France extends validity of visas and residence permits

France has decided to extend – for another 3 months – the validity of visas and residence permits that had an expiration date between March 16 and May 15, 2020. This has been done in view of the COVID-19 situation worldwide. 

According to Article 24 of Ordinance No. 2020-460 of April 22, 2020 on various measures taken to deal with the COVID-19 epidemic, the period of validity of residence documents that have “expired between March 16 and May 15, 2020, is extended by 180 days”. 

Article 24 replaces the 90 days’ extension granted through Ordinance No. 2020-328 of March 25, 2020. 

Visas and residence permits that have now been extended to 180 days as per Ordinance 2020-460 are – 

“1. Long stay visas;

2. Residence permits, with the exception of those issued to foreign diplomatic and consular staff;

3. Temporary residence permits;

4. Receipts for requests for residence permits.”

Initially, the decision for extending the validity of stay for individuals currently stranded in France due to COVID-19 special measures was taken after the French President Emanuel Macron referred to the pandemic as a “health war”. 

Despite the Coronavirus pandemic, the European Union and Member States are looking forward for the lifting of COVID-19 special measures and the resumption of cross-border operations. A strategy has been developed by the EU in this regard as well. 

As per the EU, the specific guidelines will be set out by mid-May for the resumption of tourism. 

If you are currently in France on a short-stay visa that is to expire soon and you are unable to return to your home country – either because of the suspension of flights or as that country has banned entry – you can get an extension of up to 90 days of your short-stay visa. You can also apply for a provisional residence permit. 

Do keep in mind that for the extension to be granted, you must have a case of justified urgency. Contact the prefecture in the area that you are living in France. 

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate Overseas, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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