📚 French Immigration Policy Changes: Impact on International Students and a Guide to Applications | 法国移民政策变动：对留学生的影响及留学申请指南
France has long been a top destination for international students, drawn by its world-class universities, rich culture, and relatively affordable tuition. However, recent shifts in the country's immigration legislation have introduced new rules that directly affect student visa holders, post-study work rights, and long-term settlement pathways. This article provides a clear overview of the latest French immigration policy changes, analyses their specific impact on non-EU students, and offers a practical step-by-step guide to successfully navigating the study-abroad application process under the new framework.
法国长期以来一直是国际学生的首选目的地，其世界级大学、丰富的文化和较为实惠的学费吸引着众多学子。然而，近期该国移民立法的变动引入了直接影响学生签证持有者、毕业后工作权利以及长期居留路径的新规。本文清晰概述法国最新的移民政策变化，分析其对非欧盟学生的具体影响，并为在新框架下成功完成留学申请提供一份实用的分步指南。
1. Overview of Recent French Immigration Reforms | 法国近期移民改革概述
In January 2024, France enacted the 'law to control immigration and improve integration' (Loi pour contrôler l'immigration, améliorer l'intégration). While the government stated its aim was to balance stricter border control with measures to attract talent, the legislation introduces several provisions that touch the lives of international students. Key elements include tightened conditions for family reunification, the introduction of mandatory French language tests for certain multi-year residence permits, and a reinforced integration contract (Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine - CIR).
2024年1月，法国颁布了“控制移民与改善融入法”。尽管政府表示其目标是平衡更严格的边境管控与吸引人才的措施，这项立法引入了多项涉及国际学生生活的条款。关键内容包括收紧家庭团聚条件、对某些多年居留许可引入强制性法语测试，以及加强的融入合同。
Importantly, the reforms retain the 'talent passport' (passeport talent) scheme and still allow students to work part-time. The core message is that France remains open to qualified students, but compliance with evolving administrative and linguistic expectations is now more critical than ever.
重要的是，改革保留了“人才护照”计划，并仍然允许学生兼职工作。核心信息是，法国仍对合格学生开放，但遵守不断变化的行政和语言要求现在比以往任何时候都更加关键。
2. Student Visa Categories and Key Updates | 学生签证类别与关键更新
International students from outside the EU/EEA typically apply for one of the following visa types: the VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour) for study programmes exceeding six months, the short-stay student visa for courses under 90 days, or the 'talent passport' for highly skilled graduates and researchers. The VLS-TS functions as both a visa and a residence permit, valid for up to one year, and must be validated with the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) upon arrival.
来自欧盟/欧洲经济区以外的国际学生通常申请以下签证类型之一：适用于超过六个月学习课程的VLS-TS（长期居留签证兼居留证）、适用于90天以下课程的短期学生签证，以及面向高技能毕业生和研究人员的“人才护照”。VLS-TS兼具签证和居留证功能，有效期最长一年，抵达后须向法国移民与融入局验证。
Under the new policy, students who successfully complete their first year of studies in France can request a multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle) covering the remaining duration of their programme. While this was already available, the 2024 law clarifies that holders of such permits must demonstrate basic French proficiency (at least A2 level) when applying for certain renewals or switching status – a point we explore later.
根据新政策，在法国成功完成第一年学业的学生可以申请覆盖剩余课程期间的多年度居留许可。虽然这一措施此前已经存在，但2024年的法律明确要求此类许可持有人在申请特定续签或转换身份时必须证明基础法语水平（至少A2级别）——这一点我们稍后探讨。
3. Post-Study Work Rights: From APS to New Title | 毕业后工作权利：从APS到新名称
One of the most valued aspects of studying in France is the opportunity to stay after graduation to seek employment. The previous APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) has been rebranded as the 'carte de séjour recherche d'emploi ou création d'entreprise' (residence permit for job search or business creation). Graduates holding at least a Master's level degree or an equivalent recognised professional qualification can apply for this 12-month non-renewable residence permit, which allows them to work under certain conditions while looking for a job matching their studies.
