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Application for asylum
Verified 30 June 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Changes to the procedure
Published on 19 July 2024
Several decrees implementing the law no. 2024-42 of 26 january 2024 modify the information contained in this card:
- The decree no. 2024-799 of july 2, 2024 amends contentious procedures.
- The decree no. 2024-812 of july 8, 2024 sets 15 days as the deadline for implementing the obligation to leave the territory when the asylum application is definitively refused.
- The decree no. 2024-813 of july 8, 2024 lays down the conditions for the asylum seeker to be placed under house arrest and to be detained.
The Service-Public.fr team is currently updating this page.
What applies to you ?
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From the border
If you come to France to obtain refugee status, you must contact the border police authorities to inform them of your wish. Then you have to go to the prefecture to register your asylum application. You cannot directly enter theOfpra: titleContent. Once your request has been registered by the prefecture, you can enter Ofpra. We present you with the information you need to know.
Step-by-step approach
If you wish to enter France to apply for asylum, you must indicate:
- To the border police at the port, airport or station of your arrival
- Or, if you have arrived in France by another means, to the competent prefecture for asylum nearest to your place of arrival.
You will then be informed without delay, in a language you are supposed to understand, of the following information:
- Procedure for applying for asylum
- Rights and obligations
- Aids you can receive to submit your application.
Your fingerprints are taken (unless you are under the age of 14) to verify that your asylum claim is not competent from another European country.
The authorities may not make an immediate decision on your request based on the documents you produce or the information you give them. In this case, you are placed in holding area during the time strictly necessary for the examination of your application.
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You are allowed to enter France
An 8-day regularization visa is issued to you by decision of the Minister of the Interior.
Before the end of this visa, you must report to a First Reception Facility for Asylum Seekers (Spada) in the region where you intend to reside for:
- Pre-register your request
- Receive a summons for an interview at the one-stop shop for asylum seekers (Guda)
- Then make your request toOfpra: titleContent.
The list of Spada can be obtained from one-stop shops (prefectures responsible for asylum applications).
You should contact the prefecture where your department of residence depends.
Region | Department | Competent prefecture |
|---|---|---|
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | Allier (03), Cantal (15), Haute-Loire (43), Puy-de-Dôme (63) | Prefecture of Clermont-Ferrand (63) |
Ain (01), Ardèche (07), Loire (42), Rhône (69) | Prefecture of Lyon (69) | |
Drôme (26), Isère (38), Haute-Savoie (74), Savoie (73) | Grenoble Prefecture (38) | |
Burgundy-Franche-Comté | Côte-d'Or (21), Nièvre (58), Yonne (89) | Prefecture of Dijon (21) |
Doubs (25), Jura (39), Haute-Saône (70), Belfort Territory (90) | Prefecture of Besançon (25) | |
Saône-et-Loire (71) | Prefecture of Mâcon (71) | |
Brittany | Ille-et-Vilaine (35), Côtes-d'Armor (22), Finistère (29), Morbihan (56) | Prefecture of Rennes (35) |
Center-Val de Loire | Cher (18), Eure-et-Loir (28), Indre (36), Indre-et-Loire (37), Loir-et-Cher (41), Loiret (45) | Prefecture of Orléans (45) |
Corsica | Upper Corsica (2B), South Corsica (2A) | Prefecture of Marseille (13) |
Grand Est | Ardennes (08), Aube (10), Marne (51) Haute-Marne (52) | Prefecture of Châlons-en-Champagne (51) |
Meurthe-et-Moselle (54), Meuse (55), Moselle (57), Vosges (88) | Prefecture of Metz (57) | |
Lower Rhine (67) | Prefecture of Strasbourg (67) | |
Haut Rhin (68) | Colmar Prefecture (68) | |
Hauts-de-France | North (59), Pas-de-Calais (62) | Prefecture of Lille (59) |
Aisne (02), Oise (60), Somme (80) | Prefecture of Beauvais (60) | |
Île-de-France | Paris (75) | Paris Police Department |
Seine-et-Marne (77) | Melun Prefecture (77) | |
Yvelines (78) | Prefecture of Versailles (78) | |
Essonne (91) | Prefecture of Evry (91) | |
Hauts-de-Seine (92) | Prefecture of Nanterre (92) | |
Seine-Saint-Denis (93) | Bobigny Prefecture (93) | |
Val-de-Marne (94) | Prefecture of Créteil (94) | |
