2019 New French Immigration Policy: According to the provisions of the "Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners" promulgated by France, foreigners permitted to enter the country enjoy three types of residence status during their stay in France. The first type is temporary residents, which mainly includes tourists, international students, business people, and seasonal workers. For example, temporary workers from Italy and Spain are generally allowed to reside for 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year; the second type is short-term residents, which mainly refers to contract labor immigrants, with a residence period of 3 years; the third type is long-term residents, including family members of French citizens, refugees, and applicants from the second category mentioned above. Individuals in the first two categories may, upon approval, change their residence status to become long-term residents, which means they have obtained the qualification for permanent residence in France.
Immigration Visa Application Requirements
In order to reduce the number of foreign immigrants, the French government has imposed very strict restrictions on foreigners applying for entry as immigrants. Non-French citizens or direct relatives of foreign nationals, specially approved contract laborers, and political refugees, etc., cannot obtain immigration permits. Only those who meet the following conditions can be approved:
(1) Spouses, fiancés, children under 21, and parents of French citizens;
(2) Spouses and children under 18 of foreign nationals who have obtained long-term residence rights;
(3) Those who have accepted employment from an employer and whose labor contract has been approved by the Immigration Office;
(4) Refugees whose status has been verified and who are permitted to reside legally.
The Embassy of France in China is not responsible for processing immigration applications. Therefore, if citizens of our country intend to immigrate to France, they should first have their relatives in France, i.e., the entry sponsors, submit an application to the French Immigration Office.
