Application for asylum - In France

Verified 24 décembre 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Your situation

  • You want to apply for asylum
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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

If you are already in France illegally or with a residence permit for a reason other than asylum, you can also apply for asylum.

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 and concerns both minor and major foreigner foreigners.

You should contact the prefecture where your department of residence depends.

Tableau - Prefects competent to register asylum applications (in mainland France):

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:  

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

Certificate of asylum seeker

General case

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 normal procedure and 6 months in the case of an accelerated procedure. This allows you to lodge your asylum claim with theOfpra: titleContent. It shall be valid as a provisional residence permit. It shall be renewable for a period of six months pending the NDA: titleContent) shall decide on your request.

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:

  • You submit a new request for reconsideration after a final refusal of a 1re demand
  • You are subject to a final decision on extradition to a State other than your country of origin or a decision to surrender on the basis of a European arrest warrant or a request for surrender by an international criminal court
In Guyana

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 2 months and allows you to lodge your asylum application with theOfpra: titleContent. It shall be valid as a provisional residence permit. It shall be renewable for a period of 4 months pending the NDA: titleContent) shall decide on your request.

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:

  • You submit a new request for reconsideration after a final refusal of a 1re demand
  • You are subject to a final decision on extradition to a State other than your country of origin or a decision to 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 email additional items 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:

  • 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.

Who shall I contact

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:

  • 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.

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Accelerated procedure

Ofpra informs you that your application is being fast-tracked. It must then decide on the application within 15 days of its 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.

This period may be extended:

  • 9 months if your situation is particularly complex or if a large number of asylum seekers arrived in France at the same time
  • Then another 3 months when the review of your application requires it

If Ofpra cannot take a decision within 6 months, you will be informed 15 days before the deadline expires. 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 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 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 must report to the prefecture of your home. The prefecture will give you a provisional document of stay.

Depending on the decision of Ofpra, you can benefit from:

FYI  

while your file 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 the following cases:

  • You enjoy effective protection for asylum in an EU Member State
  • You enjoy refugee status and effective protection in a third State and are effectively re-eligible there
  • In the case of a request for a review where, after a preliminary examination, it appears that your request does not contain elements which would enable you to be granted a favorable reply

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.

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).