TS) for France is a process that requires careful preparation and a good understanding of legal requirements. Each step, from preparing the application to submitting the request, including managing appeals in case of refusal, can be complex. This is why it is essential to be accompanied by immigration law experts. Our legal services are available to assist you at every stage of your application, ensuring an efficient and successful process. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or to benefit from our professional assistance in obtaining your internship visa for France.