Do I need a visa to learn French in France?

Before to book a French language course in France, especially if you plan to study French during a few months, ask yourself the question:
– Do I need a visa to learn French in France?
– How can I get a visa for my French language course in France?

Depending on your country of origin and the duration of your stay in France, you might need a visa to come to France. Especially if you plan to study French at ACCORD Paris during a few months. First of all, please verify whether you need a visa on the official France-Visas website.

Step 1
Check if you need a visa or not
The official France-Visas website helps you gather the information you will need before submitting your visa application online.
The visa wizard will help you determine, depending on your situation, the visa requirements as well as the visa fees and required supporting documents.

Check which authority is approved to receive your visa application.
In addition to providing important general information, this link on France-Visas website offers specific pages related to your place of residence so that you can access the most accurate information for your visa application.

Step 2
Set up your online application
To submit a visa application, you must provide at least the following :
– a travel document (original + copy) in good condition, issued less than 10 years ago, with at least two blank pages, which is valid for at least three months on the date on which the requested visa expires.
– 2 recent ID pictures in ISO/IECI format (.PDF)
– The supporting documents (originals and copy) depending on your situation and your plan to learn French in France.
– Your application fees are due upon filing.

Do I need a visa to learn French in France?
If your home country is eligible, you must fill out the online application form. You will be guided through the whole process by on-screen explanations.
Before validating and printing out your application, you will be asked to create a personal account that includes your email address in order to save your partially- or fully-completed form. After this step, you will receive the list of required supporting documents and have the opportunity to book your appointment.

Tutorial: How to create your account
Tutorial : Fill online your visa application form

Step 3
Book your appointment
You will find all the necessary details to make an appointment on the country of application page.

Step 4
Submit your application
Important: You must attend your appointment with all the required documents. Also bring a copy of each document, including the passport and a copy of its ID pages.

Step 5
Track your application

Do I need a visa to learn French in France?

Very important: you need to have all requested documents for visa application in your possession when you attend your appointment. You can check all the details with the French Embassy or Consulate and CAMPUS France agency in your country.

What is CAMPUS France?
Campus France is the French national agency to promote higher education in France to international students.
Find HERE the CAMPUS France office/agency in your country.

Can I apply for a student visa in France by registering in your school?
Yes, as our French Language School in Paris is recognised as an “Institute of Higher Education” and as we are a CAMPUS France member, you can apply for a student visa when registering for one of our French language courses.

Important: Please note that in order to apply for a student visa, it is generally required you book an Intensive French language course of minimum 20h/week, but in a few countries a Semi-intensive French course of 15h/week is accepted. Before to contact us and to enrol in a French course, please check this, information with the French Embassy and the CAMPUS France agency in your country.

Don’t hesitate to contact ACCORD now!