Immigration law · Visas

Short-stay or long-stay visa —
and challenging a visa refusal.

The firm assists you with visa applications and challenges, within the deadlines, refusals issued by consulates and the appeals commission.

Request an appointment Call · 06 61 76 36 12
Understanding

Short stay, long stay: two different logics

The short-stay visa (Schengen type) allows a stay of a few months, for tourism, a family visit or a business trip. The long-stay visa prepares a lasting move to France: spouse of a French national, student, employee, visitor.

Each application requires a precise file. A refusal, often barely reasoned, can be challenged: but the deadlines and procedure are strict.

The situations the firm handles

Short-stay visa (Schengen)
Tourism, family visits, business: preparing the file and sponsorship certificates.
Long-stay visa
Spouse of a French national, student, employee, visitor, preparing your move to France.
Visa refusal
Appeal before the commission (CRRV) then, if needed, before the Nantes administrative court.
Challenging a refusal

The steps to take after a refusal

A visa refusal cannot be challenged directly before the judge: you must first refer the matter to the appeals commission, within a short deadline. The firm secures every step:

01
Mandatory administrative appeal
Within thirty days of notification (art. D. 312-4): the appeals commission (CRRV) for a long-stay visa refusal, the deputy director for visas for a short-stay one (art. D. 312-3).
02
Court proceedings
If rejected, referral to the Nantes administrative court, which alone has jurisdiction over consular visa refusals (art. R. 312-18 of the Code of Administrative Justice).
03
Urgent procedure
Interim proceedings may be considered where the refusal causes serious and immediate harm to your rights.

Frequently asked questions

My visa was refused without explanation: can it be challenged?
Yes. Many refusals are barely or not at all reasoned and can be challenged. The first step is the mandatory administrative appeal, within thirty days of the refusal (art. D. 312-4): the appeals commission (CRRV) for a long-stay visa, the deputy director for visas for a short-stay one (art. D. 312-3).
What is the deadline to challenge a visa refusal?
The mandatory administrative appeal must be lodged within thirty days of notification of the refusal (art. D. 312-4): before the appeals commission (CRRV) for a long-stay visa, before the deputy director for visas for a short-stay one (art. D. 312-3). Only that appeal preserves the time limit for court proceedings. After that, challenging the refusal becomes much harder: you must act quickly.
What is the difference between short stay and long stay?
The short stay (Schengen visa) allows a stay of a few months at most. The long stay prepares a lasting move to France and often counts as a residence permit for the first year.
Can I bring my spouse or a relative on a visitor visa?
A short-stay visa can allow a family visit, under conditions (sponsorship certificate, resources, insurance). The firm prepares the file to limit the risk of refusal.
Does the firm also act before the Nantes court?
Yes. If the commission rejects the appeal, visa refusal litigation falls to the Nantes administrative court, before which the firm brings the case.

A visa application or refusal?

Appeal deadlines are short. Contact the firm to review your options without delay.

Book an appointment 06 61 76 36 12

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