Save yourself from any trouble and think about the récépissé

This temporary residence document shows that your first or renewal application is officially on file. Think of it as your “stay-in-France pass” while your application is being processed.
Basically, it is the document that says, “Relax, you’re allowed to stay… but don’t get too excited.”

Everyone can get a récépissé, but some get more perks than others...

For a first-time application, you can think of it as a free Netflix pass: you get some perks… but very limited ones.If you submitted a first-time residence permit application, you usually receive a récépissé valid for four to six months (occasionally renewable for three more months). 
Be aware: this document doesn’t allow you to travel abroad. If you leave France, you will need a visa to return, your passport in hand.
The same goes for anyone waiting on a renewal application: until it’s approved, they can’t enjoy the perks granted to those who have already received a positive decision.

If your renewal application is approved… you can grab your bag and run!

If you are waiting for the renewal or a duplicate of your residence permit, you can think of yourself as having a Netflix Premium subscription: more rights and perks than a first-time application!
Renewable every three months until your application is fully processed, this récépissé allows you to travel : more features than a first-time pass… but still with some limits! To travel abroad and, most importantly, return to France, you must have this receipt and :
● your expired residence permit or the declaration of loss/theft,● your passport.
Of course ! You must return while the récépissé is still valid. Otherwise, even your Premium Pass turns into an expired ticket… and you’ll be stuck outside France.

We know this can be tricky, soooo, if you’re worried about messing up and not being able to come back to France, just drop us a message!