Immigration Insight — Holiday season French immigration information

It’s that time of year again. Everyone is starting to organise the holiday season, and in the immigration world, this means: does my temporary document authorise me to travel abroad?

Here’s a quick guide to the temporary documents issued by the French prefecture and the rights they grant, to help you plan your holiday season.

Temporary documents via the ANEF platform

Since 2020, France has used an online platform (ANEF) for residence permit applications. Submitting your application through ANEF can result in one of the following documents:

1. Attestation de dépôt
   • Issued when the application is submitted.
   • Confirms the application has been filed.
   • The holder must have a valid visa or residence permit to stay and travel.
   • If the visa or permit expires before processing is complete, an attestation de prolongation d’instruction will be issued.
2. Attestation de prolongation d’instruction This depends on whether the application is for:
   • A first stay permit: Does not authorise travel abroad or re-entry to France.
   • A renewal of a stay permit: Extends the right to stay, authorises travel across Schengen borders, and permits re-entry to France.
3. Attestation de décision favorable Issued after application approval, while waiting for the residence card to be printed. Two types exist:
   • For a first stay permit.
   • For a renewal of a stay permit (valid only when accompanied by your previous visa or residence permit).

Temporary documents via the prefecture

For applications not handled through ANEF, one of the following documents may be issued after submitting your application and fingerprints at the prefecture:

1. Récépissé
   Two types exist:
   • For a first stay permit: does not authorise travel.
   • For a renewal of a stay permit: authorises travel across Schengen borders.
2. Autorisation provisoire de séjour (APS)
   • Valid for up to six months and renewable.
   • Authorises re-entry to France if you travel abroad.

Note: Ensure the prefecture issues the correct document. You may be handed a récépissé instead of an autorisation provisoire de séjour.

Key considerations for holiday travel

• If your temporary document does not authorise travel, consider exploring destinations within France for your holiday.
• Alternatively, invite family from abroad to visit you. If they need a visa, plan ahead to ensure timely application.

For further questions, contact the French immigration team at immigration.france@santaferelo.com.