Section 6: Introduction to France

The Office français de l’immigration et de l’intégration is responsible for implementing the procedure for introduction into France or, exceptionally, the procedure for admission to residence from national territory for the families of foreign nationals under the conditions set out in article R. 434-6. It is also responsible for their reception under the responsibility of the Prefect.

To be admitted to French territory, the members of the foreign national’s family must be in possession of the entry visa issued by the diplomatic and consular authority. Authorisation for family reunification is deemed to have lapsed if the family does not enter French territory within three months of the visa being issued.

The issue of a family reunification authorisation is subject, where applicable, to payment to the French Office for Immigration and Integration by the applicant of a fee for services rendered under article R. 434-33, the amount of which is set on a flat-rate basis by joint order of the minister responsible for integration and the minister responsible for the budget.