Do I need a visa?

All students participating in study abroad programs in France longer than 90 days are required to apply for a student visa

Processing Time and Visa Appointment

The total processing time is usually 7-10 weeks but it can take longer if you run into issues with your application

All applicants must make an appointment to appear in person at a TLS Center (nearest in Chicago) to receive a visa.

There is a 3-day expedited Campus France Service available for $460. If students find themselves behind in the process of applying for their visa, they may want to utilize this service.

Application Instructions

How To Apply for a French Visa YouTube Video

1. You must complete the Campus France online application process before completing your visa application. Visit Campus France for a complete overview.
2. It is very important that you carefully follow ALL OF THE STEPS listed in the Campus France application process. If you do not mail your confirmation of application payment ($270 – subject to change at any time), you will not be approved to move on to the application to actually apply for the student visa. The Campus France process takes a minimum of 3 weeks unless you pay for the expedited 3-day service.
3. Next, schedule your in person visa appointment at the TLS Center. Once you have secured an appointment, you must print your appointment confirmation and bring it with you on the day of your appointment. Your visa appointment must occur within 90 days of your official program start date listed on your acceptance letter from the institution in France. If your appointment is scheduled for an earlier date, you will not be granted a visa. Visa applications can take up to 4 weeks to process. Schedule your appointment for a date that is at least 4 weeks prior to your intended departure. You do NOT need to wait until the Campus France process is completed to schedule your appointment. For students going abroad in the fall, your appointment must be scheduled for a date no later than August 1. For students going abroad in the winter, your appointment must be scheduled for a date no later than December 10.
4. Once you send your payment to Campus France, you can start your visa application on the France Online Visa Application website. Students are encouraged to start this process early so that they have plenty of time to complete the visa process.

Estimated Cost

Campus France $270

Student Visa Processing Fee $110 (only debit/credit card accepted)

TLS Center Appointment Fee - $52 for short stay visas and $256 for long stay visas. Must be paid within 72 hours to confirm your appointment and is non-refundable if you cancel your appointment.

Return Courier Service $40 (purchased at TLS Center)

TLS Services: photocopies - $1, passport photos - $12, Printing - $1

Nearest Consulate or Embassy

TLS Centre in Chicago 

Expansive Superior Office 100B, 1st floor
405 West Superior Street
Chicago IL 60654
TLS Contact Call Center: 305-602-5861

Please Note: The nearest French consulate is also located in Chicago but does not process visa applications.

Additional Information

The Campus France Application can be started immediately after you receive your acceptance letter. The interview through TLS can happen no sooner than 90 days before your official program start date.

You are required to register and validate your visa within your first three months in France to maintain your legal status. 

France updated the proof of funds effective August 1, 2026.  Students must now show they have €877.50 (~$1,000 USD) / month they will be in France for the French long-stay visa.