These are some of the most frequently asked questions about using a guarantor for France study visa:
Who can be my guarantor? Do we have to be related? How much money should my guarantor have? Does my guarantor need to write a sponsorship letter?
This blog will address all of these questions.
When applying for a study visa for France, selecting the right guarantor or sponsor is crucial. This person will essentially be responsible for your financial well-being throughout your studies, proving to the French authorities that you won’t face any financial hardships. They’ll need to present bank statements, proof of identity, and evidence of assets to support their case.
Who can be your guarantor for a France study visa application?
Your first options are typically your parents or other close family members, whether nuclear or extended. However, it’s not uncommon for people unrelated by blood to step in as guarantors. Visas have been successfully granted in such cases, proving that your guarantor doesn’t necessarily need to be a relative.
How much should your guarantor for a France study visa have?
This is where individual circumstances play a big role. If your course fees are on the lower end, say around €243, versus those reaching up to €30,000, your guarantor must demonstrate sufficient financial backing relevant to your situation. While some believe that the guarantor only needs to show coverage for living expenses, typically ranging from €7,380 to €9,600 annually, I recommend ensuring that your sponsor’s account is well-funded, especially if your tuition fees are substantial. The more comprehensive the financial proof, the better.
Documents Your Guarantor or Sponsor Needs to Provide for a French Study Visa
- Passport Biodata Page or Proof of Identity: Your guarantor will need to provide a clear copy of their passport’s biodata page or another valid proof of identity.
- Three Months Bank Statements: These statements should show consistent inflows and outflows, reflecting a stable financial situation. This helps demonstrate their ability to support you financially during your studies.
- Source(s) of Income:
- For Business Owners: Documents like the CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) registration, Form C07, or other relevant business documents.
- For Salary Earners: An employment letter and recent payslips.
- Guarantor Form or Sponsorship Letter: Depending on the process, they may need to fill out a guarantor form provided by Campus France or write a sponsorship letter. This letter should be notarized at a Notary Public to authenticate it.
- Proof of Relationship: For Parent Guarantors: Documents like a birth certificate or family photos can be helpful, although not mandatory. If you’re unable to provide these, ensure all other requirements are complete, and consider mentioning your relationship in your cover letter.
My Personal Opinion on Using a Guarantor
Your guarantor can significantly influence the success of your visa application, so choosing the right person is essential. Before you decide, take the time to check their digital footprint. Google their name, the name of their business, and see if anything negative comes up, particularly regarding financial issues, frauds, debts, drugs, or court cases. If they don’t have a digital footprint,that might actually work in your favour.
Importantly, your guarantor must be reliable and reputable. If they’ve been consistently denied visas by Schengen countries, that could reflect poorly on your application. How can they effectively support you if they struggle to secure their own visas?
Consider every detail before making your choice. This decision could make or break your application.
Good luck on your French study journey! If you’re looking for more tips, you can catch up on my guide to securing a visa here.
