08/11/2024
Question that inspired this post(posted on 08/11/2024):
My VLS-TS visa expired on November 3rd. I applied for a "demande de titre de séjour" on June 27th, and it still has the status "Dépôt de la demande."
I have contacted ANEF multiple times, explaining that I will be in the UK over Christmas and asking if I will be able to return to France since my VLS-TS has expired and my titre de séjour has not been granted yet. I also requested a timeframe for the processing of my application. Each time, they replied with a templated response stating that I can request an "attestation de prolongation" until the titre de séjour is issued. However, the option to request this prolongation will only appear on my ANEF account once my application has been reviewed by an examining officer, which hasn't happened yet.
They do not answer my question regarding re-entry into France and are vague about when they will review my file. Has anyone else experienced this? Would I be allowed back into France after my Christmas break in the UK?
Top Answers
"I think so much depends on who’s on duty on the day and what mood they’re in. Worrying times. Hopefully, someone more official will answer you. There is another site to ask the question on. I will see if I can find a link."
"You should be ok because you have your receipt for filing the demande. They are so slow this year. Mine expired in July and no approval yet."
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Based on the information provided, here are the key points regarding your situation:
Current Status
Your VLS-TS visa expired on November 3rd
You applied for a titre de séjour renewal on June 27th
Your application status is still "Dépôt de la demande" (application submitted)
You have not yet received an attestation de prolongation or récépissé
Travelling Outside France
Travelling outside France while your titre de séjour application is pending and your previous visa has expired is risky:
Without a valid visa or récépissé, you may face difficulties re-entering France after your trip to the UK
The attestation de prolongation, which would allow you to stay in France while your application is processed, is not available to you yet since your file hasn't been reviewed
Technically, you could try to re-enter France using the 90-day visa-free tourist allowance for UK citizens. However, this is not recommended as it may complicate your residency application
Recommendations
Continue following up with ANEF to get an update on your application status and request expedited processing if possible.
If you must travel, try to obtain written confirmation from the préfecture that you can re-enter France, though this may be difficult to get.
Consider postponing your trip if possible until you receive either the attestation de prolongation or your new titre de séjour.
If you decide to travel, bring all documentation related to your titre de séjour application to show at the border if questioned.
Remember that travelling without proper documentation carries the risk of being denied re-entry to France, which could jeopardize your residency status. It's always safest to have valid documentation before travelling internationally in these situations
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