Immigration law · Residence

Residence permit refusal lawyer in Paris —
challenging a residence refusal.

Was your residence permit application refused? A refusal can be challenged, and when it comes with an OQTF, deadlines are short. Maître Jean-Marc DJOSSOU analyses the decision and lodges the right appeal.

Have my refusal reviewed Call · 06 61 76 36 12

A refusal often comes with an OQTF.

In that case, the deadline to bring the matter before the administrative court is in principle one month from notification (art. R. 911-1 CESEDA), seven days if you are under house arrest and forty-eight hours if you are held in detention. Do not let it slip away: keep the decision and contact the firm quickly.

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Understanding

What is a residence refusal?

A residence permit refusal is the decision by which the prefecture rejects your application for a first permit or a renewal. It must in principle state its reasons and inform you of the available remedies and deadlines.

A refusal is not final: it can be challenged. Well prepared, an appeal often makes it possible to assert elements the administration did not sufficiently take into account: your family ties, your length of residence, your professional situation.

The different forms of refusal

Explicit refusal

A written and reasoned decision of the prefecture. The appeal period runs from its notification.

Implicit refusal

Arising from the administration's silence after a period (often four months), with no written reply. It can also be challenged.

Non-renewal

The refusal to renew an existing permit. You must react before losing the benefit of your rights.

Permit withdrawal

The revocation of a permit already issued. A measure with serious consequences, which can be contested.

Your remedies

Challenging the refusal

Depending on your situation, several avenues exist. The firm identifies the most suitable one and scrupulously observes the deadlines:

Informal or hierarchical appeal

Asking the administration to reconsider its decision, within the allotted time.

Court proceedings

Bringing the case before the administrative court to annul the refusal, within the OQTF deadline if there is one.

A new, consolidated application

Where appropriate, refiling a strengthened application on a more suitable basis.

How the firm assists you

A clear analysis of your refusal and a suitable strategy, in French, English or Arabic.

Reading the decision and the reasons given by the prefecture.

Choosing the appeal best suited to your case, within the deadlines.

Building the file of evidence of your ties to France.

Representation before the administrative court.

Frequently asked questions

My residence permit was refused: do I have a deadline to act?

Yes, and it is often short. When the refusal comes with an OQTF, the deadline to appeal before the administrative court is generally one month. Note the notification date and consult a lawyer without delay.

What is the difference between an explicit and an implicit refusal?

An explicit refusal is a written, reasoned decision from the prefecture. An implicit refusal arises from the administration's silence after a period (often four months), with no written reply. Both can be challenged.

What if the refusal comes with an OQTF?

The refusal and the OQTF are challenged together, in the same appeal and within the OQTF deadline. It is an urgent situation: contact the firm immediately to lodge the appeal in time.

Does an appeal stand a chance of succeeding?

It depends on the reasons for the refusal and on your situation. A well-prepared file, which highlights your ties and corrects the points raised by the administration, significantly increases your chances. The firm assesses your prospects from the first appointment.

Can I refile an application instead of appealing?

Sometimes a new, consolidated application on a more suitable basis is preferable to an appeal, or complementary to it. The choice depends on your situation; the firm advises you on the safest strategy.

Was your residence permit refused?

Do not face the decision alone. Contact the firm for a rapid review of your refusal and your options.

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.