在法国留学最受重视的一个方面是毕业后可留下寻找工作。此前的临时居留许可（APS）已更名为“求职或创业居留卡”。持至少硕士学位或同等认可专业资格的毕业生可申请这一12个月不可续签的居留许可，该许可允许他们在寻找与学业匹配的工作期间在特定条件下工作。
The reform has not fundamentally altered the eligibility criteria, but students must now pay closer attention to application deadlines and ensure they meet the minimum financial means threshold. Once a job offer relevant to the degree is secured, students may transition to a work permit or even a 'talent passport' if the salary and position qualify, bypassing labour market testing in some cases.
改革并未根本改变申请资格标准，但学生现在必须更加注意申请截止日期，并确保达到最低资金门槛。一旦获得与学位相关的工作录用，学生可以转为工作许可，若薪资和职位符合要求，甚至可直接申请“人才护照”，在某些情况下可绕过劳动力市场测试。
4. Family Reunification and Accompanying Family Members | 家庭团聚与陪读家属
The 2024 law significantly tightens family reunification rules, which may affect students who wish to bring their spouse or children to France. The required residence period for the sponsor has been increased from 18 to 24 months, and stricter income and housing criteria now apply. For students, this means that family reunification may only become feasible after a more extended period of stable residence and sufficient resources.
2024年法律大幅收紧了家庭团聚规定，可能影响希望携配偶或子女来法的学生。申请人的合法居住期限要求从18个月提高到24个月，并适用更严格的收入与住房标准。对学生而言，这意味着只有在更长的稳定居住期和充足的资源之后，家庭团聚才可能变得可行。
In contrast, the accompanying family procedure (procédure d'accompagnement familial) for holders of a 'talent passport' remains more lenient. If a student transitions to this status, bringing immediate family members becomes simpler. Therefore, students with long-term family plans should consider targeting pathways that lead to the 'talent passport' category.
相对而言，针对“人才护照”持有人的随行家属程序仍然相对宽松。如果学生转为该身份，携直系亲属来法则更为简便。因此，有长期家庭计划的学生应考虑瞄准能导向“人才护照”类别的路径。
5. Language Proficiency and the Integration Contract | 语言要求与融入合同
Language requirements have been elevated in the 2024 reforms. To renew a multi-year residence permit or to apply for a 10-year resident card, applicants must now prove a minimum French language level: A2 for the multi-year card, B1 for the 10-year card, and B2 for naturalisation. Students who follow a programme taught entirely in English may be surprised to learn that these linguistic obligations still apply when they seek to change their status after graduation.
2024年改革提高了语言要求。要续签多年居留许可或申请十年长居卡，申请人现在必须证明最低法语水平：多年卡需A2，十年卡需B1，入籍需B2。就读全英语授课项目的学生可能会惊讶地发现，在毕业后寻求转换身份时，这些语言义务仍然适用。
The updated CIR now mandates a personalised orientation and language training plan, and adults signing it commit to completing prescribed civic and linguistic modules. While initial student visa applicants are exempt at the entry stage, those later switching to salaried or family-based residence permits must sign the CIR and comply with its benchmarks. Early investment in French language learning is, therefore, a strategic move for any student considering a longer stay.
更新后的融入合同现在强制要求制定个性化的指导和语言培训计划，签署该合同的成年人承诺完成规定的公民与语言模块。尽管初次申请学生签证时免于该要求，但随后转为受薪或家庭居留的申请人必须签署CIR并遵守其基准。因此，对任何考虑长期居留的学生来说，尽早投入法语学习是一个战略性举措。
6. Impact on Non-EU International Students | 对非欧盟国际学生的影响
Non-EU students experience both continuity and new friction. The positive aspects remain: the right to work 964 hours annually, access to the 'talent passport', and the post-study residence permit for job seeking. Nevertheless, the higher cost of living, the introduction of differentiated tuition fees for non-EU students at many public universities (currently €2,770 for a Bachelor's and €3,770 for a Master's, though exemptions exist), and the new language thresholds create a more demanding environment.