Val-d'Oise (95) | Prefecture of Cergy-Pontoise (95) | |
Normandy | Calvados (14), Handle (50), Orne (61) | Prefecture of Caen (50) |
Seine-Maritime (76), Eure (27) | Prefecture of Rouen (76) | |
Nouvelle Aquitaine | Vienna (86), Charente (16), Charente-Maritime (17), Deux-Sèvres (79) | Prefecture of Poitiers (86) |
Dordogne (24), Gironde (33), Landes (40), Lot-et-Garonne (47), Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64) | Prefecture of Bordeaux (33) | |
Corrèze (19), Creuse (23), Haute-Vienne (87) | Prefecture of Limoges (87) | |
Occitanie | Haute-Garonne (31), Ariège (09), Aveyron (12), Gers (32), Hautes-Pyrénées (65), Lot (46), Tarn (81), Tarn-et-Garonne (82) | Toulouse Prefecture (31) |
Aude (11), Gard (30), Hérault (34), Lozère (48), Pyrénées-Orientales (66) | Prefecture of Montpellier (34) | |
Pays de la Loire | Loire-Atlantique (44), Mayenne (53), Vendée (85) | Prefecture of Nantes (44) |
Maine and Loire (49), Sarthe (72) | Prefecture of Angers (49) | |
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Paca) | Alpes-Maritimes (06), Var (83) | Prefecture of Nice (06) |
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04), Bouches-du-Rhône (13), Hautes-Alpes (05), Vaucluse (84) | Prefecture of Marseille (13) |
Reminder
Search for the appropriate prefecture, which may not be the one in your department.
You're in a holding area
When you are placed in a holding area, agents on secondment from theOfpra: titleContent will hear from you as to whether your request is not within the jurisdiction of another State or whether it is justified.
Your claim is considered unfounded if your statements show that you are clearly not at risk in your country (e.g. for economic reasons).
Anyone working in the transit zone can report your vulnerability to the transit zone's managers. You are vulnerable if you are a minor, if you have been subjected to physical or psychological torture, for example.
Your vulnerability must be taken into account by the zone's managers.
If you agree, they have to report this vulnerability to Ofpra officers. The latter must in turn inform the administrative authority that decided to place you in a waiting area.
The final decision on admission or refusal of entry into France is taken by the Minister of the Interior.
You are allowed to enter France
An 8-day regularization visa is issued to you by decision of the Minister of the Interior.
Before the end of this visa, you must go to a structure of 1er reception of asylum seekers (Spada) in the region where you intend to reside for:
- Pre-register your request
- Receive a summons for an interview at the one-stop shop for asylum seekers (Guda)
- Then make your request toOfpra: titleContent.
You are not allowed to enter France
Informing of refusal
You are informed of the refusal to allow yourself to enter France by a written decision which explains the reasons for the refusal.
A copy of the report of your hearing withOfpra: titleContent it's given to you.
Reason for refusal
Your application to enter France may be refused on one of the following grounds:
- Application for asylum is the responsibility of a other European country pursuant to the said regulation Dublin III
- Serious threat to public order
- Manifestly abusive or fraudulent application for asylum
- Inadmissible asylum application (asylum granted by another country, no new elements for a new application, etc.)
- Clearly unfounded asylum claim (lacking consistency or credibility)
Appeals
If you are refused entry to France for asylum, you can ask the president of the administrative tribunal competent for the place where you are.
You must file your appeal within 48 hours of the notification of refusal. You can ask for the assistance of an interpreter and be assisted by a lawyer (appointed ex officio if you do not have one).
The court has 72 hours to make its decision. During this period, you cannot be returned to another country.
If the court dismisses your appeal, you can appeal within 15 days to the president of the Administrative Court of Appeal. However, unlike the 1er, the appeal to the administrative court of appeal is not suspensive.
Who shall I contact
Competent prefecture
The competent prefecture to receive your asylum application is determined according to the department of your home or according to the place where you arrive in France.
This procedure in the prefecture is mandatory before entering theOfpra: titleContent. It concerns both minor foreigner and major foreigner.
You should contact the prefecture where your department of residence depends.
