Residence permit applications, naturalisation and orders to leave French territory (OQTF): clear guidance at every stage

French immigration law comprises the rules governing foreign nationals’ residence, employment and settlement in France.

These procedures can be complex, lengthy and stressful. An immigration lawyer’s role is to guide you at every stage, help ensure that your application is legally robust and protect your rights.

You may wish to consult a lawyer if you plan to apply for a residence permit or French nationality, or challenge an adverse decision such as a refusal, an OQTF or certain asylum decisions.

Sophie Maréchal helps clients prepare and submit residence permit applications, taking account of their personal and professional circumstances.

She also assists with applications to acquire French nationality, whether by decree or declaration, helping to prepare a complete application and anticipate potential difficulties.

• ‘Employee’ residence permits and residence permits for shortage occupations
• ‘Private and family life’ residence permits
• ‘Talent’ residence permits
• ‘Student’ residence permits

When an authority refuses an application, it is often possible to challenge the decision. She advises and represents clients following refusals of residence permits, refusals of family reunification and OQTFs, with or without a period for voluntary departure.

She also appears before the French National Court of Asylum (Cour nationale du droit d’asile – CNDA) in appeals against certain decisions refusing international protection.

The lawyer’s role is to advise you in your best interests. Sophie Maréchal carries out a detailed, tailored legal assessment of your circumstances during a consultation.

If she considers that you do not meet the requirements for a residence permit or naturalisation, she will tell you so openly.