非欧盟学生既感受到延续性，又面临新的摩擦。积极方面仍然存在：每年964小时的工作权利，获得“人才护照”的途径，以及毕业后求职居留许可。然而，生活成本的上升、许多公立大学对非欧盟学生实行差异化学费（目前学士为2,770欧元，硕士为3,770欧元，但存在豁免情况），以及新的语言门槛，共同造就了一个要求更高的环境。
Psychologically, the tightening of family reunification and the symbolic weight of stricter integration rules may lead some applicants to perceive France as less welcoming. Yet institutional data indicate that France continues to issue a high number of student visas and that universities actively seek international talent. The key is to understand the precise pathways and prepare all documentation meticulously.
在心理层面，家庭团聚的收紧和更严格融入规则带来的象征性影响可能会让一些申请者认为法国不那么欢迎外来者。然而，机构数据显示法国继续签发大量学生签证，并且大学积极寻求国际人才。关键在于了解确切路径并精心准备所有文件。
7. Navigating the Visa Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide | 签证申请流程指南：分步解析
Step 1: Secure admission to a recognised French higher education institution and obtain an official acceptance letter. This letter is the foundation of your application. Step 2: Create an account on the 'Études en France' (EEF) platform managed by Campus France, fill in your educational history, upload required documents, and pay the Campus France fee.
第一步：获得法国认可的高等教育机构录取，并获取正式录取通知书。该通知书是申请的基础。第二步：在Campus France管理的“Études en France”平台创建账户，填写教育经历，上传所需文件，并支付Campus France费用。
Step 3: Once your dossier is approved, you will receive a confirmation enabling you to submit a visa application to the French consulate in your country. Book an appointment, submit biometric data, and provide supporting documents such as the acceptance letter, proof of financial means (blocked account or guarantor letter), accommodation evidence, travel insurance, and passport. Step 4: Attend the visa interview, if required, and pay the visa fee. The decision is usually communicated within two to three weeks.
第三步：一旦档案获得批准，您将收到确认函，使您能够向所在国的法国领事馆提交签证申请。预约时间，提交生物特征数据，并提供录取通知书、资金证明、住宿证明、旅行保险和护照等支持性文件。第四步：参加签证面试（如有要求），并支付签证费。决定通常在两到三周内通知。
8. Financial Requirements and Proof of Means | 资金要求与资产证明
To satisfy the visa officer, students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources for the duration of their stay. As of the recent update, the minimum monthly amount is set at €615, which should cover living expenses. Applicants can present a bank statement showing a blocked account containing the yearly sum (at least €7,380), a notarised sponsorship letter from a parent or guardian, or a scholarship award letter.
为了说服签证官，学生必须证明在整个逗留期间拥有足够的经济来源。根据最新更新，最低月金额设定为615欧元，以支付生活费用。申请人可以提交显示冻结了一整年资金（至少7,380欧元）的银行对账单、父母或监护人的公证担保函，或奖学金录取信。
It is advisable to show slightly more than the minimum to account for unforeseen expenses and first-month housing deposits. Under the new rules, consulates may scrutinise the source of funds more rigorously, so ensure that bank statements are clear and, if sponsored, the relationship and financial capacity of the sponsor are fully documented and translated into French.
建议展示略高于最低金额的资金，以应对意外支出和首月住房押金。根据新规，领事馆可能更严格地审查资金来源，因此要确保银行对账单清晰明了，若由他人担保，则需将担保人与申请人的关系及其经济能力完整记录并翻译成法语。
9. Health Insurance and Social Security | 健康保险与社会保障
All non-EU students must register for the French general social security system (Sécurité sociale) as soon as they arrive and complete their enrolment at the university. The process requires paying the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC), currently around €100, which funds preventive health and student support services. Upon registration, students obtain a social security number and receive partial reimbursement of medical expenses.
所有非欧盟学生抵达后必须尽早向法国全民社保体系注册，并在大学完成登记。该流程需缴纳学生与校园生活分摊金，目前约100欧元，用于资助预防保健和学生支持服务。注册后，学生获得社保号，并按规定报销部分医疗费用。
Many students also choose to purchase complementary private health insurance (mutuelle) to cover the portion not reimbursed by social security. The 2024 reforms have not altered the basic health insurance requirement for students, but maintaining continuous coverage is essential for visa renewal and status changes.