Region | Department | Competent prefecture |
|---|---|---|
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | Allier (03), Cantal (15), Haute-Loire (43), Puy-de-Dôme (63) | Prefecture of Clermont-Ferrand (63) |
Ain (01), Ardèche (07), Loire (42), Rhône (69) | Prefecture of Lyon (69) | |
Drôme (26), Isère (38), Haute-Savoie (74), Savoie (73) | Grenoble Prefecture (38) | |
Burgundy-Franche-Comté | Côte-d'Or (21), Nièvre (58), Yonne (89) | Prefecture of Dijon (21) |
Doubs (25), Jura (39), Haute-Saône (70), Belfort Territory (90) | Prefecture of Besançon (25) | |
Saône-et-Loire (71) | Prefecture of Mâcon (71) | |
Brittany | Ille-et-Vilaine (35), Côtes-d'Armor (22), Finistère (29), Morbihan (56) | Prefecture of Rennes (35) |
Center-Val de Loire | Cher (18), Eure-et-Loir (28), Indre (36), Indre-et-Loire (37), Loir-et-Cher (41), Loiret (45) | Prefecture of Orléans (45) |
Corsica | Upper Corsica (2B), South Corsica (2A) | Prefecture of Marseille (13) |
Grand Est | Ardennes (08), Aube (10), Marne (51) Haute-Marne (52) | Prefecture of Châlons-en-Champagne (51) |
Meurthe-et-Moselle (54), Meuse (55), Moselle (57), Vosges (88) | Prefecture of Metz (57) | |
Lower Rhine (67) | Prefecture of Strasbourg (67) | |
Haut Rhin (68) | Colmar Prefecture (68) | |
Hauts-de-France | North (59), Pas-de-Calais (62) | Prefecture of Lille (59) |
Aisne (02), Oise (60), Somme (80) | Prefecture of Beauvais (60) | |
Île-de-France | Paris (75) | Paris Police Department |
Seine-et-Marne (77) | Melun Prefecture (77) | |
Yvelines (78) | Prefecture of Versailles (78) | |
Essonne (91) | Prefecture of Evry (91) | |
Hauts-de-Seine (92) | Prefecture of Nanterre (92) | |
Seine-Saint-Denis (93) | Bobigny Prefecture (93) | |
Val-de-Marne (94) | Prefecture of Créteil (94) | |
Val-d'Oise (95) | Prefecture of Cergy-Pontoise (95) | |
Normandy | Calvados (14), Handle (50), Orne (61) | Prefecture of Caen (50) |
Seine-Maritime (76), Eure (27) | Prefecture of Rouen (76) | |
Nouvelle Aquitaine | Vienna (86), Charente (16), Charente-Maritime (17), Deux-Sèvres (79) | Prefecture of Poitiers (86) |
Dordogne (24), Gironde (33), Landes (40), Lot-et-Garonne (47), Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64) | Prefecture of Bordeaux (33) | |
Corrèze (19), Creuse (23), Haute-Vienne (87) | Prefecture of Limoges (87) | |
Occitanie | Haute-Garonne (31), Ariège (09), Aveyron (12), Gers (32), Hautes-Pyrénées (65), Lot (46), Tarn (81), Tarn-et-Garonne (82) | Toulouse Prefecture (31) |
Aude (11), Gard (30), Hérault (34), Lozère (48), Pyrénées-Orientales (66) | Prefecture of Montpellier (34) | |
Pays de la Loire | Loire-Atlantique (44), Mayenne (53), Vendée (85) | Prefecture of Nantes (44) |
Maine and Loire (49), Sarthe (72) | Prefecture of Angers (49) | |
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Paca) | Alpes-Maritimes (06), Var (83) | Prefecture of Nice (06) |
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04), Bouches-du-Rhône (13), Hautes-Alpes (05), Vaucluse (84) | Prefecture of Marseille (13) |
Reminder
Search for the appropriate prefecture, which may not be the one in your department.
Documents to be submitted
You must provide the following:
- Information concerning your marital status and, possibly, that of your accompanying family members
- Any document proving that you have entered France regularly or, if you do not have one, any indication on the conditions of your entry into France and your travel itineraries from your country of origin
- 4 identity photos
- Indication of the address where you can be reached, if you have one.
FYI
At this stage of your application, you are not required to provide proof of domicile.
Case Processing
The prefecture must register your asylum application within 3 days working days (this period is extended to 10 days in the case of a mass arrival of asylum seekers).
It will issue you with an information document on the following:
- Rights and obligations of asylum seekers in France
- Organizations that can provide you with legal assistance or inform you about your reception conditions in France (housing, health...).
Where the application for asylum is made by a unaccompanied minor, the public prosecutor shall be notified immediately by the prefecture and shall immediately designate a ad hoc administrator. This person assists the minor and represents him or her in the asylum procedures.
The ad hoc administrator's mission shall end as soon as a supervisory measure is taken.
Once your application has been registered, the prefecture provides you with 2 types of documents: a certificate of asylum seeker and an asylum application form.
Certificate of asylum seeker
The prefecture will issue you, unless there are exceptions, a certificate of asylum seeker. The document is valid only in France.
She also hands this document over to your accompanying family members.
