I have received an OQTF, what should I do first?

Immediately note the notification date, keep the envelope and all documents you were given, and contact a lawyer without delay. The appeal period starts running as soon as you receive the decision.

Can I stay in France while the appeal is pending?

Filing an appeal within the deadline can affect the enforcement of the measure, depending on the circumstances. Your lawyer will tell you precisely what applies to your situation and, if necessary, initiate urgent proceedings.

What if a re-entry ban (IRTF) has also been issued?

The IRTF can be challenged at the same time as the OQTF. It has serious consequences, including registration in the Schengen database: it is essential to challenge it within the deadline.

Does the firm handle urgent cases?

Yes. OQTF cases are treated as a priority given the deadlines. You get a rapid first exchange to assess your options.

Immigration law · Removal

OQTF lawyer in Paris —
challenging an obligation to leave French territory.

Q: How long do I have to lodge an appeal?

Since 15 July 2024 the deadline no longer depends on whether a voluntary departure period was granted, but on your situation: one month under ordinary rules (art. R. 911-1), seven days if you are under house arrest (art. L. 921-1), forty-eight hours if you are held in detention (art. R. 921-2-1). Two derogations apply in detention: five days for certain asylum seekers, seven days where a transfer decision has been taken.

Have you received an OQTF? Appeal deadlines are very short. Maître Jean-Marc DJOSSOU acts urgently to challenge the measure and defend your right to stay.

Request an urgent appointment Call · 06 61 76 36 12

The clock starts running upon notification.

Depending on the type of OQTF, the appeal deadline can be just a few days. Do not wait: note the date you received the decision and contact the firm immediately.

Tool · for guidance only

Estimate your appeal deadline

Enter the date your OQTF was notified and the type of measure to estimate how much time you have left to act. This calculation is indicative: only a review of your file can confirm the exact deadline.

Notification date Type of measure

Have my file reviewed Call now

Enter the date and type of measure to estimate your deadline.

The result appears instantly, for guidance purposes only.

Automatic estimate provided for information only. It does not account for rules specific to your situation (public holidays, special procedures, actual notification date) and does not replace the advice of a lawyer. If in doubt about your deadline, contact the firm without delay. Only three cases: one month under ordinary rules (art. R. 911-1), seven days if you are under house arrest (art. L. 921-1), forty-eight hours if you are held in detention (art. R. 921-2-1). Two derogations apply in detention: five days for certain asylum seekers, seven days where a transfer decision to another European State has been taken.

Finding your court

Where will your appeal be heard?

The competent court depends on the department of the authority that issued the decision — not on your current address or where you were stopped. Click your department.

75 Paris Paris 77 Seine-et-Marne Melun 78 Yvelines Versailles 91 Essonne Versailles 92 Hauts-de-Seine Cergy-Pontoise 93 Seine-Saint-Denis Montreuil 94 Val-de-Marne Melun 95 Val-d’Oise Cergy-Pontoise

People held at the Mesnil-Amelot facility fall under Montreuil (centre no. 3) or Melun (centre no. 2). Decisions taken within the Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle airport area fall under Montreuil.

Understanding

What is an OQTF?

The obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) is a decision issued by the prefecture ordering you to leave France. It often follows a residence permit refusal, but can arise in other situations.

An OQTF may come with — or without — a voluntary departure period. It is sometimes accompanied by other measures that add to your constraints and must also be open to challenge.

Measures that may accompany an OQTF

House arrest (assignation à résidence)

You are required to stay in a designated place and report regularly. This measure can be challenged.

Re-entry ban (IRTF)

It bars you from returning to French territory for a set period and is entered in the Schengen database.

Decision setting the country of return

It designates the country to which you could be removed. It can be challenged separately.

Your remedies

Challenging the OQTF before the judge

An OQTF is challenged before the administrative court. The deadline is short and depends on the type of measure and your situation: it is therefore essential to act without delay. The firm reviews your file and initiates the appropriate procedure:

Annulment proceedings

To challenge the lawfulness of the OQTF and of the measures accompanying it.

Urgent procedures

Where appropriate, interim proceedings can be brought to suspend a measure.

Building the substantive file

Gathering evidence of your ties to France to defend your right to stay.

How the firm assists you

Fast, clear, end-to-end assistance, in a language you understand — French, English or Arabic.

Urgent analysis of the measure and the deadlines applicable to your situation.

Drafting the appeal and filing it with the administrative court.

Representation at the hearing and defence of your case before the judge.

Follow-up and advice until your situation is regularised.

Frequently asked questions

Have you received an OQTF?

Every day counts. Contact the firm now for a rapid review of your situation.

Book an appointment 06 61 76 36 12

This page is for information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. The applicable deadlines and procedures depend on your specific situation.