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WE GIVE TIPS ON ONLINE CARTE DE SÉJOUR APPLICATIONS AND WHAT TO DO IF THINGS GO WRONG Several readers have raised concerns about the process of obtaining a French residency card to prolong a
long-stay visa. One said he applied online three months ago but since then has had no further contact and is still waiting for an appointment to present his documentation. He is worried as
his visa is about to expire. Here, we recap how the process should work and possible avenues in the event of issues. Many readers come on a _visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour_
(VLS-TS), which has to be ‘validated’ in the first three months HERE: _je valide mon VLS-TS_. In most cases an application for a card is at the same address: _je demande ou renouvelle un
titre de séjour_. In the case of a ‘visitor’ visa – often used by retirees – apply two to four months before it expires. You will need your _numéro d’étranger_, also called _numéro AGDREF_
(_application de gestion des dossiers des ressortissants étrangers en France_). This can be found at the top of the _attestation de visa de long séjour_, which you should receive after
validation. Some prefectures, responsible for processing applications and cards, have digital help desks. For contact details, see INTERIEUR.GOUV.FR/LE-MINISTERE/PREFECTURES. Click the area
and the Marianne logo, then see_ Horaires et coordonnées or Prendre un rendez-vous_. You are asked to attach supporting documents in digital format so you should not have to take them in.
After applying, you will receive an_ attestation de dépôt_. In a further stage, if the dossier is deemed ‘complete’, you should, if you applied in time, receive an _attestation de
prolongation de l’instruction de la demande de carte de séjour_, giving an extra three months’ residency. This also applies to an_ attestation de décision favorable_, which confirms a card
will be issued. These, and any requests for extra documents, will be sent via your personal space on the site, so do check this regularly. The site has a contact section, located by
scrolling down, and a helpline on 0806 001 620. Avenues for urgent help include your consulate, immigrants’ association GISTI.ORG, an immigration lawyer, or the _Défenseure des droits_.
RELATED ARTICLES AS REGULAR VISITORS TO FRANCE, DO WE HAVE CORRECT RESIDENCY CARD? EXPLAINER: COMMON VISA OPTIONS FOR VISITING AND MOVING TO FRANCE CAN WE RENEW A CARTE DE SÉJOUR ONLINE IN
FRANCE?
