FAQ - Alumni Visa / 5-year validity short-stay visa [fr]
For Indian post-graduates who have studied in France
Who is eligible for this 5-year validity short-stay visa?
Indian nationals who have obtained a Master’s or higher degree, regardless of the country in which the degree was obtained (France, India, or a third country) and regardless of the year in which the degree was obtained, provided that the applicant has studied for at least one semester in France during their university studies (including before obtaining their Master’s degree).
Only alumni of Indian nationality may apply for this visa through a VFS centre. It will be processed by one of the French consulates in India (consular section in New Delhi, consulates general in Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai and the Bureau de France in Chennai).
This visa can be issued only to alumni, and not to their family members.
What is meant by "at least one semester of study in France"?
It refers to a semester of study that is part of an academic programme for which a student - long-stay visa (VLS-TS or VLS-T) of at least 4 months has been issued.
What documents do I need to apply for a 5-year validity visa?
You need to make an appointment with VFS and visit the VFS application centre, providing the following supporting documents:
- All the documents required to apply for a short-stay visa - tourist/private or business. For an exhaustive list, please refer to the France Visas page.
To prove my alumni status:
- a copy of the Master’s (or higher) degree you obtained (in France, India, or a third country)
- proof of having completed at least one semester of studies in France, for example by providing a certificate issued by the French institution attesting to the completion of your academic stay
- as far as possible, a document certifying the duration of the academic stay in the said academic institution in France
What type of visa will be issued to me?
You will be issued a multiple-entry short-stay visa with a maximum validity of 5 years. The duration of the short-stay visa issued will depend on the expiry date of your travel document. Please note that long-validity visas are issued only by 12-month periods. Your travel document must have a residual validity of at least 3 months after the expiry date of the visa you are issued.
This visa does not allow you to work in France or look for a job.
How does it differ from a “post-study” visa?
Post-study visas are issued to students who have just obtained a Master’s degree in France and wish to stay on to look for a job or set up their own business.
One can apply for the "post-study" visa if one holds a Master’s or higher degree obtained in France. This visa entitles the holder to a long-stay visa for a period of one year, renewable once, for a total of two years. One can apply for this long-stay visa - work - business creation / job search - at a VFS centre in India within 4 years of having obtained the Master’s degree in France.
Documents to be provided:
- All the documents needed to apply for a long-stay visa - work - business creation/job search. For an exhaustive list, please refer to the France Visas page.
To prove that you are an alumnus with at least a Master’s degree obtained in France:
- Copy of your residence permit bearing the word(s) “étudiant” ("student") or “étudiant – programme de mobilité” ("student - mobility programme"), which you were issued when you obtained your degree in France, or, failing this, any document proving the possession of this residence permit.
- Copy of the degree obtained within the four years preceding your application, at least equivalent to a Master’s degree.
- If applicable, proof of plans to set up a business in a field related to your education.