Which prefecture?
Your application goes to the prefecture of the département where you live. For a home in Haute-Savoie, that is the Haute-Savoie prefecture in Annecy. The administrative court competent for appeals is the one in Grenoble.
ANEF, the online platform
Many procedures (first application, renewal, change of status) are submitted through the administration’s digital platform for foreign nationals in France (ANEF). You create an account, upload the documents and track progress.
Practical tips
- prepare legible scans of all your documents;
- keep acknowledgements and certificates;
- note the dates: they allow you to chase or to challenge a lack of reply;
- provide only accurate and consistent information.
If you run into difficulty
A technical block, no appointment, a file with no reply, a refusal: a lawyer can chase the prefecture and, if necessary, go to court. Procedures change regularly; this guide is kept up to date.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still file at the counter?
Depending on the procedure, online filing is the rule. Solutions exist if it is impossible. The firm can guide you.
Will the firm file the application for me?
Yes, the firm can prepare and file your application and follow the procedure.
Our page on Residence permits
Related reading
This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is different: contact the firm for advice tailored to your case.