Residence permit: Algerian PhD students and researchers

Algerian citizens are subject to a specific bilateral agreement

The circulation, stay and work of Algerians in France are regulated in a competely different manner because of the modified franco-algerian agreement fo December 27th 1968. They are therefore subject to a specifique regime. The common law is not applied to them, with the exception of the procedure's provisions.

As an algerian, you must request a certificate of residency to stay in France for more than 3 months : This certificate depending on the situation is valid for a year or 10 years.

Algerian scientists don't have the "Passeport talent-chercheur" (talent-researcher passport) residence permit but a "scientifique chercheur" (researcher scientist) certificate of residency. 

Algerian scientists that have their hosting establishment send them a hosting agreement cant get a "scientifique chercheur" certificate of residency.

Algerian scientists that do not have a hosting agreement from their hosting establishment can get a certificate of residency titled "étudiant" (student) if they are enrolled in a PhD program in a french instition or in the context of a stay for research agreement.

Within two months after your arrival, you must apply for a residence permit. This is done at the prefecture in your area of residency. You must make an appointment online beforehand to have a maximum margin for the submission of your request.
Prefecture du Rhône: make an appointment online ("obtenir un premier titre de séjour" section) or visit the Espace Ulys
Préfecture de la Loire : make an appointment online

Once your file is submitted, you will receive a "récépissé de première demande" (a document attesting of a first request of permit).

You will be notified by SMS when your residence permit is ready for collection.
In order to collect your residence permit, you must make an appointment at your Prefecture. This process is only dedicated to those having written confirmation that their card is ready for collection.

Prefecture du Rhône : Make an appointment online to receive a residence permit - Rhône prefecture
Prefecture de la Loire : To receive your residence permit, you can go to the Prefecture from monday to friday from 9am to 11:30am without an appointment. You will receive your permit once you present the SMS alerting you that your permit is ready and other documents of identification (passport, old residence permit, a certificate such as the "récépissé").

In the case of a change of status to "passeport talent-chercheur " (for example, from an "étudiant" (student residence permit) you must follow the same procedure as for the renewal.

Some Prefectures do not tolerate any tardiness on document submissions. All documents not submitted within the validity dates of a residence permit (residence permit of any kind, document attesting of validation of residence permit request,  provisional authorisation of stay) can be suject to a fine.

The renewal of your "scientifique-chercheur" residence permit (and your spouse’s if need be) must be done within 2 months prior to the expiration of your current residence permit or visa. This is done at the prefecture in your area of residency. You must make an appointment online beforehand to have a maximum margin for the submission of your request.
Prefecture du Rhône: make an appointment online ("obtenir un premier titre de séjour" section) or visit the Espace Ulys
Préfecture de la Loire : make an appointment online

Once your file is submitted, you will receive a "récépissé de première demande" (a document attesting of a first request of permit).

Once your application is done you will receive a “récépissé de renouvellement” (a document attesting of a renewal).

You will be notified by SMS when your residence permit is ready for collection (approximately 2 months after applying). A tax of €225 in fiscal stamps must be paid online before your appointment.
In order to collect your card, you must make an appointment at the Prefecture using the dedicated platform. Be careful, this process is only dedicated to those having received a written confirmation that their card is ready for collection.
Prefecture du Rhône : Make an appointment online to receIve a residence permit - Rhône prefecture
Prefecture de la Loire : To receive your residence permit, you can go to the Prefecture from monday to friday from 9am to 11:30am without an appointment. You will receive your permit once you present the SMS alerting you that your permit is ready and other documents of identification (passport, old residence permit, a certificatE such as the "récépissé").
List of documents and an average time it takes for issuance - La Loire prefecture

For all future renewals, the procedure will be identical and must be initiated within two months at most before the expiration date of your residence permit.

YOU ARE COMING TO FRANCE WITH YOUR SPOUSE: your spouse must also submit their file at the prefecture whether it's for a first request or renewing their residence permit as the spouse of a scientist.

The presence of the scientist is mandatory at the partner's appointment.

Download the list of required documents for renewal

1 year certificate of residency for an Algerian - La Loire Prefecture

If in doubt on the procedures to do, or difficulties taking an appointment, you can visit the Espace Ulys.

All the procedures concerning the residence permit titled "étudiant" are done online on the dedicated platform.

For more details on the procedures to do for the holders of an "étudiant" visa : FAQ Students Welcome Desk

In any case you have to make an appointment with the services of the prefecture to collect your residence permit.

Prefecture du Rhône : Make an appointment online to receive a residence permit - Rhône prefecture
Prefecture de la Loire : To receive your residence permit, you can go to the Prefecture from monday to friday from 9am to 11:30am without an appointment. You will receive your permit once you present the SMS alerting you that your permit is ready and other documents of identification (passport, old residence permit, a certificat such as the "récépissé").