French Visa Application and Process for Pakistani Students

Are you a Pakistani student desiring to pursue your education in France? Although the prospect of studying in a country known for its prestigious academic institutions can be both exciting and overwhelming at a time. Yet, navigating the procedure of acquiring a student visa may seem like a daunting task.

Rest assured, I would guide you through the French student visa application and process particularly tailored for Pakistani students. With the right information and appropriate preparation, you can set off on your educational journey in France with conviction and peace of mind. So let’s begin:

Step 1: Create an Account on Etudes En France Website

Visit the Etudes En France website and create an account. Choose, I am selected from the tab. Fill in all the required details about yourself, including your previous education, moreover, submit the mandatory documents such as your passport and transcripts. Note that this step is crucial to obtain your Campus France ID or EEF number which will determine the type of visa you will be eligible for based on your requirements, such as a 3-month or 6-month visa.

Knowledge Tip: Etudes En France (EEF) means “Studies in France”.

Step 2: Application Review Process

Once you have submitted your application on the Etudes En France website, it will undergo a review process, usually taking up to a week. You will get an email regarding the status of your application after the review is completed, you will be able to download the EEF document as well.

Step 3: Begin Application on the French Visa Embassy Official Website

After your application is reviewed and approved, you can initiate the visa application process on the official website of the French Embassy for your visa appointment. Now, here you will need your EEF number and confirmation letter from the university to roll over with this step along with other personal details and accommodation details.

Step 4: Visa Appointment and Interview Date

To schedule your visa appointment and interview date, visit the nearby AEG Travel Centers (Karachi, Islamabad, Multan, Lahore) after obtaining your EEF number and confirmation letter from the university. Show your passport, EEF number, and confirmation letter at the centre.

Then, depending on the city, you will be asked to pay service charges ranging from 2500-3500 PKR. They will provide you with an appointment date for your visa interview. In case you want an earlier appointment, you can also request it by emailing the Islamabad Embassy, citing the urgency of your student visa application at [email protected].

Step 5: Fill out the Online Form on Campus France Website

Now, it’s time to fill in your basic information on the Campus France website by finishing the online form. This step administers providing your important details for the visa application process.

You may also be interested in reading about How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

Accommodation Arrangements

In between the process, remember that for scholarship students, accommodation arrangements may vary. If you are fully funded, you can contact the program coordinator and request a letter explaining the accommodation arrangement status or confirmation that accommodation expenses will be covered. Ask for a document articulating this arrangement, which you can then present to the institute to avoid accommodation charges.

In case you require to manage your accommodation independently, you can attach an explanatory letter explaining your plan for reserving accommodation in the future. You must book your accommodation in advance. I would suggest the following two websites:

• StudaPart
• LivinFrance

Nevertheless, my advice would be to opt for student housing companies such as CROUS as they are much more reliable and cheaper. The above-mentioned private housing sites may have scam listings as well and may become too expensive.

If your appointment date is very near and you are unable to secure housing through the above methods, then the best option in that situation would be to book an apartment using Airbnb or Booking.com.

Step 6: Complete Campus France Application

Now, complete the French Visa Process application on the official website, reviewing the information thoroughly making sure that you are not making any mistakes. Once reviewed, submit the application and pay the visa fee (not applicable for scholars).

Step 7: Sending Documents to the French Embassy

Approximately 15 days before your interview, send the required documents to the French Embassy by email. AEG will provide you with a list of documents and the address where you are supposed to send them. Make sure to keep a photocopy of the receipt received from AEG, along with a scanned copy of your entire passport, front and back of CNIC, CV, admission confirmation letter, letter of motivation, scholar document (if applicable), and previous degrees and transcripts. You can post the documents to the embassy. I used TCS which worked well for me.

Step 8: Documents for Appointment Date

Along with the documents sent earlier, you will need to include the Campus France visa completed document with the attached registration receipt, EEF certificate, three photographs, and an accommodation letter. However, if you are self-financing, you must provide a bank statement along with the visa fee deposit.

It is not required to provide additional documents such as proof of health insurance coverage or any other document for the visa process. These additional documents may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the requirements set by the French Embassy. However, you may take the following documents and submit them just for the safe side even though they are not required which I also submitted:

• IBCC 10th/12th Equivillance Certificate
• Academic and Professional Reference Letters submitted to Erasmus Programme
• Domicile Certificate issued by local government

Once you have collected all the necessary documents, make sure to inspect them thoroughly for accuracy and completeness. It is advisable to keep copies of all your documents for your own records. You may watch the following video for more clarity.

In the last, it would be a vital step if you stay updated with any changes or updates in the visa application process. Check the official websites of Campus France, the French Embassy, and other relevant authorities regularly for any updates or announcements. Also, reach out to your university or program coordinator for guidance and support throughout the application process.

Step 9: Relax and Wait

Lastly, the most unsettling step is to wait and the best way is to not think much about it. It takes from 4 days to 1 month through the first-hand experiences of my fellows and acquaintances. However, there is nothing to stress as the acceptance rate for French visas for Pakistani students is very high, especially for scholarship holders.

Navigating the French student visa application process can seem overwhelming, but with attentive preparation and compliance with the aforementioned steps, you are on your way to pursuing your educational journey in France. I wish you the best of luck for your upcoming visa interview. Approach it with confidence, present your documents with clarity, and let your passion for learning shine through. With determination and the right preparation, you are well-equipped to succeed. Bonne chance!