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EU Visa Without Campus France?
- Matthieu Gavois
- Aug 4
- 14 min read
Why do so many students think Campus France is mandatory?
Many international students assume that getting a French student visa must go through Campus France (via the “Études en France” platform). In some countries like the USA or India, Campus France is indeed the only official route creating a widespread belief that it’s always required.
But here’s the key: if you’re joining a private training organization such as AES Paris, you are typically considered to be enrolling in an institution that operates independently from the Ministry of Education. In those cases, the “pre‑consular Études en France” procedure does not apply and the national visa system (France‑Visas) is your direct way forward.
To put it into numbers: only about 40 Grandes Écoles et écoles privées are formally recognized by the state; the majority of private institutions (BTS, private bachelor, formation professionnelle) do not use Campus France at all and yet they can still sponsor student visas.
Here is the link of the only 40 grandes écoles (School) that work with Campus.
And do you know how many schools, colleges, universities, and training organisations are in France?
3400 private schools (universities and colleges)
So this article is about a simple thing: as an international student, do you really think you can only go for 40 schools out of the 3400 schools and 120 000 training organisations? Of course not! Here is the entire process to get a visa without Campus France.
What this article is here to do
Prove once and for all that you can get a full VLS‑TS student visa without a Campus France file 100% legal, 100% solid.
Provide a step-by-step guide (from filling out the France‑Visas form to validating your visa once you arrive in France).
Share AES Paris specific documents and smart tips to help you avoid common mistakes:
minimum financial proof (officially €615/month, but we suggest showing at least €738/month),
packing the correct paperwork,
how to handle the No Objection Certificate (NOC)
what to expect at the VFS/TLS centre,
and how to validate your visa through the official government portal.
Prepare your online France‑Visas application
Summary: This section covers exactly how to register, fill out the correct visa category, and upload all necessary documents on the France‑Visas portal. It’s fully digital, secure, and quick.
Create your account on france‑visas.gouv.fr
Use the official France‑Visas portal — this is the only valid entry point for student visa applications to France.
Sign up with your exact passport name (LAST name first), your active email, and your current address.
Once verified, you’ll receive a France‑Visas account code that stays valid through your entire visa journey – from submission to tracking.
Complete the visa application form
On France‑Visas, select:
“Long‑stay visa” → “Study / Training” → “Student”
If the system asks about Campus France or “Études en France,” simply leave it blank or select “No” it’s not required for private institutions escaping the official Études en France pathway.
➤ This is the fundamental condition that makes your visa process totally possible without Campus France.
You’ll need to furnish:
Your current occupation or education status (e.g. “recent graduate,” “employer,” etc.)
Your full French address (or your first 3-month’s provisional address; meeting minimum requirements)
Proof of financial support formatted for France‑Visas (via bank statements or similar)
Financial means show at least €615 per month
France requires showing minimum €615 / month in resources (this is the baseline applied regardless of scholarship or family support).
It’s highly recommended (and safer) to provide at least €9,000 per year (i.e. ~€738/month) to handle fluctuations and strengthen your application.
Acceptable formats for proof:
3-6 recent bank statements showing the full amount
Notarized sponsor letter guaranteed for €615 + per month + sponsor’s statements
Scholarship award letter confirming funds throughout the course
Upload all required documents
France‑Visas now supports full document upload, no more waiting for the embassy to scan your papers.
Document | Why it’s required (what they check) |
Passport biodata page | Must be valid for the duration of stay |
ICAO‑standard biometric photo | Follow embassy requirements strictly |
AES Paris enrollment letter | Proves your admission in a recognized private institution |
Proof of accommodation (reservation, lease, or official host letter) | Needed for the first 3 months minimum |
Proof of financial resources | Bank statement, sponsor letter, scholarship confirmation |
Diploma / certificate of last qualification | Proof of previous education level |
AES Paris training certificate (showing Qualiopi + NDA) | |
Health insurance covering study period | Mandatory for OFII validation later |
Passport-size photos | Keep 4-6 printed copies for the VFS/TLS centre |
NOC (No Objection Certificate), if required in your country (e.g., India, Nepal) | If you’re studying or working in certain countries, VFS may ask for a letter confirming that your current institution/employer has no objection to your studies in France. |
When uploading, sort into the France‑Visas section titles (e.g. “passport,” “proof of funds”), then verify readability and file size:
During validation, France‑Visas will prompt if a file is blurred or incomplete. In some cases, the VFS centre may re‑scan or charge for scanning if submitted files are unusable.
Double-check each PDF before final submission, don’t leave visible borders or low-res scans.
After Submitting: Your VFS / TLS Appointment (Biometrics & Payment)
This is where the digital journey meets real life but with proper planning, it’s still smooth and fast.