This document is valid for 10 months in the case of a standard procedure and 6 months in the case of accelerated procedure. Your file is fast-tracked in certain cases: nationality of a safe country of origin, refusal to submit to fingerprinting, concealment or falsification of elements of the file, serious threat to public order.
The asylum seeker attestation allows you to file your asylum application with theOfpra: titleContent.
After submitting your application to Ofpra, the certificate is renewable for a period of 6 months.
You must submit the letter from Ofpra attesting to the registration of your application.
The prefecture may refuse to issue you the asylum seeker's certificate if you are in one of the following cases:
- Submission of a new request for review after a final refusal of a 1re demand
- Final decision on extradition to a State other than your country of origin or on surrender on the basis of a European arrest warrant or a request for surrender by an international criminal court.
Asylum Application Form
The prefecture also gives you an asylum application form.
Once you have submitted your proof of claim, you have 21 days to send your claim to theOfpra: titleContent.
You can send your request by mail. If you live in Paris or in the Paris region, you can also drop it off at Ofpra.
By mail
If you send your file to Ofpra, it is preferable to do so by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt.
Who shall I contact
French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra)
On the spot
French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra)
201 Carnot Street
94136 Fontenay sous Bois Cedex
Reception of the public by summons
By telephone
01 58 68 10 10
On the Internet
https://ofpra.gouv.fr/contact-et-informations-pratiques
You must complete the asylum application form submitted by the prefecture, presenting the detailed reasons for your application.
The form must be written in French, dated and signed and be accompanied by:
- Copy of any documents supporting your story and your fears of persecution if you return to your country
- Copy of your travel document (passport or pass) if you have one
- Copy of your asylum seeker's certificate.
- 2 identity photos conforming to standards
It is recommended to keep photocopies of the entire file (form and attachments).
On the spot
If you live in Paris or in the Paris region, you can go directly to the Ofpra reception.
Who shall I contact
French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra)
On the spot
French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra)
201 Carnot Street
94136 Fontenay sous Bois Cedex
Reception of the public by summons
By telephone
01 58 68 10 10
On the Internet
https://ofpra.gouv.fr/contact-et-informations-pratiques
You must complete the asylum application form submitted by the prefecture, presenting the detailed reasons for your application.
The form must be written in French, dated and signed and be accompanied by:
- Copy of any documents supporting your story and your fears of persecution if you return to your country
- Copy of your travel document (passport or pass) if you have one
- Copy of your asylum seeker attestation
- 2 identity photos conforming to standards
It is recommended to keep photocopies of the entire file (form and attachments).
Ofpra acknowledges receipt of your request and informs you that your file is complete or asks you to complete it. You then have an additional 8 days to complete it.
Only complete folders are saved.
Please note
At any time during the procedure, you can send additional items by mail with your case number.
As soon as you receive the registration letter of your file from theOfpra: titleContent, you must contact the prefecture of your department. Even if you have presented yourself for your admission to stay at the prefecture-capital of the region.
The prefecture acknowledges receipt of your complete file.
The initial certificate issued in the case of a normal procedure shall be valid for 10 months.
The certificate issued under an accelerated procedure shall be valid for six months.
The renewal, whatever the procedure, will be for a period of 6 months.
This extension gives the right of residence until Ofpra decides or, in the event of an appeal, until the decision of the National Court of Asylum (CNDA).
At each renewal, you must present to the prefecture of your department:
- 2 identity photos conforming to standards
- Proof of domicile. This can be one of the following documents:
- Proof of accommodation in reception centers for asylum seekers
- Lease agreement in your name
- Certificate of accommodation with a third party
- Domiciliation with an approved association.
In the absence of proof of domicile, the certificate shall not be renewed.
Your asylum application is examined by theOfpra: titleContent. The procedure may be normal or expedited. You're auditioned, except in some cases. At the end of the investigation, Ofpra makes a decision and you notify.
Examination of the application for asylum
L'Ofpra: titleContent first, consider the asylum claim in the context of refugee status.
If you cannot be granted this status, your application is then reviewed for a subsidiary protection.
In addition, depending on your situation, Ofpra decides to place your application under the normal or accelerated procedure.
Ofpra must fast-track your application if you are applying for a review of your application and you are from a safe country of origin.
Furthermore, your application may be fast-tracked by Ofpra in one of the following cases:
- Use of forged documents or multiple applications under multiple identities
- Triggering questions that are not relevant to your asylum claim
- Inconsistent, contradictory or false statements
- Without valid reason, you entered or were illegally maintained in France and filed your application 90 days after your entry
- Presence in France constitutes a serious threat to public order.
In all other cases, your request is placed in the normal procedure.
