Residence permits (ANEF, prefecture)
Permit refused with an order to leave France (OQTF): act now
In short
An OQTF is a prefecture decision ordering you to leave France. It often comes with a residence permit refusal. You can challenge it before the administrative court (tribunal administratif), but the deadlines are very short.
Deadlines to check
- General case (you are not under house arrest, in detention or in a detention centre): 1 month to go to the administrative court.
- If you are under house arrest (assignation à résidence) or in prison: 7 days.
- If you are held in an immigration detention centre (rétention): 48 hours.
- These deadlines cannot be extended, and asking the prefecture to reconsider does not stop them. The deadline for your case is written in the decision (section « voies et délais de recours »).
What to do
- Immediately read the « voies et délais de recours » section of the decision and note the date you received it.
- Contact a lawyer or an association that helps foreign nationals the same day.
- You can ask for legal aid (aide juridictionnelle) to cover lawyer's fees; a lawyer can also be appointed for you.
- Gather your documents: the decision, passport, proof of presence in France, family life, work.
Watch out: Do not let the deadline pass while waiting for the prefecture to answer: only an appeal to the court within the deadline protects your rights. Deadlines changed in 2026: always check the decision itself.
Sources and official links
- Service-Public: challenging an OQTF (FR)
- Point-justice: free legal consultations (FR)
- Défenseur des droits (FR)
Checked on 11 October 2026 against the official sources above. Rules can change: the deadlines written on your letter take priority.
General information, not legal advice. This guide explains a type of letter; it does not replace advice from a professional on your situation. Free help: France services, point-justice. Read the disclaimer.