Download Your PDF & Appointment Checklist
After submitting on France‑Visas, you’ll immediately receive two PDFs:
One is the completed visa application form (CERFA), you must print, sign, and date it on the day of your appointment.
The other is a France‑Visas receipt + a dynamic document checklist including your application reference (FRAXXXXX) and a barcode.
Important: Even though you uploaded documents online, you must bring the originals + 1 copy of each item listed. TLS/VFS will not accept blurry scans, and they may charge for rescanning if your files are unreadable.
Before printing, pick a clean background and ensure PDFs are fully visible and legible. Uploads and appointment success can break if France‑Visas rejects the scan.
Book Your Appointment with VFS Global or TLS
What | How it works |
Platform | Use France‑Visas to choose your country → you’ll be redirected to the provider’s site (e.g., visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra for India) |
Timing | Appointments can open 6 months in advance, but actual slots fill quickest 1–2 weeks before departure, aim to book at least 1 month ahead. |
Wait times | Often 1–3 weeks; in high‑season (July/August, January) it may stretch to 30 days+. |
Cancellation trick | Refresh every morning or evening — cancellations are common. |
Prepare Your Physical (Paper) File
Bring origins + clean copies of every document even if previously uploaded.
File in the exact order shown on your France‑Visas checklist.
Use A4 sleeves or a folder labeled per item (e.g.: “Passport → page 1 / page 2”, “Financial proof → deposit receipt → 3‑month statement”, etc.).
Essentials you must include:
Printed & signed CERFA form
France‑Visas receipt + checklist (bring two copies, one to submit)
4–6 printed passport photos (ISO standard 35×45 mm)
Passport (valid, with ≥ 2 blank pages)
Copy of previous visas if any
Upload duplicates: letter of admission (AES Paris), financial proof, housing proof, health insurance, NOC, etc.
Create a QR‑shot backup: open each PDF on your phone and scan it with SwiftKey auto‑crop, just in case VFS requests.
At the Appointment
Early arrival, aim 15 minutes before your scheduled slot.
You’ll check in → security scan → the officer will:
Check your documents (completeness is their only job).
Guide you to the biometrics booth (photo + 10 fingerprint scans) mandatory if it’s your first application or more than 5 years since your last biometric visa.
Collect the visa fee (standard: €99 admin fee), cash/credit only, no refund if your visa is rejected.
In countries like India, collect the VFS service fee (e.g. 32 €, maximum allowed € 45).
Expected time: 15–25 minutes per person. Most centers are walk-in after biometrics, so plan ahead if you’re punctual.
At the end, you’ll receive an invoice with your reference number, along with a receipt marked “passport lodged.” That number is your only way to track the visa progress.
VFS officers: only check for completeness, they do not evaluate or approve documents. That decision is made later by the French consulate.
If Something Goes Wrong… Do This
Mistake in uploaded docs? Even after leaving the center, as soon as you get home email VFS with your reference number and corrected file, they can re‑route it if they’re still holding your passport.
“I emailed VFS … and within an hour they told me it was ready for pick up.”
Missing one document? They might ask for you to return later with that specific paper, until then, your passport acts like a hold on decision.
PROCESSING & RECEIVING YOUR VISA (7–21 working days)
Why it takes some time
Once VFS or TLS sends your packet to the French consulate, the standard processing time for a student long‑stay visa is 15 working days on average, though in certain cases it can stretch to 45 calendar days depending on diplomatic workload or extra checks .
Some applicants report receiving a decision in just 12 days from appointment to delivery, especially during quiet seasons, though that fast pace is not the norm .
Generally, expect 7–21 working days (≈1–3 calendar weeks). If you see “processing” for longer than 30 days, reach out to VFS/TLS or your country’s consulate.
Instant tracking
Log into France‑Visas, go to “My Applications”, and track your status step by step. When your file moves to In Processing or With Embassy, your application is live.
VFS and TLS also send you a separate link to track using your reference number and family name. Bookmark it and check daily.
How you’ll get your passport back
When your visa decision is made, VFS/TLS will notify you. Depending on your chosen delivery option:
Self pick‑up at the centre, bring your appointment receipt and a photo ID.
Courier delivery, if paid, your passport is sent to your address quietly via courier (express in many cities).
Pickup by representative, they’ll need your receipt, ID copy, and your signed letter of authorization (if using a friend or agent) .
Unclaimed passports may be returned to the consulate after 30 days, plan to collect or request courier within that window.
Final check: don’t trust, verify
Right when you get it back, don’t rush away from the centre—open your passport to inspect:
Your name is spelled correctly (no accents missing, no uppercase mix-ups)
The sticker reads exactly:
“visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour – étudiant (VLS‑TS)”
The dates match your AES Paris programme duration
Validity period is between 3 to 12 months, depending on length of your course (maximum 12 months).
