24/09/2024
Question that inspired this post:
Hi all, I am French, and my wife is not. We live in France. Her titre de séjour is expired, and we are having a lot of trouble renewing it.
After marrying me, she had a VLS-TS for the first year, which we then converted to a two-year titre de séjour without any problems.
We applied to renew the titre de séjour as early as possible, in March 2024, ahead of expiry in June 2024. We have all the documents, she is completely in line with OFII, language, medical, you name it. But nothing happened.
The authorities didn't react until we managed to go to the sous-préfecture (Aix-en-Provence, if it matters) in person (among many failed attempts before and since it has to be said) and got an attestation de prolongation in July, which is valid until end-October.
I have tried so many different links, phone numbers, dropping off envelopes, going in person, and other options, but there is no movement. She needs to travel in October-November but can't do so legally until they renew it.
Top Answers
"You could try sending a registered letter to the prefect of your region requesting assistance."
|---> This is exactly what I did for my residence permit...and it worked quite quickly!
|------> Thank you so much! In fact, I have just noticed by calling one of the sub-prefecture's voicemail boxes that they suggest that applicants send a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt. Which I'm going to do quickly, especially since they've been refusing to let people in without an appointment for weeks.
"I spoke with a lawyer from my local Droits des Femmes (I'm American, my husband is French) for the same issue. She told me that if the wait time is longer than six months, you can take it to the administrative tribunal to start a process. Fortunately, a response came just before that - but they asked me for a ton more things (like proof of marriage dating fewer than six months)."
"I was in the same situation with my own renewal and it was confirmed to me by the prefecture and the passport control people at the airport that I can travel with an ADP and an expired Carte.
So if I were you, I’d request another ADP. I think it’s the only way because they are ALWAYS late with these renewals and they keep saying “Everyone waits, you’re not special so we won’t speed anything up for you”."
"Keep turning up in person. I’ve found it’s the most effective approach. And Katya Rudner gave you good advice. We got around the travel issue by flying in and out of Barcelona which is easy for us but not necessarily for many people."
"I’m in the same situation. Every three months I have a delightful morning lining up in front of the “prefecture” to get another 3 months. Yet, I went to London last week and had no problem at all. My original passport + expired TS + “prolongation” worked perfectly well"
"Don't forget there is a free service from the défenseurs des droits to help with things like this."
"I highly recommend my AMAZING lawyer Daniel Tostado. He will help you fix this: https://www.danieltostado.com/fr"
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Delays in renewing a titre de séjour (residence permit) in France have become increasingly common, particularly in recent years. If you’re facing this situation with your spouse’s renewal, you’re not alone.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do based on your specific case, particularly when it comes to handling delays, travel concerns, and maintaining your wife’s legal status in France.
1. Understanding the Attestation de Prolongation
The attestation de prolongation is an important document. The one you received in July, valid until the end of October, effectively extends your wife’s right to remain in France while her titre de séjour renewal is being processed. This document is legally binding and ensures that her status in France is still recognized even if the renewal process takes longer than expected.
Key Tip: Always carry the attestation when travelling within France or dealing with administrative matters. It serves as proof of legal residency during the renewal process.
2. Planning Travel with Pending Renewal
If your wife plans to travel in October or November and her current attestation expires before the trip, you may need to request an updated attestation de prolongement. This can be done through the ANEF (Administration Numérique des Étrangers en France) website.
How to Request: You can apply for these attestations as many times as needed. It’s a relatively straightforward process, and it’s wise to ensure the validity of the attestation covers the entire period of travel.
Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute. Request the new attestation a few weeks before the current one expires to avoid complications.
3. Contacting the Sous-Préfecture for Updates
Getting in touch with the sous-préfecture can be tricky, but persistence is key. Here are some steps to take:
Email Communication: Continue reaching out via email. You can contact the sous-préfecture in Aix-en-Provence at sp-aix-en-provence@bouches-du-rhone.gouv.fr. When sending the email, be sure to include your wife’s full name, reference number, and a clear explanation of the urgency due to upcoming travel.
Phone Calls: If emails are not yielding timely responses, try calling their main office at 04 42 17 56 00. Sometimes persistence with phone calls can get you through to someone who can provide useful updates.
Online Status Check: The ANEF website (administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr) allows you to track the progress of the renewal application. Regularly checking the status can give you peace of mind or signal when more proactive action is needed.
4. Attempting an In-Person Visit
While visiting the sous-préfecture in person can be difficult due to appointment constraints, it might be worth trying if phone calls and emails aren’t successful. The office is typically open to the public from 8:30 to 12:00, but appointments are required.
Action Step: Schedule an appointment as early as possible, and if you do visit, bring all relevant documentation, including your wife’s expired titre de séjour, the current attestation, and proof of the renewal application.
5. Alternative Ways to Contact Authorities
If phone calls and emails are not proving effective, consider sending a lettre recommandée (registered letter) to the sous-préfecture. A registered letter provides a formal, trackable way of communicating your concerns and the urgency of the situation. Be sure to explain the travel plans and the need for timely processing.
6. Seeking External Assistance
If you're struggling to get a timely response, don’t hesitate to reach out to:
Immigrant Support Organizations: Local organizations that specialize in helping immigrants can often provide free or low-cost advice. They may also have experience dealing with similar issues and can offer guidance on dealing with the prefecture.
Immigration Lawyers: A lawyer who specializes in French immigration law could help expedite the process or at least offer clear legal advice regarding your wife’s situation.
7. Preparation for International Travel
If your wife’s titre de séjour is not renewed by the time she plans to travel, here are the steps to ensure smooth travel:
Carry the attestation de prolongation, expired titre de séjour, and marriage certificate.
Contact the consulate of the country you’ll be traveling to (if leaving France) to confirm their policies on travelers with an expired residence permit and a temporary attestation.
Prepare for possible delays at the border by carrying a complete set of documents proving your wife’s legal status in France.
8. Be Persistent and Patient
Unfortunately, delays are common, and they affect many people. While frustrating, keep in mind that your wife’s legal status is secure with the attestation de prolongation. You are in the right to persist with follow-ups, but patience is also required as these administrative processes are often slow.
Final Thoughts
While the delays in renewing your wife’s titre de séjour are frustrating, the attestation de prolongation ensures that she remains legally in France.
If upcoming travel is a concern, remember to request an updated attestation and maintain open lines of communication with the authorities. Persistence, preparation, and seeking assistance from immigrant support organizations or legal experts can help you navigate this situation more effectively.
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