The Governments of France and India have entered into a partnership agreement on October 1, 2021 to facilitate migration and mobility between the two countries.
Key Highlights
- France and India will issue short-stay multiple-entry visas valid for at least 1 year, as soon as possible, to nationals who hold valid ordinary passports.
- In France, the short-stay multiple entry visa allows a cumulative duration of stay not exceeding 90 days over a period of 180 days (valid from 1 to 5 years).
- For India, the appropriate visa will allow stays up to 6 months (valid from 1 to 5 years). Stays longer than 180 days require prior registration.
- The two countries will develop an exchange program for up to 500 young professionals (18 – 35 years old). The authorized working time varies from 6 to 12 months, with a maximum extension of 24 months.
For Students
- France may issue a long-stay visa serving as a residence permit marked “student” to Indian students coming to continue their studies in France. At the expiration of this long-stay visa for a maximum of one year, the Indian student receives a multi-year residence permit valid until the end of their studies.
- India may issue French students a long-stay visa marked “student” valid for the duration of their studies, for a maximum period of five years.
Erickson Insights
The agreement facilitates mobility for students, academics, and researchers, and immigration for professional and economic reasons, and prevents illegal migration and trafficking. The full decree is available here.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.