22 April, 2024
Extended Residency Requirements: Under the new law, immigrants who are not in employment will now have to wait five years to become eligible for the main housing aid, known as APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement). This is a significant increase from the previous requirements. For those who are employed, the residency requirement for housing aid has been set at three months.
Family Allowances: Similar to housing aid, the eligibility for family allowances has also been tightened. Immigrants who do not work will need to have resided in France for five years before they can receive family allowances, whereas those who are employed will be eligible after 30 months of residence in France.
Impact on International Students: While the new law imposes stricter conditions on general immigrants, it specifically exempts foreign students from these changes regarding housing benefits. International students can still receive housing benefits with their student visa, which helps mitigate some of the financial burdens associated with studying abroad.
Extended Residency Requirements
Housing Aid (APL)
Non-employed immigrants: Must wait 5 years to become eligible for the main housing aid (APL)
Employed immigrants: Residency requirement set at 3 months
Family Allowances
Non-employed immigrants: 5-year residency requirement
Employed immigrants: 30-month residency requirement
Impact on International Students
Despite the stricter conditions for general immigrants, the law maintains some provisions for international students:
Housing benefits: International students remain exempt from the new residency requirements and can still receive housing benefits with their student visa
Additional Measures
The law also introduces:
A deposit requirement for student visa applications
Potential increases in tuition fees for non-EU students
Annual proof of enrollment in a "real and serious" study program for multi-year student residency permit holders
Concerns and Reactions
Leaders of top French business schools have expressed concerns about the law's potential impact on France's international competitiveness and attractiveness to foreign students.
Important Links
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