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Home/Guides/First Visa Application

First Titre de Séjour from VLS-TS: Complete Guide for France

If you arrived in France on a VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour), your visa acts as your residence permit for its first year. However, you must validate it online within 3 months of arrival through the ANEF platform — missing this deadline can make your stay irregular. After validation, you will attend an OFII integration appointment including a medical exam and a French civic values session.

Cost

350 € (tax 300 € + stamp 50 €)

Processing Time

3–6 months

Difficulty

Difficult

Required Documents

  • Valid passport (original + photocopy)

    Required

  • Long-stay visa (VLS-TS)

    Required

  • OFII attestation form

    Required

  • Proof of address (less than 3 months old)

    Required

  • Identity photos (3 recent photos, ICAO standard)

    Required

  • Birth certificate (translated and apostilled)

    Required

  • Proof of income

    Required

  • Health insurance certificate

    Required

  • Work contract (contrat de travail)

    Optional

  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)

    Optional

  • University enrollment certificate

    Optional

Step-by-Step Process

  1. 1

    Validate your VLS-TS visa online

    Official Website
  2. 2

    Pay the OFII tax

  3. 3

    Complete the OFII medical exam

  4. 4

    Attend the OFII appointment

  5. 5

    Receive your validated visa

  6. 6

    Apply for titre de séjour before visa expiry

Practical Tips

Validate your VLS-TS online within the first 3 months of arrival. This is not optional — failure to do so puts you in an irregular situation.

The OFII medical exam is basic (chest X-ray, vision, general check) and free. Bring your passport, visa, and 4 passport photos.

Keep a paper copy of your OFII validation confirmation (attestation de validation) at all times. Some banks and landlords will ask for it.

Start gathering documents for your first titre de séjour renewal at least 5 months before your VLS-TS expires.

If you change address during your first year, update it on the ANEF portal immediately — OFII correspondence goes to your registered address.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a VLS-TS and a titre de séjour?
A VLS-TS is a long-stay visa that doubles as your residence permit for the first year. After that first year, you apply for an actual carte de séjour (residence card) to continue living in France.
What happens if I miss the 3-month validation window?
Your stay becomes irregular, which can cause problems with employers, banks, and future visa renewals. Contact your prefecture immediately to regularize your situation.
Is the OFII appointment mandatory?
Yes. The OFII integration process (including medical exam and civic training) is required for most VLS-TS holders. Missing it can jeopardize your residence status.
Can I work before my VLS-TS is validated?
If your visa stamp says "autorise son titulaire à travailler," you can work immediately upon entry. Validation does not affect your right to work, but employers may request proof of validation.

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