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Accelerated procedure
Ofpra informs you that your application is being fast-tracked. They must then review your file within 15 days of registration.
This period is reduced to 96 hours if you are placed in administrative detention.
As long as you don't get a written decision, there's no expedited process.
Normal procedure
Under the normal procedure, Ofpra must examine your application within 6 months of its registration.
That period may be extended by:
- 9 months if your situation is particularly complex or if a large number of asylum seekers arrived in France at the same time
- Then exceptionally another 3 months when the examination of your application requires it.
If Ofpra cannot take a decision within 6 months, you will be informed 15 days before the end of the period. As long as you don't get a written decision, there's no extension.
Interview before Ofpra
L'Ofpra: titleContent is to receive you for a personal interview unless he is about to make a decision in favor of your request or if this is not possible for medical reasons.
You get a summons. It will be sent to you by email.
This interview takes place at Ofpra's premises. It can also be done by an audiovisual means if you are unable to travel (in particular for reasons of geographical distance, health or family reasons).
You may be heard in the language of your choice. The language chosen will be that used throughout the asylum procedure.
You may be assisted, if you wish, by one of the following persons:
- Interpreter provided by Ofpra
- Lawyer
- Member of an association defending the rights of foreigners or asylum seekers, authorized by Ofpra
- Member of a women's or children's rights association, authorized by Ofpra
- Member of an association fighting persecution based on sex or sexual orientation, authorized by Ofpra.
The interview allows you to hear your story about the reasons for the asylum claim and the personal risks you face in your country. It also helps you determine whether or not your case is covered by the protections provided by the legislation and whether the facts you recount can be established.
It is the subject of a written report. A copy of the report may be sent to you or your lawyer upon request.
The interview may be recorded.
If you are unable to attend this interview or if you are delayed, you must notify Ofpra. Otherwise, your absence may result in the closure of your case.
Medical examination
Ofpra may ask you to undergo a medical examination. But if you refuse, they can't refuse to process your application.
Decision of Ofpra
At the end of the training, theOfpra: titleContent you notify your decision in writing, in the language you chose when you registered your asylum claim. As long as you do not receive a written decision, there is neither acceptance nor rejection of your asylum application.
You receive it by registered letter with a request for notice of receipt, at the address you have indicated in your file. In the event of a change of address during the procedure, it is therefore important to notify Ofpra.
Please note
When placed in administrative detentionHowever, the decision of Ofpra is left in your hands.
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Decision in favor of the application for asylum
If Ofpra grants you refugee status or subsidiary protection, you will need to apply for a residence permit and travel document.
Depending on the decision of Ofpra, you can benefit from one of the following cards:
- 10-Year Resident Card, if you have been granted refugee status by Ofpra
- Multi-annual residence permit, if you have been granted subsidiary protection by Ofpra.
FYI
While your case is being processed, you have the right to work.
Rejection of the application for asylum
Any rejection decision shall be substantiated. It must indicate the remedies and time limits for appeal.
L'Ofpra: titleContent may deny you protection (asylum or subsidiary protection) if he considers that you do not fulfill the conditions.
Ofpra may also consider your application inadmissible in any of the following cases:
- Enjoying effective protection for asylum in an EU Member State
- Enjoying refugee status and effective protection in a third State and being effectively re-admissible there
- Request for reconsideration when, at the end of a preliminary examination, it appears that your request does not contain elements that would allow you to be granted a favorable answer.
If you have been refused refugee status or subsidiary protection by Ofpra, you can to appeal in front of NDA: titleContent within one month of notification of the decision.
Who shall I contact
If you do not file an appeal, you no longer have the right to remain in France. The prefecture notifies you of a refusal of stay, accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF).
In France
If you are already in France illegally or with a residence permit for a reason other than asylum, you can apply for asylum.
Step-by-step approach
Competent prefecture
You must report to a first reception facility for asylum seekers (Spada) in the region where you intend to reside for:
- Pre-register your request
- Receive a summons for an interview at the one-stop shop for asylum seekers (Guda)
- Then make your request toOfpra: titleContent.
The list of Spada can be obtained from one-stop shops (prefectures responsible for asylum applications).
The competent prefecture to receive your asylum application is determined according to the department of your home or according to the place where you arrive in France.
This procedure in the prefecture is mandatory before entering theOfpra: titleContent and concerns both minor and major foreigner foreigners.
You should contact the prefecture where your department of residence depends.
