Key Takeaways
• VLS-TS Intern visa is mandatory for internships in France exceeding three but no more than six months.
• An official tripartite internship agreement and proof of finances are strict requirements for VLS-TS approval.
• Visa applicants must validate their VLS-TS with OFII within three months of arriving in France.
Embarking on an internship in France 🇫🇷 is a momentous opportunity for countless young people around the world. For those coming from outside the European Union, the Long-Stay Visa equivalent to a Residence Permit (VLS-TS), especially with the intern (stagiaire) category, is the key that unlocks this journey. This guide details everything you need to know to secure a VLS-TS Intern visa—sometimes called the “stagiaire” visa—so you can prepare thoroughly and avoid common pitfalls. As reported by VisaVerge.com, understanding the ins and outs of this process helps ensure a smooth transition to life and work in France 🇫🇷.
Checklist: Key Documents and Steps
Before you begin, collect these documents and remember these important requirements:
- Valid passport (must stay valid at least three months after you leave France)
- Completed visa application form
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Tripartite internship agreement signed by you, your school or employer, and your French host
- Proof of enough money to support yourself
- Proof of accommodation in France 🇫🇷
- Health and repatriation insurance for your stay
- Set of translated copies of all documents in French
Keep this checklist handy so you don’t forget anything crucial when you start your application.
Understanding the VLS-TS Intern Visa (Stagiaire)
The Long-Stay Visa equivalent to a Residence Permit, often called simply the VLS-TS, allows trainees or interns to live in France 🇫🇷 for more than three months. Unlike short-term stays, this visa is both your permit to enter France 🇫🇷 and your legal right to live and intern there during your stay. If your internship is longer than three months but no more than six months, especially if it lasts more than four months, the VLS-TS Intern visa is mandatory. For shorter stays under three months, a regular short-stay (Schengen) visa will be required instead.
The importance of this visa lies both in its function as an entry permit and its role as a temporary residence permit. Once in France 🇫🇷, you do not need to visit the Préfecture for an additional residency card, as long as you follow all required validation steps on arrival.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
To be eligible for the VLS-TS with the Intern (Stagiaire) label, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old: Only adults can apply.
- Hold a valid passport: Your passport must be valid for three months after the end of your planned stay in France 🇫🇷.
- Present an official tripartite internship agreement: The “convention de stage” must be signed by you, your home school (or employer), and your French host organization. This agreement must also be approved by the French administration.
- Show you have enough money: Proof might include recent bank statements, support letters from your parents, or a scholarship notice. The French government wants to see that you can pay for your food, housing, and other basics.
- Secure a place to stay: This can be a hotel booking, university residence, private apartment, or host family confirmation.
- Have insurance for health care and repatriation: A policy that covers medical emergencies and, if needed, return to your home country for the duration of your internship.
If you do not meet all these requirements, your application is very likely to be denied.
Duration and Validity—How Long Can You Stay?
The VLS-TS Intern visa covers internships:
- Lasting more than 3 months and up to 6 months
- For internships longer than 4 months, this is the only valid option
Your visa will state the maximum length of your permitted stay, which lines up with the dates in your tripartite internship agreement. This visa acts as both entry permission and residence status for the whole period stated. It cannot be used after its expiration. If you plan to stay longer, an extension is possible but comes with further paperwork.
Step-by-Step Application Timeline
Applying for the VLS-TS Intern visa involves clear, ordered steps. Here’s what you should do and when to do it.
1. Get Your Internship Agreement in Order (1–2 months before application)
You cannot start a VLS-TS application without an approved convention de stage. This is a three-way contract between:
- Yourself (the intern)
- Your home institution (university or employer)
- The French host institution
It must be signed by all three parties and validated by the proper administrative authority in France 🇫🇷. This step can take a few weeks, so begin preparations well before you intend to apply for the visa.
Tip: If a signature or validation is missing, your visa application will be rejected.
2. Prepare Your Paperwork (2–4 weeks before application)
Gather all the documents from your checklist. Each must be presented in original and with a photocopy. All papers must be in French.
- Make sure your passport will not expire soon.
- Arrange your proof of accommodation. This can be a signed letter from your landlord, a hotel confirmation, or a document from your host family.
- Purchase your health and repatriation insurance to cover all dates in France 🇫🇷.
- Collect recent bank statements or funding letters.
Common Mistake: Missing or outdated documents are the top cause of delays or denials.
3. Online Application—France-Visas Portal (Up to 3 months before your planned entry)
Go online to the official France-Visas website. Use the Visa Assistant to confirm the type of visa you need and create your personal account. Follow the instructions to fill out the application form fully and truthfully.
- Double-check for spelling errors or date mismatches with your internship agreement.
- Print the completed application (in French).
4. Book Your Appointment at the Embassy or Agency (At least 3–4 weeks in advance)
Book an interview at the French consulate, embassy, or an authorized service provider like VFS Global or TLS. Dates fill quickly, especially before school semesters or summer, so reserve early.
- Have all application documents and photocopies organized in a folder.
