Online process to replace stickers for foreign residents

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? French immigration authorities plan to introduce an online process for foreign nationals to validate their visas when they arrive, instead of obtaining a sticker.

What does the change mean? Foreign employees and assignees will no longer need to book an appointment and physically collect their sticker from the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII).

• Implementation time frame: March 1, 2019.
• Visas/permits affected: French Long Stay Visa equivalent to residence permit (Visa Long Séjour Valant Titre de Séjour “VLS-TS”).
• Next steps: The online system is expected to launch March 1, and guidance on the new procedures will follow.

Background: Foreign nationals intending to stay in France for longer than three months and less than 12 months must validate their visas when they arrive. Under the current process, the OFII provides an appointment and individuals must collect their stickers in person.

Analysis & Comments: The change coming in March should allow foreign employees to validate their visas more efficiently by confirming their arrival date and their address in France via a dedicated website. French immigration authorities are only expected to release details on the new process once the system is in place.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.