Region | Department | Competent prefecture |
|---|---|---|
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | Allier (03), Cantal (15), Haute-Loire (43), Puy-de-Dôme (63) | Prefecture of Clermont-Ferrand (63) |
Ain (01), Ardèche (07), Loire (42), Rhône (69) | Prefecture of Lyon (69) | |
Drôme (26), Isère (38), Haute-Savoie (74), Savoie (73) | Grenoble Prefecture (38) | |
Burgundy-Franche-Comté | Côte-d'Or (21), Nièvre (58), Yonne (89) | Prefecture of Dijon (21) |
Doubs (25), Jura (39), Haute-Saône (70), Belfort Territory (90) | Prefecture of Besançon (25) | |
Saône-et-Loire (71) | Prefecture of Mâcon (71) | |
Brittany | Ille-et-Vilaine (35), Côtes-d'Armor (22), Finistère (29), Morbihan (56) | Prefecture of Rennes (35) |
Center-Val de Loire | Cher (18), Eure-et-Loir (28), Indre (36), Indre-et-Loire (37), Loir-et-Cher (41), Loiret (45) | Prefecture of Orléans (45) |
Corsica | Upper Corsica (2B), South Corsica (2A) | Prefecture of Marseille (13) |
Grand Est | Ardennes (08), Aube (10), Marne (51) Haute-Marne (52) | Prefecture of Châlons-en-Champagne (51) |
Meurthe-et-Moselle (54), Meuse (55), Moselle (57), Vosges (88) | Prefecture of Metz (57) | |
Lower Rhine (67) | Prefecture of Strasbourg (67) | |
Haut Rhin (68) | Colmar Prefecture (68) | |
Hauts-de-France | North (59), Pas-de-Calais (62) | Prefecture of Lille (59) |
Aisne (02), Oise (60), Somme (80) | Prefecture of Beauvais (60) | |
Île-de-France | Paris (75) | Paris Police Department |
Seine-et-Marne (77) | Melun Prefecture (77) | |
Yvelines (78) | Prefecture of Versailles (78) | |
Essonne (91) | Prefecture of Evry (91) | |
Hauts-de-Seine (92) | Prefecture of Nanterre (92) | |
Seine-Saint-Denis (93) | Bobigny Prefecture (93) | |
Val-de-Marne (94) | Prefecture of Créteil (94) | |
Val-d'Oise (95) | Prefecture of Cergy-Pontoise (95) | |
Normandy | Calvados (14), Handle (50), Orne (61) | Prefecture of Caen (50) |
Seine-Maritime (76), Eure (27) | Prefecture of Rouen (76) | |
Nouvelle Aquitaine | Vienna (86), Charente (16), Charente-Maritime (17), Deux-Sèvres (79) | Prefecture of Poitiers (86) |
Dordogne (24), Gironde (33), Landes (40), Lot-et-Garonne (47), Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64) | Prefecture of Bordeaux (33) | |
Corrèze (19), Creuse (23), Haute-Vienne (87) | Prefecture of Limoges (87) | |
Occitanie | Haute-Garonne (31), Ariège (09), Aveyron (12), Gers (32), Hautes-Pyrénées (65), Lot (46), Tarn (81), Tarn-et-Garonne (82) | Toulouse Prefecture (31) |
Aude (11), Gard (30), Hérault (34), Lozère (48), Pyrénées-Orientales (66) | Prefecture of Montpellier (34) | |
Pays de la Loire | Loire-Atlantique (44), Mayenne (53), Vendée (85) | Prefecture of Nantes (44) |
Maine and Loire (49), Sarthe (72) | Prefecture of Angers (49) | |
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Paca) | Alpes-Maritimes (06), Var (83) | Prefecture of Nice (06) |
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04), Bouches-du-Rhône (13), Hautes-Alpes (05), Vaucluse (84) | Prefecture of Marseille (13) |
Reminder
Search for the appropriate prefecture, which may not be the one in your department.
Documents to be submitted
You must provide the following:
- Information concerning your marital status and, possibly, that of your accompanying family members
- Any document proving that you have entered France regularly or, if you do not have one, any indication on the conditions of your entry into France and your travel itineraries from your country of origin
- 4 identity photos
- Indication of the address where you can be reached, if you have one.
FYI
At this stage of your application, you are not required to provide proof of domicile.
Processing of the asylum application
The prefecture must register your asylum application within 3 days working days (this period is extended to 10 days in the case of a mass arrival of asylum seekers).
It will issue you with an information document on the following:
- Rights and obligations of asylum seekers in France
- Organizations that can provide you with legal assistance or inform you about your reception conditions in France (housing, health...).
The prefecture takes your fingerprints (unless you are under the age of 14) and verifies that your asylum application is not within the jurisdiction ofanother european country.
