Navigating Titre de Séjour Renewal in France: Options for Athletes and Expired Visas

04/11/2024

Diagram to Navigating Titre de Séjour Renewal in France

What question prompted the creation of this post on 04/11/2024

I’m writing on behalf of an American friend living in Paris who is trying to renew her titre de séjour. She previously held a student visa, which expired in May. She didn’t renew it at the time because a company had promised to help her obtain a work visa. Unfortunately, the company didn’t follow through, leaving her without a valid permit. When she tried to book an appointment with the Préfecture de Police, the online system wouldn’t allow her to do so because her titre de séjour had already expired. In November (before six months had elapsed since the expiration), she sent a letter recommandée with her documents, requesting an appointment under the exceptional process. She qualifies for the exceptional process as an athlete; last December, she won a French national title in her sport. Additionally, her sports club has offered her a position in a coaching training program, but she needs a residence permit to participate. It’s now been over four weeks since she sent her dossier, and she still hasn’t received a response. Could anyone advise on the following: How can she contact the Préfecture de Police in Paris, either by email or other means?

1. What steps can she take if they do not provide an appointment?

2. Is she eligible to request a Visa Talent given her situation?

   
   

Top Answers

1. She would be better off speaking to her sports club if they are serious about taking her into a training program. Unfortunately, she has overstayed as she has not renewed so she may well have to leave and reapply for a Visa.

2. I would be very wary of anyone who tells you that she can stay and there won’t be a problem. If she had still been in her 90-day Visa free period it may have been possible but now she is actually here illegally and it will be a lot more difficult.

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AI-Generated

Based on the information provided, here's some advice for your American friend in Paris:

Contacting the Préfecture de Police

The Préfecture de Police in Paris can be contacted through the following means:

• Phone: 34 30 (non-surtaxed number, local call cost)(5, 6)

• Email: For specific requests related to professional cards, use the appropriate email address (e.g., bttp-carte-pro-taxi@interieur.gouv.fr for taxi-related inquiries)(1)

Steps if No Appointment is Provided

If the Préfecture doesn't respond to the request for an appointment, your friend can:

1. File an administrative appeal:

   • Submit a courtesy appeal to the perfect

   • File a hierarchical appeal to the Minister of the Interior(3)

2. File a litigation appeal with the administrative court within 2 months of the implicit refusal (which occurs after 4 months of no response)(3)

Eligibility for Talent Passport Visa

Given your friend's situation as a national champion athlete, she may be eligible for a Talent Passport visa, specifically the "Talent Passport – Renommée nationale ou internationale" (National or International Renown)(7). This visa is designed for individuals with established national or international reputations in various fields, including sports. To be eligible, she must:

1. Demonstrate national or international sporting renown

2. Have a specific project or purpose for coming to France

3. Have resources equal to or greater than the annual minimum wage (SMIC)(7)

Recommendations

1. Urgent Action Required: Your friend should be aware that she is currently in an irregular situation, which could complicate her case.

2. Consult with the Sports Club: The sports club offering the coaching training program should be involved in the process. They may be able to provide support or guidance in obtaining the necessary permits.

3. Consider Talent Passport Application: Given her national title in her sport, applying for a Talent Passport visa might be a viable option. This could potentially regularize her situation and allow her to participate in the coaching program.

4. Seek Legal Assistance: Given the complexity of her situation (expired permit, overstay), it would be advisable to consult with a lawyer specializing in immigration law to explore all available options and ensure compliance with French immigration regulations.

5. Be Prepared for Possible Exit: In some cases, individuals who have overstayed their visas may be required to leave the country and apply for a new visa from abroad. Your friend should be prepared for this possibility.

Remember, while there are potential solutions, the irregular status complicates matters. It's crucial to address this situation promptly and through proper legal channels to avoid further complications.