If any of that is incorrect, or if the “étudiant” mention is missing (e.g. it’s labelled “visitor”), contact your AES Paris coach immediately. VFS/TLS centres are only drop‑off points; they cannot swap out or reissue stickers, you must catch issues BEFORE leaving the office.
Filing Mistakes to Avoid
# | Mistake | How to avoid |
1 | Losing your tracking link or not saving the France‑Visas login | Bookmark them. Set daily reminders to refresh the page (it updates quietly). |
2 | Assuming your appointment date = start of process | Real counting starts the day fingerprints are taken—your reference becomes active then. |
3 | Ignoring email from VFS/TLS after appointment | These often include crucial steps (like courier payment) in the 24–48 h window post-appointment. |
4 | Failing to scan the printed France‑Visas confirmation (Barcode page) | You’ll need this at VFS/TLS and to track status later. Always carry the printed receipt and a high-resolution photo on your phone. |
5 | Not checking name spelling & date format during the appointment | While tech still lets you scan fingerprints, names/dates must be correct before the consulate review begins. |
Validating Your VLS‑TS Visa Upon Arrival in France (Within 3 Months)
You’ve made it, but you’re not done yet. In France, your long-stay student visa (VLS‑TS) must be validated online within 3 months of your first entry into the country. This step converts your visa into a legal residence permit equivalent, and gives you your foreign identification number (numéro étranger), essential for working, housing aid (CAF), social security, and Schengen travel.
When to validate: Timeline
Date of first entry | Last possible validation date | Important notes |
Jan 10 (example) | April 9 absolute deadline | You can live/work legally only after validation; travel outside France after 3 months requires validation first. |
Missing the 3-month deadline means you’re considered illegal in France and may need to apply for a new visa if you leave Schengen, don’t risk it!
What you need
Your email + bank card (Visa/MasterCard).
Visa details: number, start/end validity dates, purpose (“Student”), issue date.
Arrival date (passport stamp) & French address ( even temporary).
Intent to pay a €50 OFII tax, via online fiscal stamp (timbre) or in cash at a Tabac kiosk.
Validation steps
Choose “Validate my VLS‑TS visa”
Enter visa information and personal data
Provide arrival date and accommodation address
Pay the €50 tax (use card or pre-bought timbre)
Receive confirmation immediately by email, and a PDF validation certificate for download
With this your visa is now officially valid as a residence permit, no need to visit a Préfecture.
What you’ll get afterward
A confirmation PDF, available instantly and again in your account later — print it and keep it with your passport!
A “numéro étranger”, your official ID number in France, used for all admin procedures (health insurance, bank, prefecture).
Official status to work up to 964 h/year, and re-enter France after the 3‑month mark without applying for a new visa.
Got stuck? What if…
Validation fails (e.g. wrong format, payment refuses): Go back to your France‑emails, click “Recover my visa validation”, and retry. If problems persist, contact DGEF‑Support (Ministry) or your AES Paris advisor as early as possible.
Integration or medical requirements appear in your ANEF account — sometimes OFII asks for a medical exam or a Contrat d’Intégration Républicaine (CIR). Follow the instructions closely if prompted.
Specific Cases & Additional Documents
This is your “Swiss‑army‑knife” section—when applicants ask, “Is my situation the same?”, you say:“Check this; if it applies, just collect that extra paper.”
So here’s the extended guide to everything that’s sometimes needed, but AES Paris has your back.
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
What is it?
A signed letter (_) from your previous school or current employer confirming they have no objection to your moving to France for further studies.
Why might VFS/TLS or the Consulate ask for it?
In certain countries (notably India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan), it’s still required—framed as from the Ministry of Health, or local education authorities.
As shown in the VFS India student visa checklist, a campus-issued or employer NOC is accepted.
Who needs to provide it?
Your Indian (or qualifying country) institution, they might have a standardized form. If not, you should create one on official letterhead with contact details and a supervisor’s signature.
What if you don’t have it?
AES Paris can provide a template, ready for your institution or employer to stamp/sign. We’ll also guide you on how to turn it into a PDF that’s properly legible, so VFS doesn’t reject it at drop-off.
AES Paris Training Certificate (Certificat de Formation)
This document is not just a welcome letter—it acts as your legal admission and formal training authorization.
AES Paris is a Qualiopi-certified training center, recognized by the French Ministry of Labour. They have a Déclaration d’Activité (NDA) lodged with the regional prefecture—which visa officers see as proof of regulated status.
The certificate:
Lists AES Paris as an official training provider, with their NDA number (e.g., “Déclarée sous le numéro 11 xx xxxxx…”).
Uses official headings and French-language phrasing.
Confirms your programme type, duration, and method (in-person or online).
Why this matters: when you don’t have a public university letter, visa officers focus on legal status (not prestige) to justify issuing a VLS‑TS.