Where the application for asylum is made by a unaccompanied minor, the public prosecutor shall be notified immediately by the prefecture and shall immediately designate a ad hoc administrator. This person shall assist the minor and represent him/her in the asylum procedures.
The ad hoc administrator's mission shall end as soon as a supervisory measure is taken.
Once your application has been registered, the prefecture provides you with 2 types of documents: a certificate of asylum seeker and an asylum application form.
Certificate of asylum seeker
The prefecture will issue you, unless there are exceptions, a certificate of asylum seeker. The document is only valid in France.
She also hands this document over to your accompanying family members.
This document is valid for 10 months in the case of a standard procedure and 6 months in the case of accelerated procedure. Your file is fast-tracked in certain cases: nationality of a safe country of origin, refusal to submit to fingerprinting, concealment or falsification of elements of the file, serious threat to public order.
This allows you to lodge your asylum application with Ofpra. It shall be valid as a provisional residence permit. It is renewable for a period of 6 months pending a decision by Ofpra on your application.
You must submit the letter from Ofpra attesting to the registration of your application.
The prefecture may refuse to issue you the asylum seeker's certificate if you are in one of the following cases:
- Submission of a new request for review after a final refusal of a 1re demand
- Final decision on extradition to a State other than your country of origin or on surrender on the basis of a European arrest warrant or a request for surrender by an international criminal court.
Asylum Application Form
The prefecture also gives you an asylum application form.
Once you have received your asylum certificate, you have 21 days to send your application to theOfpra: titleContent.
You can send your request by mail. If you live in Paris or in the Paris region, you can also drop it off at Ofpra.
By mail
If you send your file to Ofpra, it is preferable to do so by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt.
Who shall I contact
French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra)
On the spot
French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra)
201 Carnot Street
94136 Fontenay sous Bois Cedex
Reception of the public by summons
By telephone
01 58 68 10 10
On the Internet
https://ofpra.gouv.fr/contact-et-informations-pratiques
You must complete the asylum application form submitted by the prefecture, presenting the detailed reasons for your application.
The form must be written in French, dated and signed and be accompanied by:
- Copy of any documents supporting your story and your fears of persecution if you return to your country
- Copy of your travel document (passport or pass), if you have one
- Copy of your asylum seeker's certificate.
- 2 identity photos conforming to standards
It is recommended to keep photocopies of the entire file (form and attachments).
On the spot
If you live in Paris or in the Paris region, you can go directly to the Ofpra reception.
Who shall I contact
French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra)
On the spot
French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra)
201 Carnot Street
94136 Fontenay sous Bois Cedex
Reception of the public by summons
By telephone
01 58 68 10 10
On the Internet
https://ofpra.gouv.fr/contact-et-informations-pratiques
You must complete the asylum application form submitted by the prefecture, presenting the detailed reasons for your application.
The form must be written in French, dated and signed and be accompanied by:
- Copy of any documents supporting your story and your fears of persecution if you return to your country
- Copy of your travel document (passport or pass), if you have one
- Copy of your asylum seeker attestation
- 2 identity photos conforming to standards
It is recommended to keep photocopies of the entire file (form and attachments).
Ofpra acknowledges receipt of your request and informs you that your file is complete or asks you to complete it. You then have an additional 8 days to complete it.
Only complete folders are saved.
Please note
At any time during the procedure, you can send additional items by mail with your case number.
As soon as you receive the registration letter from Ofpra, you must contact the prefecture of your department. Even if you have presented yourself for your admission to stay at the prefecture-capital of the region.
The prefecture acknowledges receipt of your complete file.
The initial certificate issued in the case of a normal procedure shall be valid for 10 months.
The certificate issued under an accelerated procedure shall be valid for six months.
The renewal, whatever the procedure, will be for a period of 6 months.
This extension gives the right of residence until Ofpra decides or, in the event of an appeal, until the decision of the National Court of Asylum (CNDA).
At each renewal, you must present to the prefecture of your department:
- 2 identity photos conforming to standards
- Proof of domicile. This can be one of the following documents:
- Proof of accommodation in reception centers for asylum seekers
- Lease agreement in your name
- Certificate of accommodation with a third party
- Domiciliation with an approved association.
In the absence of proof of domicile, the certificate shall not be renewed.
Your asylum application is examined by theOfpra: titleContent. The procedure may be normal or expedited. You're auditioned, except in some cases. At the end of the investigation, Ofpra makes a decision and you notify.
Examination of the application
L'Ofpra: titleContent first, consider the asylum claim in the context of refugee status.
If you cannot be granted this status, your application is then reviewed for a subsidiary protection.
