French Visa Application Overview

Step 1: French Visa Application Overview

Students participating in the Smith in Paris program must have a valid passport when they apply to the program, valid six months beyond the planned time abroad. A copy of the passport photo page or proof of application or renewal must be submitted with the program application.

Students studying on the Smith in Paris program will apply for their long-stay student visas independently. Guidance is provided by the Office for International Study, but students are responsible for researching, understanding and following visa application requirements, which vary by French consulate. 

Things to Consider

Before making any summer plans, students intending to study in Paris must consider the following:

• Applicants must appear in person at a TLS Contact center to apply for a visa; applications are not accepted by mail.

• Visa appointments cannot be made more than180 days in advance of departure for France and should be scheduled a minimum of three weeks before the start of the program.

• Applying for a French visa requires surrender of the passport to the French consulate for a period of two to four weeks.