Health Insurance — What Works (and Why)
For VLS‑TS applications of 3 months or more, proof of insurance is both a visa requirement and a legal requirement for OFII registration later.
According to France‑Visas FAQ: coverage must be at least €30,000, including medical evacs, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
Some countries’ checklists specify €37,500, so confirm with the consulate for your region.
If you’re under 28: you can enrol in the French Social Security CMS (Sécurité Sociale) after arrival—but you still need visa-compliant insurance from Day 1.
Options:
International student insurance plans valid in all Schengen states.
University satellite packages (e.g., CampusCare) if you register via insurance partners.
Free RS (French Social Security) access after OFII, topped-up optionally with mutuelles étudiantes.
Your AES Paris visa pack includes a list of recommended insurers who issue PDFs acceptable for visa submission.
Proof of Financial Means
Core Requirement: show you can support yourself (€615/month according to France‑Visas) = ~€9,000/year. Because private institutions can’t guarantee tuition remission, you must upload bank or sponsorship documents during the online application.
Bank statements should be in English or French, dated within the last 3 - 6 months, clearly showing the entire funding you’ll rely on.
Or, get a sponsor letter:
Must name your sponsor (usually a relative or guardian),
Specify the exact amount they’ll support per month or for the year,
Be accompanied by their own bank statements or income proofs.
If there’s a scholarship contract, scan it, no need to top up separately if it covers the full duration and proves the minimum monthly amount.
AES Paris tip: draft a “How I’ll afford France” cover letter and add it as an extra PDF file—it often answers any officer doubts at once.
Proof of Accommodation in France
Visa officers want clarity on where you’ll stay at least your first 30–90 days in France.
Accepted formats:
A signed lease (bail) with start date.
A reservation confirmation from university housing or CROUS, or private platform like Studapart.
Or an Attestation d’Hébergement if you’re staying with a friend or host:
Host must go to the local mairie (town hall) in France to file this.
The document is officially issued in French, includes the host’s name/ID & your passport number.
Make it VFS-ready:
Host attaches electricity bill + ID copy.
Certificate uses the government format.
You get an original stamped paper, never use a photo or memo.
If you’re booking an initial Airbnb or hotel for the first 2‑3 weeks—that’s fine, but provide screenshots + emails plus funds proof showing you can roll into longer accommodation.
Supra-Checklist: What AES Paris Sends You
Document | Highlights |
AES Admission Letter + Certificate (Qualiopi/NDA) | Legal proof of being a certified training provider |
Sample NOC | Editable template for your institution/employer |
Insurance guidance sheet + recommended insurer list | Visa-tested policies with clear PDF formats |
Accommodation checklist | Lease/reservation template + attestation d’hébergement tips |
Financial orientation letter | Helping you draft a cover & sponsor letter |
Why This Path Is 100 % Legit and Fast for AES Paris Students
Yes, you can get your French VLS‑TS student visa without Campus France
If you’re enrolling in a private training institution not part of the “Études en France” system, you do not need the Campus France procedure. You can apply directly via the official France‑Visas portal and local VFS/TLS centres, exactly like nationals of countries not listed on EEF paths. This method is fully legal and widely approved if your institution is not on Campus France’s list.
As the Reddit community points out:
AES Paris fully supports you, step by step
Choosing AES Paris means you get a structured support pack with every application component:
Enrollment certificate featuring the Qualiopi seal and official NDA number, proving your status as a certified private training provider (mandatory for your France‑Visas file)
Fully editable NOC templates (No Objection Certificate) for students needing them
Curated insurance and accommodation checklists accepted by visa centres
A clear financial proof guide with example cover letters and sponsor formats
Our design removes guesswork, you have everything you need to submit the first time, smoothly.
What to do next—support is one email away
In case you hit a snag, missed a deadline, can’t log in, redraft a document, AES Paris is here to help.
For quick assistance:
contact@agilityo.com – our international support team will review your file and guide you.
You’ll get personal feedback within 24 - 48 hours, and we can help schedule document re-upload or follow‑up with VFS if needed.
All key resources you need to keep
You can download or screenshot all essential items from our student portal:
What to download | Why it matters |
Qualiopi certificate & enrollment letter | Required for official proof of your institution’s legal status |
NOC template (if applicable) | Needed for VFS centres in countries like India |
Housing reservation or attestation | Essential for France‑Visas checklist |
Insurance PDF matching visa criteria | Mandatory for both France‑Visas and later OFII validation |
Financial orientation sheet | Helps you format bank statements or sponsor letter |
ESSENTIAL: France‑Visas receipt screenshot + checklist PDF | Required at your VFS/TLS appointment |
Keep them in a single folder on your phone and computer. After your France‑Visas submission, download the main tracking link and put it in your favourites, VFS agents won’t send updates via Campus France anymore.
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