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.
Residence permits: first application and renewal
Most residence permits are applied for online, on the ANEF site. The préfecture des Alpes-Maritimes then examines the file. A renewal is filed before your current permit expires, within the period set by regulation. While you wait, the attestation or récépissé keeps your rights. I choose the right permit with you, build the file and follow it to the decision.
Is this your situation?
- You are in France on a long-stay visa or a titre de séjour (residence permit), and it is about to expire.
- You want to change status: from student to employee, from visitor to employee, or to vie privée et familiale (private and family life).
- You have lived in France for several years and want the carte de résident (resident card).
- Your application is filed, but the préfecture does not answer.
What can go wrong
- Your permit expires before the application is filed. You are then in France without a valid permit, and the préfecture may treat the request as a first application. File early. If it is already late, call me before doing anything else.
- The préfecture stays silent. After a period set by regulation, the silence counts as a refusal. I can challenge that refusal, or ask the judge to order the préfecture to decide.
- The préfecture refuses the permit and adds an OQTF (order to leave France). The deadline to challenge it is short and printed on the decision. Send it to me the same day: challenging an OQTF in Nice.
Common questions
- When should I apply to renew?
- Before your permit expires, within the period set by regulation. The ANEF site shows it. Do not let it pass.
- Can I work while my application is examined?
- For a renewal, yes, if your permit allowed you to work: the attestation de prolongation d'instruction allows it too. For a first application, it depends on the permit.
- Can I travel abroad with an attestation or a récépissé?
- It depends on the document and on your situation. Some let you come back, others do not. Ask me before you buy a ticket.
Contact meI 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.