What the firm handles
- first applications for a residence permit and renewals: private and family life, employee, student, medical grounds, Algerian residence certificate, change of status, exceptional regularisation;
- applications stuck on ANEF or on Démarche numérique: appeals and urgent applications when the appointment, the receipt (récépissé) or the certificate extending the examination period does not arrive.
Preparing a first application or a renewal
Each residence permit has its own conditions: length of residence, income, family ties, employment contract, state of health. An incomplete or misdirected application can lead to a refusal, sometimes together with an order to leave France.
Etienne Lemichel checks that your situation matches the permit you are applying for, gathers the documents with you and takes care with how the application is presented. For a renewal, he keeps an eye on the calendar: the application must be filed before your permit expires.
Situations handled by the firm
- Private and family life: spouse of a French national, parent of a French child, personal and family ties in France;
- Employee and temporary worker, including the change from student status to employee status;
- Student, first application and renewal;
- Foreign nationals who are ill: residence permit on medical grounds;
- Algerian nationals: residence certificate under the 1968 Franco-Algerian Agreement.
Since 2026: civic exam and level of French
Since 1 January 2026, a first multi-year residence permit requires proof of A2 level in French and a pass in a civic exam. The resident card requires B1 level.
These conditions apply to first applications, not to simple renewals. Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection are exempt from the civic exam. The firm checks with you which documents to provide and when. Who is concerned and which exemptions apply: see the guide The civic exam in detail.
Exceptional regularisation
Without a residence permit, regularisation remains possible on an exceptional basis. Since the circular of 23 January 2025, préfectures treat seven years of residence in France as an indicator of integration. They look favourably on a French diploma or a language certificate, and take into account any order to leave France that was not complied with.
An employee who has worked for at least twelve months over the past two years in an occupation or area with labour shortages can also apply for a one-year permit.
These cases are won on evidence: payslips, statements, proof of presence year by year. Etienne Lemichel helps you gather them and present a solid application. Criteria, shortage occupations, cost and precautions: see the guide Exceptional regularisation in 2026.
Delays on ANEF or Démarche numérique
Most applications are now filed online, on ANEF (Administration numérique pour les étrangers en France). When the application goes unanswered, the appointment never comes or the certificate extending the examination period does not arrive, you risk being left without a valid document and losing your job or your social security rights.
The firm first writes to the préfecture, then, if needed, brings the matter before the administrative court. An urgent application (référé) can secure an appointment, a receipt or a certificate within a short time.
What to keep, starting today
- screenshots of each filing and of each message received;
- the application number and the acknowledgements of receipt;
- proof of your reminders: emails, forms, registered letters.
Frequently asked questions
My permit is expiring and I have no appointment. What should I do?
File your application online before it expires and keep proof of filing. If the certificate extending the examination period does not arrive, contact the firm: an appeal or an urgent application can be brought.
Is a refusal of a residence permit final?
No. It can be challenged before the administrative court, within very short time limits when it comes with an order to leave France. Challenging a refusal or an OQTF
I am Algerian: are the rules the same?
Not always. Algerian nationals are largely governed by the 1968 Franco-Algerian Agreement, which provides for a residence certificate with its own conditions. The firm examines your case in the light of this agreement.
Information up to date as of October 2026. It does not replace a review of your situation at a meeting.