The CESEDA code for a student permit is Ceseda r431-16 13.

• A valid long-stay visa or residence permit

• Proof of address less than 6 months old

• e-photo: indicate the e-photo code (provided by the photographer or approved photo booth on the photo plate). If you do not yet have an e-photo, you can locate a digital photo and signature service.

• Registration produced by the educational establishment (which may be a public or private higher education establishment) or pre-registration

• Transcripts from the previous year

• Last diploma obtained in France

• Certificate of successful completion issued by the establishment

 

• Proof of income (unless you have a short-stay ‘student competition’ visa), which must be at least €877 per month (from 01/08/2026). It is equivalent to 60 % of the minimum wage (revised annually)

 

• A signed copy of the contract of commitment to respect the principles of the Republic.

You must have at least €877 per month or € 8 770 for the academic year.

• • If you are a French government scholarship holder or a beneficiary of European programmes: proof of this status.
  • If you are a grant holder in your home country: grant certificate from the paying body in your home country specifying the amount and duration of the grant.
  • If you work: your last 3 payslips
  • If you are being taken in charge by a third party: proof of identity of the third party + bank certificates showing that regular transfers have been scheduled (or declaration on your honour that you have paid the sums required to reach the amount of €877/month).
  • If you have sufficient resources: bank statement of sufficient credit balance.

If you have multiple sources of income, you must enclose proof of each source of income.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

• Housing benefit (APL) may be included in the income declared to the prefecture (CAF income). Please note that the regulations will change in the summer of 2026 and many international students will no longer be eligible for housing benefit.
• The RSA income support allowance cannot be taken into account.
• In the case of a bank statement from your home country, a document in French is preferable. If this is not possible, the document must clearly show your full name and the equivalent in euros of the amount held in your account.

A student with free accommodation can provide proof of resources of 500 euros per month or a bank certificate for 5000 euros.
However, it is imperative that the words ‘free of charge’ are indicated on the accommodation certificate.

It is best to make a complete application, but if a document is missing at the time of application (registration certificate for example), you can make an incomplete application. Instead of the missing document, write a letter stating when you will be able to provide the missing document.

If it sees fit, the prefecture will extend your current permit to allow you to finalise your application.

The Vienne Prefecture generally processes applications within 1 to 2 months (if your application is submitted within the legal deadline for renewals = no later than 2 months before the expiry date of your permit in the case of a renewal).

This document is sent to you at the end of the application procedure for a residence permit or permit renewal. It contains your file reference number.

This document is sent to you once the prefecture has approved your application for a residence permit. It has the same value as a residence permit = you can travel and carry out all your formalities while waiting for your residence permit to be issued.

Your residence permit will be ready 3 to 4 weeks after the favourable opinion is issued. You will receive an SMS when it is ready.

It is MANDATORY to collect your permit, otherwise you will not be able to renew it at a later date.

It generally takes 1 month for the card to be produced. If after 6 weeks (or more) you have not received this text message, contact the SURIEE at this address, enclosing your favourable notice or receipt: information-formalitesmigratoires@univ-poitiers.fr