I lost my French Student Visa

08/06/2024

The question that inspired this post:

Hello everyone,

Urgent topic

I came to India two days back from Germany. I lost my wallet in India where I had my French visa (Titre de séjour). Now I am coming back to Frankfurt in two weeks and just now I realized my visa was in my wallet

My question is does anyone know what documents I can carry? I have my visa copy with me, do I have to file a police complaint and carry it with me

If anyone has gone through this situation, please tell me how I can come back and what documents I need to carry to show during immigration.

Thanks in advance for your help

Answers

• The only choice you have is to apply for a visa de retour. To get the visa, show the police complaint and other documents mentioned on the official page. Don’t just go to the airport with a police complaint and a copy of your carte de séjour…it’s not that simple.

• You won't be allowed to even check in, let alone the immigration with FIR. You have to get a Visa de Retour from VFS.

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Introduction

Losing important documents like a student visa can be stressful, especially when you are far from home. This guide will help you navigate the process of replacing a lost French student visa and ensure your smooth return to Germany.

Steps to Replace a Lost French Student Visa

1. Report the Loss

In France

• Visit the Police Station: Report the loss to the nearest police station and obtain a declaration of loss (déclaration de perte).

Abroad

• Local Authorities: Report the loss to the local police authorities.

• French Embassy or Consulate: Then, report the loss to the French embassy or consulate in the country where you are.

2. Apply for a Replacement Visa

In France

• Duplicate Residence Permit: Apply for a duplicate of your residence permit (duplicata) at the prefecture of your place of residence. This process can often be done online through the ANEF portal.

Abroad

• Re-entry Visa: Apply for a re-entry visa (visa de retour) at the French consulate in the country where you are. This visa allows you to return to France to apply for a duplicate of your residence permit.

3. Required Documents

For the application, you will typically need the following documents:

• Declaration of Loss: The document from the police reporting the loss of your visa.

• Passport: Your current passport, including pages with personal details and any entry stamps.

• Proof of Residence: Recent proof of your address in France, such as a utility bill or rental agreement.

• Photos: Recent passport-sized photos.

• Proof of Enrollment: A certificate of enrollment from your educational institution in France.

• Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements or scholarship certificates.

4. Application Process

In France

1. Submit Application: Submit your application for a duplicate residence permit online through the ANEF portal.

2. Receive Certificates: You will receive successive certificates as your application is processed, including a certificate of filing, a certificate of extension of instruction, and a positive decision certificate if your application is accepted.

Abroad

1. Apply for a Re-entry Visa: Apply for a re-entry visa at the French consulate. Provide the required documents and explain the circumstances of the loss.

2. Return to France: Once you return to France, make an appointment with the prefecture to request a duplicate of your residence permit.

5. Costs

• Duplicate Residence Permit: The cost for a duplicate residence permit can vary. For a multi-year residence permit, the fee is typically €225, but it can be €75 for students.

6. Additional Tips

• Stay Informed: Check the official websites of the French consulate and the ANEF portal for the most up-to-date information and specific requirements.

• Seek Assistance: If you encounter difficulties, consider seeking help from organizations like La Cimade or Gisti, which provide support and legal advice to immigrants in France.

By following these steps and ensuring you have all the necessary documents, you can replace your lost French student visa and continue your studies in France.

Steps to Ensure a Smooth Return to Germany

1. File a Police Report

• Nearest Police Station: Go to the nearest police station and file a report about your lost wallet and visa. Make sure to get a copy of the police report, as it will be helpful when dealing with authorities.

2. Contact the French Consulate

• Explain Your Situation: Contact the French consulate in India. Explain your situation and provide them with a copy of your visa, the police report, and any other required documents. They might issue a temporary travel document or a replacement visa.

3. Contact Your Airline

• Inform the Airline: Inform your airline about your situation. They can guide any specific requirements or documents needed for your flight back to Germany.

4. Prepare Additional Documentation

• Required Documents: Gather the following documents:

• A copy of your lost visa.

• The police report of the lost wallet.

• Your passport.

• Any other identification documents you have.

• Proof of your stay in Germany, such as a residence permit (if applicable), rental agreement, or employment contract.

5. Check with German Authorities

• Inform German Authorities: Contact the German consulate or embassy in India to inform them about your situation and get advice on any additional steps you might need to take to ensure smooth re-entry into Germany.

6. Gather Supporting Documents

• Additional Documents: Carry any other documents that can prove your identity and residence in Germany, such as:

• Copies of your previous visas.

• Proof of residence in Germany.

• Travel itinerary.

By following these steps, you should be able to manage the situation effectively and ensure you have the necessary documentation to return to Germany.

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