France Visa Guidelines

The Padnos International Center (PIC) provides the general information below as a service to GVSU students. We strive to maintain accurate information regarding visa procedures, however, changes to policies and procedures may occur frequently without our knowledge. Students are responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa for their program and must consult the consulate for the most up to date information on application procedures.

Please look over the visa information carefully and do not delay, as visa procedures are time sensitive.

You will be required to make an appointment with the TLS Centre in Chicago (or any of the other TLS French visa processing centers located throughout the United States) in order to apply for your visa. The longer you wait to make this appointment, the fewer options you may have.


Do I need a visa?	All students participating in study abroad programs in France longer than 90 days are required to apply for a student visa
Processing Time and Visa Appointment	Campus France 3 week minimum* TLS Centre 1-4 weeks The total processing time is usually 7-10 weeks but it can take longer if you run into issues or problems with your application All applicants must make an appointment to appear in person at a TLS Centre (nearest in Chicago) to receive a visa. *There is a 3-day expedited Campus France Service available for $430. If students are finding themselves behind in the process of applying for their visa, they may want to utilize this service.
Application Instructions	Step-By-Step Instructions You must complete the Campus France online application process before completing your visa application. Visit Campus France for a complete overview of the application process. You can also view Campus France student visa guidelines for more instructions. It is very important that you carefully follow ALL OF THE STEPS listed in the Campus France application process. If you do not mail your confirmation of payment ($270 – subject to change at any time), you *will not be approved* by Campus France to apply for the student visa. The Campus France process takes a minimum of 3 weeks unless you pay for expedited 3-day service. Schedule your in person visa appointment at the TLS Centre. Once you have secured an appointment, you need to print your appointment confirmation and bring it with you on the day of your appointment. Your visa appointment must occur within 90 days of your official program start date listed on your acceptance letter from the institution in France. If your appointment is scheduled for an earlier date, you will not be granted a visa. Visa applications can take up to 4 weeks to process. You need to schedule your appointment for a date that is at least 4 weeks prior to your intended departure. You do NOT need to wait until the Campus France process is completed to schedule your appointment. For students going abroad in the fall, your appointment must be scheduled for a date no later than August 1. For students going abroad in the winter, your appointment must be scheduled for a date no later than December 10. Once you send your payment to Campus France, you can start your visa application on the France Online Visa Application website. Students are encouraged to start this process early so that they have plenty of time to complete the visa process. Download the printable France Visa Checklist for more information.
Estimated Cost	Campus France $270 Student Visa Processing Fee 99 Euros (only debit/credit card accepted) TLS Centre Appointment Fee - 45 Euros for short stay visas 220 Euros for long stay visas. Must be paid within 72 hours to confirm your appointment, must be paid in USD and is non-refundable if you cancel your appointment. Return Courier Service $40 (purchased at TLS Centre) OFII 55 Euro Value Added Services at TLS - Premium Lounge, Apply Anywhere, Prime Time Appointments, Form Assistance, etc. TLS Services: photocopies - $1, passport photos - $12, Printing - $1
Nearest Consulate or Embassy	TLS Centre in Chicago - Map Expansive Superior Office 100B, 1st floor 405 West Superior Street Chicago IL 60654 Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm Prime Time Appointments: Monday to Friday 7:30am-8:30am Please Note: The nearest French consulate is also located in Chicago but is no longer processing visa applications as of May 2018.
Contact Information	Call Center: 305-602-5861- Monday to Friday 8:30am-3:30pm TLS Contact Form - for an email response Please contact the Padnos International Center for assistance with complex visa questions.
Additional Information	The Campus France Application can be started immediately after you receive your acceptance letter. The interview through TLS can happen no sooner than 90 days before your official program start date. You are required to register and validate your visa within your first three months in France to maintain your legal status.

Page last modified April 4, 2025

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