Immigration Services in Nice, France

I practise immigration and nationality law from my office in Nice. For now, I don't take asylum applications before the OFPRA or appeals before the CNDA; I can put you in touch with a colleague who does this work full time. I do handle Dublin procedures and temporary protection.

A first consultation

Tell me where things stand and bring what you have: letters, permits, the refusal if there is one. I'll explain which procedure fits, what it will ask of you and where it tends to go wrong. If you don't need a lawyer for it, I'll tell you.

If you decide to go ahead, I prepare the file, submit it and follow it through. Some files take weeks or months, others much longer. I'll help you see when a delay is normal and when it's time to act.

Appointments are at my office in Nice or by video call.

Office

  • Challenging an OQTF in Nice

    You have received an OQTF (obligation de quitter le territoire français), the order to leave France. The deadline to challenge it is very short, especially if you are in immigration detention, and it runs from the day it was served. The exact deadline is printed on the decision. Send me a photo of it today, and I'll let you know the same day which deadline applies.

    Is this your situation?

    • The préfecture des Alpes-Maritimes refused your residence permit (titre de séjour) or its renewal, and the letter includes an OQTF.
    • You were stopped and taken to the detention centre (centre de rétention) in Nice.
    • You were served an OQTF with a re-entry ban (IRTF).
    • You are under house arrest (assignation à résidence).

    What can go wrong

    • The deadline has passed. The appeal against the OQTF is closed. A new permit application, a request for reconsideration, or an urgent application if something new has happened may remain. I will be honest with you about which of these is realistic.
    • The préfecture decided while an application was pending. That is an argument, not a guarantee.
    • You signed a document at the préfecture without reading it. Send it to me first.

    Common questions

    I am in detention. Can I call you?
    Yes. You have the right to contact a lawyer from the detention centre. Ask the officer.
    The letter arrived while I was away. Has the deadline started?
    Perhaps. It depends on the date and the way it was served. Send me the delivery notice and the envelope: that is the first thing I check.
    I cannot afford a lawyer.
    You can apply for legal aid (aide juridictionnelle), and I accept it. The appeal deadline keeps running in the meantime: contact me first.

    I sign a written fee agreement with you before any work starts, and I accept legal aid (aide juridictionnelle). Details: legal notice.

    Written by Paula Rocha Castanheira, lawyer at the Nice Bar.

    General information, reviewed on . Your case depends on your decision and your file.

    Contact me