Who is Eligible for the 5-Year Validity Short-Stay Visa?
Indian students with a Master’s degree or higher, regardless of where the degree was obtained (France, India, or a third country), are eligible for this 5-year short-stay visa. The key requirement is that the applicant must have studied for at least one semester in France during their university studies. This applies even if the semester was completed before obtaining the Master’s degree.
What is the type of Visa Issued for France 5 year Alumni Visa:
You will receive a multiple-entry short-stay visa with a maximum validity of 5 years. The visa’s duration will depend on your travel document’s expiry date, as long-validity visas are issued in 12-month periods. Your travel document must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa’s expiry date.
Documents Needed for Application:
To apply for the 5-year validity visa, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with VFS and bring the following documents:
- All standard documents required for a short-stay visa (tourist/private or business). Check the France Visas page for a complete list.
- To prove your alumni status:
- A copy of your Master’s (or higher) degree.
- Proof of having completed at least one semester of studies in France, such as a certificate from the French institution confirming your academic stay.
- If possible, a document certifying the duration of your academic stay at the French institution.
Eligibility:
- Indian alumni of Indo-French dual degree programs.
- Indian citizens residing in India.
- Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or PhD from a French institute recognized by French authorities.
- Candidates must plan to travel to France.
- Candidates must apply from India
Students who graduated before July 2013 are also eligible to apply for the visa.
TWO-YEAR EXTENSION VISA
Indian students in France can extend their stay in the country after the completion of their studies. A bilateral agreement was signed during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. The visa allows Indian students in France to extend their stay for an additional 24 months after the completion of their studies: a 12-month visa renewable once for a period of 12 months.
FIVE-YEAR VISA
In July 2013, the Ambassador of France to India decided to facilitate travel to France for Indian citizens residing in India who hold post-graduate degrees from France irrespective of the year of graduation. The 5-year visa allows its holders to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days, with a 90-day gap between stays. Indian alumni of Indo-French dual degree programmes (PG) are eligible to apply as well. Alumni from all generations are eligible. Spouses and children of the alumni are also eligible for a visa under this initiative.
- Campus France
Check out the FAQ – Alumni Visa / 5-year validity short-stay visa