许多学生还会选择购买补充私人健康保险，以覆盖社保不予报销的部分。2024年改革并未改变学生的基本健康保险要求，但保持连续保障对签证续签和身份转换至关重要。
10. Strategies for a Successful Application and Stay | 成功申请与居留的应对策略
Start preparing your language credentials early. Even if your course is taught in English, having a DELF or DALF certificate or at least a recognised A2 level will smooth future administrative transitions. Keep a close eye on policy portals such as service-public.fr and your prefecture's website, as local interpretations of national laws can differ.
尽早开始准备语言证书。即使课程以英语授课，持有DELF或DALF证书或至少被认可的A2水平也能让未来的行政转换更加顺畅。密切关注service-public.fr和您所在省府网站等政策门户，因为各地对全国性法律的解释可能有所不同。
Build a comprehensive administrative file with scans of every important document: passport, OFII validation, residence permit, proof of address, academic transcripts, and employment contracts. When the time comes to switch from student to job-seeker or worker status, having these organised will prevent stressful last-minute delays. Networking with international student associations and university guidance services can also provide indispensable insights.
建立一个全面的行政档案，扫描每一份重要文件：护照、OFII验证、居留许可、住址证明、成绩单和劳动合同。当需要从学生身份转为求职者或工作身份时，这些井井有条的材料将避免最后一刻令人焦虑的延误。与国际学生组织和大学指导服务处建立联系，也能提供不可多得的洞见。
11. Future Trends and Policy Outlook | 未来趋势与政策展望
It is likely that France will continue to digitise residence permit renewals and introduce online portals for status changes. The French government is also under constant pressure to balance labour market needs with political calls for immigration control, so selective measures that favour graduates in STEM, healthcare, and digital fields are expected to expand. The 'talent passport' may be further streamlined to compete with other EU countries' fast-track programmes.
法国很可能会继续推进居留许可续签数字化，并为身份转换引入在线门户。法国政府还面临持续压力，需要在劳动力市场需求和管控移民的政治呼声之间取得平衡，因此，倾向于STEM、医疗保健和数字领域毕业生的选择性措施预计会扩大。“人才护照”可能会进一步简化，以与其他欧盟国家的快速通道计划竞争。
Language integration will almost certainly become more embedded in residence procedures. Future students should see French language acquisition not as an optional skill but as a core component of their immigration strategy. Keeping abreast of legislative bulletins and official announcements will be vital, as transitional provisions often accompany new laws.
语言融入几乎肯定会更深地嵌入居留程序。未来的学生不应将法语学习视为可选的技能，而应视其为移民策略的核心组成部分。及时了解立法公告和官方声明至关重要，因为新法律通常会附带过渡性条款。
12. Conclusion: Adapting to a Changing Landscape | 结论：适应不断变化的格局
France's recent immigration policy adjustments reflect a dual desire to regulate inflows while remaining globally competitive for talent. For the international student, the changes are largely manageable with proper planning. The critical levers are proving financial stability, achieving French language competence, and proactively understanding the pathway from student to long-term resident. By starting the application process with a realistic timeline, compiling flawless documentation, and staying informed, students can still realise their academic ambitions in France and build a successful career in one of Europe's most dynamic economies.
法国近期的移民政策调整反映了既想规范外来人口，又要在全球人才竞争中保持竞争力的双重愿望。对于国际学生而言，这些变化在合理规划下大体上是可以应对的。关键杠杆是证明财务稳定、达到法语能力，并主动理解从学生到长期居民的路径。通过以现实的时间表启动申请、编制无瑕疵的文件并保持信息灵通，学生依然可以在法国实现其学术抱负，并在欧洲最具活力的经济体之一建立成功的职业生涯。
Published by TutorHao | French Immigration & Study Abroad Revision Series | aleveler.com
更多咨询请联系16621398022（同微信）
或截图后用「扫一扫 → 相册」选择本图