What is OFII?

The OFII (Office français de l'immigration et de l'intégration) is the French state agency responsible for legal immigration and the integration of newcomers. It was created in 2009.

Many international students first hear about the OFII when they need to validate their long-stay visa (VLS-TS). This used to mean an appointment at an OFII office; today it is done entirely online on the ANEF platform. See How to validate my student visa VLS-TS.

The OFII has four main missions:

• handling legal immigration procedures alongside, or on behalf of, prefectures and consulates;
• welcoming and supporting the integration of immigrants who settle permanently in France and sign a Republican Integration Contract with the State;
• receiving asylum seekers;
• helping foreign nationals who wish to return to and resettle in their country of origin.