Now we are getting to the gist of the guide – how can you renew a long-stay visa in France?
As we have already mentioned, if you wish to stay in France over your initial period, you need to renew your visa with the French authorities.
You had to have already validated your visa online after moving to France. Also, you had to have completed the required medical exam at OFII.
If this is the first renewal of your visa, then you’ll be switching to the physical Carte de Séjour. This card is separate from your passport. You should keep in mind that Carte de Séjour is an interchangeable term to Titre de Séjour. It is basically the same thing.
Making an appointment
Before the expiration of your current valid visa, you need to make an appointment within two months. You don’t have to worry if your appointment is after your visa has expired. As long you have a confirmation within those two months, you are good to go.
How to prepare the documents?
The Préfecture will provide you with a list of documents you need to provide for the renewal of your long-stay visa. You have to bring the original and one copy of each document. Any document that is in English needs to be translated by a certified translator – a traducteur assermenté.
Documents and items
Here are some documents and items you need to bring to your appointment.
Items:
- Passport and/or Carte de Séjour
- A black ink pen
- Three photographs of yourself. You can get those at official photo machines that are scattered all around larger cities. Every photo costs 5€.