Online Validation of VLS-TS: My Experience and OFII Appointment Timeline
Introduction
Moving to France comes with its fair share of administrative steps, and one of the most important for long-stay visa holders is validating the VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour). I had heard mixed experiences about the process—some received their OFII appointment quickly, while others had to wait for months. Naturally, I was curious (and a bit anxious) about how long mine would take.
Validating My VLS-TS Online
On 20 January 2025, I completed my online validation for the VLS-TS, following the official steps on the designated French government website. After submitting my details and paying the required tax, the waiting game began.
Surprisingly Fast OFII Letter Arrival
To my surprise, I received the letter from OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration) on 28 February 2025—just 40 days after validation. From what I had read, the process could take much longer, so I was relieved at how efficiently it was handled in my case.
What's in the OFII Letter?
The envelope contained two documents:
- A notice for my medical visit – This is a required step before receiving the residence permit validation.
- An official confirmation from OFII – This ensures that my visa remains valid for my stay in France.
My OFII Appointment Details
According to the letter, my medical examination is scheduled for one month later. The appointment will take place at the Medical Clinic, I was also summoned for a Republican Integration Contract (le contact d'integration republicaine - CIR) welcome visit on the same day.
🔵 Medical Clinic: I need to present the following documents:
- The appointment letter
- My passport
- My vaccination record
- Recent chest X-rays
- Any hospitalization reports
- Glasses (if applicable) or maternity booklet (if applicable)
NOTE: According to the letter, I don’t need to fast before the appointment, which is a relief. If, for any reason, I’m unable to attend, I need to inform the OFII office as soon as possible.
🔵 CIR:
During this session, I will be asked to sign the Republican Integration Contract, take a French language test to assess my proficiency, and meet individually with an OFII officer to discuss my needs. Based on the assessment, I may be guided to the appropriate services and training programs, depending on my situation.
Conveniently Scheduled on the Same Day
The best part? Both appointments were scheduled for the same day, making the process much more convenient. Instead of making multiple trips, I could complete everything in one go.
Final Thoughts
If you're going through this process, my advice is to be patient but stay prepared. While my experience was faster than expected, processing times can vary depending on the region and workload at OFII. Keep an eye on your email and mailbox for updates, and make sure to check your spam folder just in case!
Have you validated your VLS-TS recently? How long did it take for you to receive your OFII appointment? Let me know in the comments! 😊
