France is preparing changes to immigration law for foreign students

What has happened

International students in France may soon have to prepare for major regulatory changes to the country's immigration law. The French government is tightening the rules and conditions for foreigners to stay study and work in France.

Required deposit

The French parliament recently approved a revised law that includes stricter rules for foreign visitors to the country. The introduction of a deposit required when applying for a student visa is one of the main changes for international students.

The specified deposit is to be returned to the foreigner upon departure from France upon expiration of the residence permit, in case of renewal of the residence permit or in the event of obtaining another residence permit with a change in reason.

The amount of the deposit is not yet clear, but the bill mentions that it will be permanently withheld if the alien fails to comply with the deportation order.

The deposit refund rule may be waived in the case of low-income foreigners and if the student's academic or university career justifies it.

Social benefits

Another change is about eligibility for social benefits. Non-EU nationals who work in France should demonstrate they have lived there for 30 months before being eligible to receive social benefits such as childcare. Benefits will not be available to foreign nationals living in France unless they have worked for five years.

Legalization

Non-EU foreigners who do not have a residence permit or work permit but work in regions or businesses struggling to find labor, such as restaurants, construction and agriculture, can apply for a residence permits and work permits. In order to be eligible, a foreign worker must have lived in France for at least three years and worked for at least 12 months (not necessarily consecutive) during the previous two years.

Family reunification

Finally, after obtaining the right to reside in France, foreign nationals should wait a minimum of 24 months (instead of the current 18 months) and provide proof of a regular source of income and health insurance before they can apply for family members to join them. Spouses wishing to travel to France must be at least 21 years old instead of the current 18 by law.

The expectations

France's Constitutional Council has yet to adopt the new proposed immigration law, and provisions could be added or withdrawn during the process.

Source: MSN

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