In addition, depending on your situation, Ofpra decides to place your application under the normal or accelerated procedure.
L'Ofpra: titleContent must fast-track your application if you are applying for a review of your application and you are from a safe country of origin.
Furthermore, your application may be fast-tracked by Ofpra in one of the following cases:
- Use of forged documents or multiple applications under multiple identities
- Triggering questions that are not relevant to your asylum claim
- Inconsistent, contradictory or false statements
- Without valid reason, you entered or were illegally maintained in France and filed your application 90 days after your entry
- Presence in France constitutes a serious threat to public order.
In all other cases, your request is placed in the normal procedure.
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Accelerated procedure
Ofpra informs you that your application is being fast-tracked. They must then review your file within 15 days of registration.
This period is reduced to 96 hours if you are placed in administrative detention.
As long as you don't get a written decision, there's no expedited process.
Normal procedure
Under the normal procedure, Ofpra must examine your application within 6 months of its registration.
That period may be extended by:
- 9 months if your situation is particularly complex or if a large number of asylum seekers arrived in France at the same time
- Then exceptionally another 3 months when the examination of your application requires it.
If Ofpra cannot take a decision within 6 months, you will be informed 15 days before the end of the period. As long as you don't get a written decision, there's no extension.
Interview before Ofpra
L'Ofpra: titleContent is to receive you for a personal interview, unless he is about to make a decision in favor of your request or if this is not possible for medical reasons.
You get a summons. It can be sent to you by email.
This interview takes place at Ofpra's premises. It can also be done by an audiovisual means if you are unable to travel (in particular for reasons of geographical distance, health or family reasons).
You may be heard in the language of your choice. The language chosen will be that used throughout the asylum procedure.
You may be assisted, if you wish, by one of the following persons:
- Interpreter provided by Ofpra
- Lawyer
- Member of an association for the defense of the rights of foreigners or asylum seekers authorized by Ofpra
- Member of a women's or children's rights association authorized by Ofpra
- Member of an association fighting persecution on the grounds of sex or sexual orientation authorized by Ofpra.
The interview allows you to hear your story about the reasons for the asylum claim and the personal risks you face in your country. It also helps you determine whether or not your case is covered by the protections provided by the legislation and whether the facts you recount can be established.
It is the subject of a written report. A copy may be sent to you or your lawyer at your request.
The interview may be recorded.
If you are unable to attend this interview or if you are delayed, you must notify Ofpra. Otherwise, your absence may result in the closure of your case.
Medical examination
Ofpra may ask you to undergo a medical examination. But if you refuse, they can't refuse to process your application.
Decision of Ofpra
At the end of the training, theOfpra: titleContent you notify your decision in writing, in the language you chose when you registered your asylum claim. As long as you do not receive a written decision, there is neither acceptance nor rejection of your asylum application.
You receive it by registered letter with a request for notice of receipt, at the address you have indicated in your file. In the event of a change of address during the procedure, it is therefore important to notify Ofpra.
Please note
When placed in administrative detentionHowever, the decision of Ofpra is left in your hands.
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Favorable decision
If Ofpra grants you refugee status or subsidiary protection, you will need to apply for a residence permit and travel document.
Depending on the decision of Ofpra, you can benefit from one of the following cards:
- 10-Year Resident Card, if you have been granted refugee status by Ofpra
- Multi-annual residence permit, if you have been granted subsidiary protection by Ofpra.
FYI
While your case is being processed, you have the right to work.
Rejection of the application
Reasons shall be given for any decision rejecting the application. It must indicate the remedies and time limits for appeal.
L'Ofpra: titleContent may deny you protection (asylum or subsidiary protection) if he considers that you do not fulfill the conditions.
Ofpra may also consider your application inadmissible in any of the following cases:
- Enjoying effective protection for asylum in an EU Member State
- Enjoying refugee status and effective protection in a third State and being effectively re-admissible there
- Request for reconsideration when, at the end of a preliminary examination, it appears that your request does not contain elements that would allow you to be granted a favorable answer.
If you have been refused refugee status or subsidiary protection by Ofpra, you can to appeal in front of NDA: titleContent within one month of notification of the decision.
Who shall I contact
If you do not file an appeal, you no longer have the right to remain in France. The prefecture notifies you of a refusal of stay, accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF).
Examination of the asylum claim at the border
Refusal of entry for asylum
Examination of the application for asylum
Conditions for the reception of asylum seekers
Registration of the application for asylum
Proceedings before Ofpra
Prefects' geographical competences for asylum applications
Validity of the asylum application certificate
Ministry of the Interior
French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra)