Préfecture / ANEF letter explained in English
Prefecture (residence permits). The state office in each département. It decides on residence permits. Many requests are now made online on the ANEF website.
Letters you may get
- Convocation — an appointment, for example to give fingerprints or collect your card
- Récépissé or attestation de prolongation d’instruction — proof that you can stay while they decide
- Refus de titre de séjour — your permit was refused
- OQTF — an order to leave France
What to do
- Start your renewal early, months before your permit ends. Check the exact time window on service-public.fr.
- A refusal or an order to leave France (OQTF) can have very short deadlines. Get legal help the same day.
- Find the deadline. Look for “délai”, “avant le”, “au plus tard”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“recours gracieux”, “recours administratif préalable obligatoire”, “recours amiable”, “réclamation”, “contestation”, “recours”). See the template.
Words you may see
- attestation
- Certificate or written statement, for example proof of health cover.
- titre de séjour
- Residence permit.
- récépissé
- Paper proving that you applied. It usually lets you stay legally while they decide.
- OQTF
- Order to leave France (obligation de quitter le territoire français).
- convocation
- Official invitation to an appointment. You are expected to come.
Questions
What is the Préfecture / ANEF?
Prefecture (residence permits). The state office in each département. It decides on residence permits. Many requests are now made online on the ANEF website.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Préfecture / ANEF?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “délai”, “avant le”, “au plus tard” — they mark the deadline. In France, a deadline usually starts on the day you receive the letter — for a registered letter, often the day the post first tried to deliver it. The 3 days are only an estimate, so check the envelope or the delivery notice. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“recours gracieux”, “recours administratif préalable obligatoire”, “recours amiable”, “réclamation”, “contestation”, “recours”).
Can I read a Préfecture / ANEF letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in French. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in France
Finances publiques (DGFiP) · Trésor public / Service de gestion comptable · Caisse d’allocations familiales (CAF) · France Travail (ex Pôle emploi) · OFII · Assurance Maladie (CPAM) · Mutuelle / complémentaire santé · URSSAF