Can You Convert a Long-Stay Tourist Visa to a Long-Stay Student Visa Without Leaving France?

12/07/2024

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Question that inspired this post:

Hello everyone! I have a visa question, please. Does anyone know if you can convert a long-stay tourist visa to a long-stay student visa without leaving France? I’ve been accepted to study in Paris but will need a student visa for the carte vital and to do my apprenticeship. And while I can study on my current visa, I cannot do either of those with a tourist visa. Can it be converted? Thank you for your advice!

Top Answer

"A tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa in France or in any other country of the European Union.

You need to use the French consulate/embassy in your country to get the new visa"

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No, you generally cannot convert a long-stay tourist visa to a long-stay student visa without leaving France. The standard procedure requires you to apply for the appropriate student visa from your home country before entering France.

Key Points:

1. Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS):

   1. This visa allows you to study in France for a period of four months to one year and must be validated upon arrival in France.

   2. It is typically necessary to apply for this visa from your home country.

2. Tourist Visa:

   1. A tourist visa does not permit you to study or engage in an apprenticeship in France.

   2. Converting a tourist visa to a student visa while in France is not generally allowed.

3. Special Cases:

   1. There are specific short-stay visas, such as the étudiant-concours (student examination) visa, which allow you to regularize your status if you pass an entrance exam while in France. However, this does not apply to standard tourist visas.

Steps to Take:

1. Contact the Prefecture:

   1. Visit the local prefecture to explain your situation. They can provide specific guidance and confirm if any exceptions apply to your case.

2. Seek Legal Advice:

   1. Consulting with an immigration lawyer can provide personalized advice and help navigate the complexities of your situation.

3. Prepare to Apply from Your Home Country:

   1. If no exceptions apply, you will need to return to your home country to apply for the appropriate student visa (VLS-TS).

Conclusion:

While it is generally not possible to convert a long-stay tourist visa to a long-stay student visa without leaving France, contacting the prefecture and seeking legal advice can provide clarity on any potential exceptions or specific steps you need to take.

References:

1. Campus France: Long-Term Visa used as Residence Permit or VLS-TS

2. France-Visas: Frequently Asked Questions

3. Welcome to France: Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS)

4. Service-Public.fr: Foreigners student in France: long-stay visa or residence card

5. France-Visas: Student

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