Applying for asylum in France

Asylum seekers first go to a first-reception platform for asylum seekers (SPADA), which directs them to the one-stop desk for asylum seekers (GUDA). This desk brings together the prefecture and the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII). There your fingerprints are taken, your situation is reviewed and officials check whether France is responsible for your claim under the Dublin regulation.

At the end of this appointment you receive an asylum application certificate. This document proves that you are allowed to stay in the country while your case is examined, so always keep it with you. It is valid for one month under the Dublin procedure and is renewed in other cases. Your file must then be sent to the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA) within 21 days, written in French or translated.

The account of your story is the most important part of the file. Be precise about dates, places and events, and attach every piece of evidence you have: medical certificates, summonses, photos, press articles. An interview at OFPRA follows, with a free interpreter. If the answer is negative, you can appeal to the National Court of Asylum (CNDA) within one month.

Housing and reception conditions

During the procedure, asylum seekers can receive the material reception conditions offered by OFII. These include accommodation in a reception centre for asylum seekers (CADA) or another housing facility, plus the asylum seeker allowance (ADA). Unfortunately places are limited and the wait can be long.

If no place is available, you can call 115, the emergency shelter number, which runs day and night. Associations and day centres also offer meals, showers, lockers for your belongings and help with paperwork. Ask at the Red Cross, Secours catholique or other local refugee support associations.

• CADA: stable housing with social and legal support
• HUDA: emergency housing for asylum seekers
• Reception and assessment centres (CAES): the first step before being directed elsewhere
• 115: a temporary solution in case of distress

Health care and the right to medical coverage

Asylum seekers are entitled to universal health protection (PUMa); the usual three-month residence requirement often does not apply to them in practice. It gives access to doctors, medicines, hospital care and free complementary health cover if your income is low. You apply to the primary health insurance office (CPAM) where you live, with your certificate and proof of address or postal domiciliation.

In the first months you can go to a health care access service (PASS), a free service found in many hospitals. Its teams also see people with no coverage at all. Associations such as Médecins du Monde also offer consultations and psychological support, which is very helpful after a difficult journey into exile.

Learning French, schooling and work

Learning French is the key to integration. Many associations, town halls and community centres offer free classes, often several times a week. Once a residence permit is granted, OFII offers the republican integration contract (CIR), which includes language and civic training up to level A2 or B1.

Children aged 3 to 16 have the right to go to school, whatever their family's administrative situation. Enrolment starts at the town hall, then at the school. Pupils who do not speak French can join a special class (UPE2A) to learn the language while following lessons.

As for work, an asylum seeker can request a work permit if OFPRA has not ruled on the claim after six months. People recognised as refugees receive a ten-year residence card and can work freely, register with France Travail and take vocational training.