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France has become one of the top study abroad destinations among international students because of its world-class infrastructure, student-friendly policies along with the high-quality education offered.  International students wanting to enter France for education would require to apply for a France student Visa. 

Students on successful possession of an admission letter from any French university are required to submit their application for a France Student Visa. While most of the decisions on the student visas are out within the set time limit, at times the student visa process can take longer to process, and other times the visa application may get rejected.  In this article, we will present to you the reasons for visa rejection and what is the next step you have to take.

France Student Visa Rejection: Reasons and appeals 

France student visa rejection reasons

France student visa rejection rate is not very high, but there can be chances of rejections. Before appealing for a re-decision, you must know the reason for this rejection. There are several possible reasons for this. Here are some of them:

Insufficient funds

Students going to France are required to present evidence of sufficient funds available to pay for their tuition fees, living costs, and every other necessary expenditure while living in the country. By law, students would be required to show funds that cover their tuition and living expenses for a year or for the entire duration of the course (whichever is longer). Indeed, the French Consulate will not allow entry into France for a long stay to someone who does not justify the resources that allow him/her to have a decent standard of living.  You are advised to show more funds than the requisite amount by the authorities as this gives confidence to the profile of the student.

Inadequate or fake documents

Along with the Visa Application form, Students are expected to submit supporting documents to make their application stronger. Students should never provide documents that are fake or include forged signatures or fake proofs. Their visa application form is bound to be rejected as the authorities will find out eventually about the ill practice adopted by the student. You should be extra careful to note that all the documents required by the agency must be submitted in order and attested if necessary. 

Falling short on academic achievements

Students looking to apply to the universities in France are required to show academic achievements to be able to meet the exceptional academic standards maintained by the country.  If students are not able to match the France academic standards, it could lead to the rejection of their Student Visa application for France. The student visa can also be rejected if the visa officers feel that the student would not be able to cope with the prevalent education system or the student could experience a language problem once entering the country.

Providing Inaccurate Information

The vital document for the students applying for the France Student Visa is his visa Application Form. A lot of times, Students provide inaccurate information which results in the rejection of their Visa application. The Visa Application Form may not be easy to fill for first-timers and you may misinterpret questions. Hence, the chances are high of making an error and this should be avoided under all circumstances. Fill the visa application form with correct details without mistakes.

Language Barrier 

A lot of the universities in France would require students to know the basics of the French language. Universities and colleges that teach in the English language would require students to know English. If the visa officers feel like your language skills are not up to the mark, they might reject your France visa application. 

Know the Host Country & Course

Students would be required to explain their reason to choose France as a destination of choice and a particular course. Failure to explain the study choice in a university adequately showcases a lack of knowledge and intention. This might result in the denial of your visa application. Hence, students need to make sure that they know and provide accurate reasons for choosing France as a study destination above other destinations and they should also have a reason for opting for that particular course.

The Intention of Returning is Paramount 

International students should always have a backup plan ready back in their home country. Students should remember that they are only traveling on a student visa.  So they should convince the visa officers that once the legal tenure of stay is over they will come back. Unable to show an intention that confirms return to their home country after their stay could lead to the cancellation of the application.

Risk of threat to public order, public security, or public health

If you present a risk of threat to public order, public security, or public health this might make your application considered dangerous for France. If you represent a threat to public order or public safety, your visa application will be rejected. For example, if you have any previous criminal convictions. If you are affected by a disease listed on the WHO list, it is also considered as a danger for public health which can result in the rejection of France student visa. 

Lack of interview skills

An interview is extremely vital and is a deciding factor for obtaining France Student Visa. You should be able to exude confidence and charisma at the time of the interview. If you go unprepared or provide uncertain answers you may miss out on the opportunity of obtaining a student visa. You should be prepared with all the information as the interviewer expects the students to be aware of the country, state, city, university, and study programs. You should never portray rude behavior, uncivilized tendencies, or use any harsh words at any point during the interview as any of these would lead to the rejection of your visa application. 

What to do when facing a visa denial?

Now that you know why your visa application was denied, it is time to take action.

Visa denial can be done in two ways:

  • Express visa refusal:  It is expressed if you receive written notification of refusal from the Consulate.
  • Implicit visa refusal: if you do not receive a response within two months of the submission of your request.

In both cases, if you believe that the embassy has made an error in evaluating your profile, you must react quickly.  The French visa authorities are required to state the reasons for their decisions to refuse student visas. 

1. Request for an appeal

If the French visa authorities in your country of residence reject your request for a visa, you can ask them to review their decision. The appeal should be made in the form of a letter to the consular service. You have to explain the reason and attach supporting documents. The appeal must be submitted within 2 months of the visa refusal.

2. Appeal before the Commission 

If the informal appeal against the visa rejection is not accepted, you can appeal to the CRRV, the Commission charged with visa refusal appeals. You must appeal with the registered letter and acknowledgment of receipt to the Commission of Appeal against Visa Refusal.  It must be made within 2  months of the refusal of the visa. You may appeal to the CRRV in person, through a lawyer, or a family member. 

3. Litigation before the administrative courts

If your appeal for visa refusal to the Commission is also rejected, you can appeal against this decision within 2 months.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Does France student visa get rejected?

Many times, if an applicant does not provide proper documentation and gives a poor interview, his/her student visa application can be rejected. If a student Falls short on academic achievements or is unable to provide enough financial proof for sustainability in France, the visa application might be rejected.

What do I do if my French visa is rejected?

Now that you know why your visa application was denied, it is time to take action. If the French visa authorities in your country of residence reject your request for a visa, you can ask them to review their decision. The appeal should be made in the form of a letter to the consular service. You have to explain the reason and attach supporting documents. The appeal must be submitted within 2 months of the visa refusal.

Can I apply for France visa after refusal?

Yes, you can apply for a France visa after the refusal. Make sure you don’t repeat the mistake you made in your first application. Prepare well for the interview and submit proper documentation.

Does France visa get rejected?

Yes, French student visas can get rejected if you are not eligible according to the visa officers. There may be many reasons for the refusal such as Insufficient funds, Inadequate or fake documents, Falling short on academic achievements, Providing Inaccurate Information, Lack of interview skills, etc.

Is it easy to get France student visa?

Yes, it is easy to get a French student Visa. you simply have to follow all the requirements. You can get a student visa either at a French consulate in your country or through Campus France. Some countries require you to register first with Campus France in order to get a student visa. Read more: Student visa for France. 

Conclusion

Apply for a French student visa at least 8 weeks before the planned travel date so that the application procedure is completed on time before the course begins. Do not attempt to submit the application form 3 months in advance of the intended departure date, since it will not be accepted by the authorities.

You should also read the following articles

5 Things to Know about Study in France
Checklist before Going to Study in France
Most Popular Job Sectors in France

Twinkle
About the Author:

Twinkle is an active listener and observer. She has a boundless curiosity to improvise her all-round knowledge. She is always open about her thoughts and her personality is filled with thirst for acquiring knowledge about different fields. Her favourite pastime is to pen down her thoughts and knowledge. Her strength is the simplicity of language yet being artistic.

Categories: France

Tags: Study Abroad

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