- Note any local rules for submitting applications—these can vary by country.
Note: If you miss your appointment or someone else attends for you, you may need to restart the process.
5. Attend the Visa Interview and Submit Your Application
Arrive on time for your scheduled appointment.
- Bring your application and all supporting documents.
- Have your passport and extra photos ready.
- Be prepared to pay the visa fee of €99 (plus any extra service provider charges).
- Provide your fingerprints and photo (biometric data) if asked.
- Share details of your travel plan if requested.
Provide honest answers. Lying or missing data leads to denial.
6. Wait for Processing (Usually 2–8 weeks)
The time for processing depends on your country’s consulate and the time of year. You can usually track progress online or through the service provider.
- Most visas are processed within a few weeks.
- Student applicants using Campus France will typically wait about 2 months.
Do not book travel to France 🇫🇷 until you have your visa in hand—unexpected delays happen.
7. Collect Your Visa
Once approved, return to the consulate or service provider to collect your passport with your visa affixed inside. Check the details—start and end dates, name spelling, and visa category.
- If there is a mistake, alert the staff immediately for correction.
- Bring your travel and internship documents when you travel.
Caution: Never attempt to start your internship in France 🇫🇷 without the actual visa stamped in your passport.
8. Validate Your Visa Upon Arrival
On arrival in France 🇫🇷, you must validate your VLS-TS (within the first three months) with the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII). This step is not optional. Visit the OFII website and follow their instructions to register your address and validate your stay.
- This step changes your visa into a residence permit.
- You may be asked to attend an interview or provide biometric data again.
Failure to validate means you are not legally staying in France 🇫🇷, and future visas may be denied.
Fees and Costs
- Visa application fee: €99 (not refundable if denied)
- Service fees: Extra charges may apply if you use VFS Global or TLS services
Plan your finances carefully. The French authorities will not cover these costs even if your application is denied.
Important Tips and Best Practices
- Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin gathering documents and applying as soon as you receive your internship offer.
- Use only official channels: Do not fall for scams or unofficial services. Rely only on the official France-Visas website.
- Translations: If your paperwork is in another language, obtain professional French translations.
- Keep extra copies: Carry both digital and paper copies of your documents while traveling.
- Always be truthful: Inaccurate or dishonest applications may cause bans from future visas.
Special Cases
EU Citizens
If you are a citizen of an EU country, you do not need a Long-Stay Visa or even a residence card for internships up to three months. If your internship is longer or you receive a salary, visit your local Préfecture or Sous-préfecture and apply for a resident card.
Internships Less Than Three Months
Apply for a short-stay Schengen visa instead. The VLS-TS Intern visa is not suitable for short periods.
Extending Your Stay
If your internship is extended, the host organization must secure an amendment—an updated agreement signed by all parties. This amendment must be submitted for validation. If the French administration does not respond within 15 days, the extension is considered accepted automatically.
What Happens After Your Internship?
When your internship ends and your VLS-TS Intern visa expires, you must exit France 🇫🇷 unless you have applied for and received another type of visa or obtained a work or study permit. Overstaying your visa can cause future visa refusals or even bans.
Additional Resources and Where to Get Help
If you encounter problems or have detailed questions, reach out to your local French consulate or embassy promptly. For more information about current forms, requirements, and updates, regularly check the official France-Visas page. Remember, rules may change and local consulates may have extra requirements based on your country.
If your application is denied, you have the right to ask for reasons in writing and, in certain circumstances, to appeal the decision. Seek legal guidance if you consider an appeal.
Final Thoughts
Securing the Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) for interns is a multi-step process requiring preparation, patience, and attention to detail. Fulfilling every requirement is vital for a smooth entry into France 🇫🇷. By carefully following the outlined process, collecting all necessary documents, and double-checking each step, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, the VLS-TS Intern visa is not just a formality—it grants you the freedom to experience life, work, and learning in France 🇫🇷 as an intern.
For further detailed guidance on internships and visas for France 🇫🇷, consult your school’s international office, your host company’s human resources department, or check with the nearest French consular services. With careful planning and smart preparation, you’ll be well on your way to starting your professional adventure in France 🇫🇷.
Learn Today
VLS-TS → A Long-Stay Visa equivalent to a residence permit, allowing stays over three months in France for certain purposes.
Tripartite Internship Agreement → A contract signed by the intern, home institution, and French host, validating the internship arrangement.
OFII → French Office of Immigration and Integration, responsible for visa validation and integration procedures for foreign residents.
Schengen Visa → A short-stay visa allowing up to 90 days’ travel or stay within the Schengen Area, including France.
Repatriation Insurance → Insurance covering emergency medical evacuation and return to the home country during the stay abroad.
This Article in a Nutshell
If you plan to intern in France for over three months, the VLS-TS Intern visa is vital. Follow the necessary steps: obtain your internship agreement, submit correct documents, and promptly validate your visa upon arrival. Preparation ensures not only legal residency but also a smooth, successful, and enriching internship experience in France.
— By VisaVerge.com
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