Immigration terms + steps after arriving in France

Campus France, VFS, the embassy, translators, OFII/visa validation, insurance, CAF, housing guarantees and residence terms

A very quick roadmap (so you don't get lost)

Before the trip: Campus France / admission / translations / VFS / visa

First days after arrival: SIM card + address/housing certificate + home insurance

First weeks: bank account + RIB + submitting/handling university paperwork

Within 3 months: visa validation (OFII online)

After that: insurance (Ameli/CPAM) + CAF + residence steps (Préfecture)

1) What is Campus France?

Campus France is an official body for managing/guiding student files (especially for certain routes and processes). Many questions about completing your file, amendments and specific details can be asked directly to Campus France advisors.

Campus France advisors and phone hours

Sunday to Thursday: 10 to 13

Sunday: Ms. Mirzapour

Monday: Ms. Milani

Tuesday: Mr. Majlesi

Wednesday: Mr. Haghani

Thursday: Ms. Zandieh

Phone number:

Campus France file fee: According to your information, currently €250 (always check the official website too for exact, up-to-date prices).

Note: for more specific questions, talk directly to Campus France advisors; the phone number/further details are usually on the Campus France website.

2) What is VFS? (The go-between you and the embassy)

VFS usually acts as the go-between and document reception center; meaning it receives your documents, gives you an appointment, collects fees and forwards your file to be reviewed by the embassy/consulate.

Fees (according to your information)

Court Séjour - Etudiant (under 3 months):

Long Séjour - Etudiant (over 3 months):

Court/Long Séjour - Scientifique (with Convention d'Accueil):

Long Séjour - Famille de Scientifique/Etudiant (accompanying family):

3) What exactly does the embassy do?

The embassy/consulate is usually the final authority reviewing your file and deciding whether to issue or refuse the visa. Often you only find out the result once you get your passport back.

4) Official translator, embassy-trusted translator, sworn translator: the differences

Which translator you need depends on where the translation will be used

For the French embassy in Iran (while you're in Iran): an embassy-trusted translator (usually no extra certification needed)

For offices and institutions inside France (once you're in France): a sworn translator in France (Traducteur assermenté)

Note: "France is full of exceptions", and in some places things may work out without a sworn translator, but common sense says don't take the risk and stick to the standard route.

Main documents you'll often need in France

Translation of the birth certificate (very important)

Translation of academic documents for final enrollment

Translation of the driving license + the original license (for driving)

Links

List of embassy-trusted translators (embassy source): View the embassy's official list

List (per your message – Telegram): Embassy-trusted translators in Iran

Sample list of sworn translators in France: Sworn translator (sample)

A few trusted translators (per your information)

5) Steps for the first days after arrival

SIM card

The first practical step is usually getting a SIM card (at the airport, at a tabac shop, or from carriers like Orange, etc.). Since you don't have a bank account yet, it's better to first get a prepaid/no-commitment line (Sans engagement).

House keys, home insurance, certificate

To get the keys to your home/dormitory, you usually need home insurance.

Attestation de logement (housing certificate) — get it and make several copies (you'll need it a lot).

If you're in a dormitory, get the housing certificate + (if available) the CAF certificate from the dormitory manager.

6) Bank account and RIB (in reality: it can be hard)

Opening an account can be hard for some Iranians; if one branch refuses, try other branches of the same bank.

Banks that are usually better, based on what you said

Once your account is open, you'll get a document called. Get several copies, since you'll need it for CAF, insurance, etc.

If no bank will open an account for you, there's the Banque de France (central bank) route, which can help.

7) Visa validation (OFII online)

If your visa is a Long séjour and you're staying more than 3 months, you must validate your visa in France. You have 3 months to do this.

Official website:

You'll need: email, visa information, arrival date, address

Payment: bank card or buying a stamp at a Tabac

Student visa fee (per your information): €50

Important points you mentioned (very critical)

Recently, when confirming the visa type, a code is required: if your visa shows R311-36 or R431-16, enter that. If it shows E1 VLSTS and the visa is from after 2021, choose R431-16.

Be sure to write down the website's username/password. Your username is your numero etranger, and you'll need it for renewal.

8) Student health insurance (Ameli / CPAM) + CSS

Recommendation: apply for insurance as soon as possible after arrival, since the process can take a long time. Basic insurance (insurance number) + supplementary CSS insurance.

Step 1: Uploading documents (insurance number)

Website:

Important note: per your information, at first the insurance number may be issued even without bank documents.

Women's insurance numbers start with 2 and men's with 1.

Step 2: Creating an Ameli account

Website:

For a new password you may need to visit or call CPAM.

National phone number:

English-language line:

Supplementary CSS insurance (low income)

Per your information: as soon as you get your insurance number, you can apply for CSS and don't need to wait for the Vitale card.

Online via Ameli: Mes démarches → Demande de Complémentaire santé solidaire

Or a paper form dropped in the CPAM mailbox + an explanatory letter

Channel links

Insurance guide (1)

Insurance guide (2)

CMUC/CSS form/guide

9) What is CAF, and what do we need for the housing benefit?

CAF is an organization that (if you're eligible) pays part of your rent as a benefit. The amount depends on your file's conditions.

You mentioned: coverage can be around 30 to 70% (the exact amount varies per person).

Sample official form

Form link (pdf):

Download the CAF form

Common documents (a practical checklist)

Passport + visa / residence permit (if you have one)

Attestation de logement (housing certificate)

Bank RIB

University enrollment / certificate of enrollment (if available)

Sometimes: translation of the birth certificate

Practical note: many people prepare the file in person/on paper and drop it in the CAF mailbox, then a username and password are sent and they track it through the app.

10) Housing guarantees: Visale, GarantMe and home insurance

Home insurance

Home insurance is usually needed to get your keys and sign the lease. (Students have various options such as ADH / SMENO, etc.)

What is GarantMe?

GarantMe is a rental guarantee service. Per your information, to get GarantMe you need to provide a real guarantor (they can even be in Iran).

Website:

3 steps: your information → guarantor's information → document upload

Usually no fee is charged until you book/sign the lease

The final fee amount depends on the rent (rent + charges)

11) Important residence terms: Préfecture, Récépissé, Prolongation, Decision favorable

What is the Préfecture?

The Préfecture is a government office (prefecture) through which many residence matters (residence card, renewal, receipts, etc.) are handled (in person or online depending on the city).

What do Prolongation / Récépissé / Attestation de décision favorable mean?

Prolongation sometimes, instead of a new card, a temporary/administrative extension is given.

Récépissé a temporary receipt/document while your residence file is being reviewed.

Attestation de décision favorable means a positive decision has been made, but the actual card/document isn't ready yet.

A very important point you mentioned: these kinds of documents are usually only valid together with your previous, expired document. Read the text on the document itself carefully (your rights are printed in bold).

Travel note: experiences with traveling on a "decision favorable" vary; it's better not to book short connections and to leave extra time.

New note: some newer versions now include a QR code that shows information when scanned.

12) University enrollment and commonly needed documents

Final enrollment (Inscription administrative)

Getting your student card

Certificate of enrollment (Attestation de scolarité) — get several copies (you'll need it a lot)

Set up a document folder: keep a scan + a copy of everything you receive