French Visa Application

Step 6: French Visa Application - Mid-June

Step 1. Determine where and when you will apply for your French visa.

Once you have given some thought as to where and when you will apply for your French visa, please complete the following questionnaire by no later than May 25th:

• French Visa Plans

Step 2: Submit your French Visa application online. 

Read the Visa Application Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to complete the online portion of the French visa application process.

 A note about fees:

Students should be prepared to pay approximately $550 for the French visa.  $270 is for the regular 3-week processing time of your Campus France application, though Smith will submit a batch upload of all receipts to reduce this to one week.

The TLS center will charge you a total of approximately $250 USD. There may be additional courrier fees.

Step 3: Prepare all your materials with the correct number of copies and payment in the correct form well in advance of your visa appointment. The items listed below may or may not be required by the VSF Global Centre. 

Refer to pages 6-15 of the Visa Appointment Guidelines for specific information.

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Notes about the additional forms and documents:

O.F.I.I./Residence Form

This form must be pristine in presentation both to the consulate and to the authorities in France. No cross-outs or white out are allowed for this document. If you make a mistake, use a new original.

Proof of Registration/Letter of Enrollment

There are two letters: one that is in English and has been signed by Angelo Pisano and one in French that has been signed by Sarra Braham. Plan to bring the original copies of both letters with you to your visa appointment. 

For the online section of the visa application, you should upload both letters signed by Angelo Pisano and by Sarra Braham as that will be consistent with your Campus France record.  An electronic copy of these letters can be found in the Letters for CampusFrance and Visa Application folder. 

Proof of Accommodation

This information is in the letter signed by Sarra Braham.

Financial Guarantee

Use the enrollment letters (see above) that have been signed by Angelo Pisano and by Sarra Braham. These letters also state that your tuition, room and board are prepaid, and that you'll get a stipend of at least €200 per month. At most TLS Centers, you must also show proof of additional financial support (i.e., copy of your three most recent bank statement) to equal no less than €615 per month. The three most recent official bank statements from your own checking and/or savings account may show either a sufficient balance of €615/month x # of months you'll be in France or they may show a steady monthly income of over €615 per month. If you provide bank statements showing an existing income that is planned to continue, you need to provide proof of this future continuity, such as a valid employment contract with dates that cover your program period in France, or a letter from your employer.

It is also recommended that you complete the Financial Guarantee for Student form and bring it with you to your appointment.

Return of your passport

If your TLS Center will return your passport via mail, be sure to also bring the proper, prepaid return mail materials.

Please notify the LGSC when you receive your visa.