Renewing Your Au Pair Visa in France 🇫🇷✨
"Has anyone renewed their visa? I had my appointment back in September and haven’t gotten any response. Any next steps? I sent an email, but no reply. Someone mentioned that theirs was ready, but they never got a text to pick it up! Should I just go to the prefecture and ask?" If you’re in this situation, don’t panic! 😌 French administration can be slow, and many au pairs have experienced long waiting times for their visa renewals. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate this process smoothly.
Allison Marton
3/3/20252 min read
📅 When and Where to Apply for Your Renewal?
You must apply for your visa renewal within the last two months before your current visa expires.
📍 The application is made at the préfecture or sous-préfecture of your place of residence.
⚠️ Important! Not all sous-préfectures process visa renewals, so check the website of your local préfecture beforehand.
📑 Documents You Need to Prepare
Make sure your file is complete to avoid delays! Here’s what you need:
✅ Your current residence permit (carte de séjour)
✅ Your passport (pages showing personal details, visa, and entry stamps)
✅ Proof of residence (a document showing your address, dated within the last 6 months)
✅ Three passport-sized photos
✅ Payment proof for the renewal fee (€75 in tax stamps)
✅ Your au pair contract (Cerfa form n°15973, signed by both you and your host family)
✅ Proof of basic French knowledge (this can be a certificate, proof of studies, or a diploma)
✅ Copy of your host parents’ ID
✅ Signed commitment to respect French Republic values
If your file is complete, you’ll receive a récépissé (temporary document) while waiting for your new visa. 🎟️
💰 How Much Does It Cost?
💸 When validating your long-stay visa upon arrival, you had to pay €50 in tax stamps.
💸 For the renewal, you’ll need to pay €75 when collecting your residence permit.
🚀 Waiting for Your Visa? What’s Next?
💌 No response after your appointment?
It’s frustrating, but don’t worry—processing times vary by prefecture. If you haven’t received any update:
📧 Try emailing the préfecture again (be polite and concise).
📞 If no response, call them or check if they have an online tracking system.
🏛️ Visit in person: Many au pairs have found that their visa was ready, but they never got notified! Bring your récépissé and ask politely if your card is available.
💡 Pro tip: Go in the morning to avoid long lines!
📍Where to Pick Up Your New Card?
Your new residence permit will be available at the préfecture or sous-préfecture where you submitted your application. Make sure to bring:
✔️ Your current residence permit
✔️ Proof of payment (€75 tax stamps)
⏳ How Long Is the New Visa Valid?
Your Jeune Au Pair residence permit is valid for one year maximum. If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to go through the renewal process again next year!
🎯 Final Advice
🔹 Be patient—French bureaucracy takes time!
🔹 Always keep copies of every document you submit.
🔹 If in doubt, go directly to the préfecture and ask!
Still have questions about your au pair visa renewal? Drop a comment below or share your experience! 💬👇
💡 Want to improve your French while navigating all these admin tasks? Join my French courses for au pairs and gain confidence in speaking, writing, and dealing with daily life in France! 🇫🇷✨
