Around 3.8 million requests for French visas are process by French embassies and consulates worldwide every year.
Around 300,000 visas of all types are issued.
To determine who get a VISA and who can’t get one, the French consulates base his decision on several factors: your income, your credentials, what your stated purpose is in requesting the visa, and how likely they think you are to violate the terms of your visa by doing something you’re not supposed to do.
One thing to keep in mind: if you think that France is a place where having lots of different simultaneous projects and stepping outside the box is appreciated. It is not, you are making a mistake.
If they don’t understand what it is you want to do when they are reviewing or giving you a visa, your chances of getting that visa are not good.
Comments we usually hear about French Visa:
« I thought getting my Visa was going to be very fast by now with VFS, it took a month and half !” June from New York USA
“My list provided on the website of the consulate was not complete and they refused my Visa. I should have follow the complete list of Feel Francais” Lisa, Algeria
“In China, they ask a lot of documentation like Working certificate of the father and mother. I thought as my parents didn’t work I didn’t need this documentation. Actually, you do! My parents had to write a letter declaring they didn’t work. Thanks to feel Francais I finally got my visa!” Alina, China
A few mistakes that will get you a visa refusal
Not having all your documents with you
Bring ALL of your documents, and even the ones you don’t think you need such as flight ticket, travel insurance, resume, CV, birth certificate, training certificate…
Having more documents that are needed is better than not having them.
You may receive a list of required documents from the visa center or Campus France. This list is different according to each country and sometimes city.
You will have one from France visa website but it’s a commune list for every country so it may be not the final one. On our platform, you will find the complete list!
Your proof of accommodation and your proof of resources are the two most important documents in your application!
If you do not have enough personal cash resources to meet the minimum requirements for your visa you will not get the visa. Always make sure that you have at least the minimum cash requirement for your visa type. Moreover, always make sure you can show at least the 3 last bank statements with the amount asked on the closing balance.
Your 4 options for your proof of resource :
- Own resource: the 3 last months of the history of your credits and debits (account activity details) from your local bank account (you need to have regular income).
- Stamped and signed by the bank officer (credit card record not accepted).
- Name and/or account number of its holder on all pages
You need min 615€/month for the totality of your stay
So if you ask for one one-year visa (you can’t ask for a lenger visa) you need a minimum €7380.
Or if you are working: upload also the 3 last bank statements but if you don’t have the money requested, you can add your 3 last payslips that show a steady monthly income of 615€/month and need to prove the future continuity of this income, such as a contract or letter from employer that covers the period in France.
The visa center needs to know the provenance of your income, and your lifestyle (debit habits) that is why we need the 3 last bank statements and we don’t accept a new bank account.
Sponsor: the 3 last months of the history of the credits and debits (account activity details) from the local bank account (you need to have regular income) of your sponsor. Stamped and signed by the bank officer (credit card record not accepted).
She/he has to prove that he has enough money to sponsor you for one year and to be able to support him and his family. At least €10 000 if no children.
If your sponsor has several savings accounts you can submit all of them but please circle the different bank account numbers to help us understand.
Please note a name must appear on the bank statement. It can be from several accounts owing to the same guarantor or from 2 different accounts from 2 guarantors.
Only liquid assets will be considered. The visa center needs to know the provenance of the income, and the lifestyle of the sponsor (debit habits) that is why the 3 last bank statements are asked and we don’t accept a new bank account.
Loan: Certificate from the bank for a student loan.
Scholarship: Attestation with the amount of the length.
Our advice
The best way to avoid a refusal at the visa center is to have a complete file and valid documents. If they ask you for a proof of resource of 615€/month for your first year in France, you need to prove this money is saved. If they ask you to have accommodation for your stay in France, don’t book a hotel.
The French government wants to avoid issues by having students in complicated situations, with no money or homeless while they are in France. They will only accept serious students, conscientious of the cost of the life in France and with a credible plan for them to be able to live in this country!
With Feel Francais help, you can relieve your stress and anxiety, we are in charge! We will do the process for your visa with you, validate your documents, find you accommodation, and refund 100% of your lawyer fees if your visa is rejected, to appeal!
Don’t hesitate to book your free appointment so we can prepare together your arrival in France!
