CampusFrance Update July 2008

It is that time of summer again! With students applying for visas to start programs in August or September, CampusFrance understands that advisers and students need to know the approximate processing times and methods to contact CampusFrance. CampusFrance has provided the following information to assist advisers.

Processing times

CampusFrance is currently processing applications in just over two weeks. There could be slightly longer delays at a time when there is a significant increase in the number of applications, which is normal for this time of year. Students should apply early to avoid the rush period if possible.

Practice tip: During rush periods (mid-summer and November–December), students should allow up to three weeks for CampusFrance approval. Students are advised to schedule the visa appointment as soon as they have applied with CampusFrance, but it would be wise to set that appointment for a date at least three weeks after the student has sent the application materials to CampusFrance.

How Can I Inquire About a CampusFrance Application?

For regular inquiries:

• Allow at least two weeks after the application materials have been mailed to CampusFrance to inquire about its status; this allows time for CampusFrance to process the application, as well as answer inquiries from those who are having other types of questions, such as questions about filling out the online application.
• Unless the student specifically requested that CampusFrance e-mail him/her, the student must check his/her personal account page on the online application system to see if the registration has been approved, or CampusFrance staff have left a message there. Even if the student requested e-mail notification, it is a good idea to check the personal account page.
• If there is no approval or message, the student may send an e-mail from his/her personal account page on the online application system to CampusFrance staff. Include a phone number so CampusFrance staff may call you if necessary.
• If you do not have a CampusFrance account, a student (or his/her study abroad adviser) may also e-mail Washington[at]campusfrance.org.
• Please do not call CampusFrance as the CampusFrance staff are not answering the telephone while they are attempting to catch up with the high demand.
• In addition, please do not send more than one inquiry. This only contributes to the bottleneck effect.

For emergency cases:
If the visa appointment is within three days and it has been more than two weeks since the application materials were mailed:

• Send a FAX to CampusFrance at 202.944.6584 with the subject line “EXPEDITE CAMPUSFRANCE- VISA APPOINTMENT WITHIN 3 DAYS”
• Include the following information:
  • Student name
  • CampusFrance ID Number (found at the upper right corner when you log in)
  • Date of visa appointment
  • Consulate Office (where appointment is scheduled)
  • Date of departure
  • 24-hour contact phone number
• CampusFrance staff will ensure that the CampusFrance confirmation is received in time for the visa appointment
If an adviser is aware of further delays, or is unable to reach CampusFrance directly, please report the issue to NAFSA through Report an Issue.

CampusFrance Approval for a Second Study Program

If a student has already received CampusFrance approval for one study program in France, but now needs another visa for a second program:

• Send a FAX to Campus France at 202.944.6584 with the subject line “SECOND STUDY PROGRAM”
• State that the student is going on a second study program and include the following information:
  • Student name
  • CampusFrance ID Number (found at the upper right corner when you log in)
  • Permanent address
  • Consulate Office (with jurisdiction over the student’s permanent address)
  • 24-hour contact phone number
  • Name, description on the second program
• Staff should call student back within the next two days.
• Note: Situations may vary. In principle, if the second program is independent from the first one, it will be regarded as a new application, and then both the CampusFrance fee and the visa fee will have to be paid; otherwise, the student may be exempted from the payment of the CampusFrance fee. In the latter case, the CampusFrance agent will inform the Consulate that you are entitled to apply for a new visa

 

Additional Information About the CampusFrance Office

The CampusFrance office located in Washington, DC, is one of 30 offices in the world. The branch that processes the CampusFrance files is called the “Centre pour les Etudes en France” (CEF). The office is staffed by several agents whose number is increased during the rush periods, in the summer, and in the fall (currently there are six full-time staff). All of the agents speak both English and French.