Application for asylum

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:  

• The procedure for applying for asylum
• Your rights and obligations
• Helps you apply for

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.

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.

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

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 request has been registered, the prefecture will give you 2 types of documents.

Certificate of asylum seeker

Asylum Application Form

The prefecture also gives you an asylum application form.

As of delivery of your asylum application certificate, you have 21 days to send your request to theOfpra: titleContent.

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.

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.

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:

• You are using false documents or making multiple requests under multiple identities
• You raise issues that are not relevant to your refugee claim
• You make 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

In all other cases, your request is placed in the normal procedure.

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
• Member of a women's or children's rights association
• Member of an association fighting persecution based on sex or legal sexual orientation

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.