Yvelines prefecture adds filing route for some residence permits

The prefecture of Yvelines in France has adapted how some foreigners file residence permit applications that are not on the ANEF portal.

ObservAlgerie reported that foreigners living in the Versailles and Rambouillet arrondissements can use the Démarche numérique platform to send their file and request an appointment.

The platform does not replace the Digital Administration for Foreigners in France (ANEF). Procedures vary by reason for stay and place of residence.

The Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Mantes-la-Jolie areas keep their own procedures for several applications.

Who must use the new procedure

Online filing covers some first applications for private and family life. It also covers foreigners who entered France before the age of 13.

For Algerian and Tunisian nationals, the forms also cover arrival before the age of 10, in line with bilateral agreements.

Applicants choose the form that matches their situation and send their documents. A summons may still be needed to complete the filing at the prefecture.

The ANEF is still used for students, visitors, certain talent cards, spouses and parents of French nationals, and duplicate requests. It also handles renewals of resident cards and of Algerian ten-year certificates where that procedure is offered.

Applicants must prepare identity documents, proof of address and papers on their family situation or stay in France. Filing online does not guarantee a permit.

Ten-year certificate for Algerians

ObservAlgerie also explained the ten-year certificate set by the Franco-Algerian agreement of 27 December 1968. The certificate is often called a carte de séjour, the report said.

The certificate can be issued automatically in eight situations listed in article 7 bis, if the conditions for each case are met. These include some spouses, children and parents of French nationals, family members admitted under family reunification, and people settled in France since childhood or for a long period.

Parents of a French child may also be covered if they share parental authority or effectively provide for the child's needs. A French pension linked to a work accident or occupational illness is another route, under certain conditions.

Why three years is not always enough

A general route lets some Algerians apply for a ten-year certificate after three years of uninterrupted residence in France. This does not guarantee the certificate.

The prefecture examines the applicant's means of living, work situation and supporting documents. A threat to public order can lead to refusal.

Criminal convictions may also be considered, depending on the circumstances and how the administration judges them. An absence of more than three consecutive years can end the certificate, unless an extension is obtained under the rules.

Applications go to the prefecture, or online where the ANEF offers the procedure. ObservAlgerie recommends filing before the current certificate expires.

The Citizen Contact Centre can help with difficulties on the ANEF, and booking an administrative appointment remains free.