Administrative formalities : residing in France

Find all the administrative informations about your stay in France (Visa, resident card…)

Student Visa

After completion of the pre-enrolment process, the ILCF will send you a pre-enrolment certificate. This document will be needed to obtain a student visa. Any student staying longer than 3 months in France or wishing to benefit from student status must take the first administrative steps by addressing the French Embassy or French Consulate in their own country.
Our Institute is a member of the Campus France network. Do not hesitate to contact them for more information on the visa process.

A tourist visa can never be turned into a student visa. The student visa cannot be obtained in France after arrival

VISA Refusal

If the visa is denied by the country of origin and if the student provides us with the original of the official document confirming the refusal, the deposit will be reimbursed, except for 150 euros to cover administrative costs. The reimbursement will only take place if the ILCF administration is made aware of the situation by a written document at the latest 8 days before the classes begin. After that period, the totality of the payment will be kept by the ILCF.

Other cases

Pre-registered or registered students who decide to cancel or quit will not be refunded. The whole payment already settled will remain the property of the ILCF (see general terms and conditions available online www.ilcf.net).

Cancellation policy

Pre-registered or registered students who decide to cancel or quit will not be refunded. The whole payment already settled will remain the property of ILCF.

Visa validation / Resident card

Upon arrival, you must validate your visa on this website:

For the renewal of the residence permit, you must compile a file and go to the Rhône prefecture.

Complementary administrative steps

Mandatory health insurance

Upon your arrival, for a stay longer than 90 days, you have to subscribe to the French health insurance for free, online via the following link:

Students from the European Union shall bring their European Health Insurance Card issued in their own country.

For stays shorter than 90 days, we recommend you to subscribe to your own private health insurance.