France to grant 5-year Schengen visas to graduates from India

The European nation today announced that Indian students who have even just spent a semester in France are now eligible for a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa. This announcement comes only a few days after France announced a longer post-study work visa for Indian students in France. “France is of the opinion that when an Indian student studies abroad for even a semester, a bond is formed that should be nurtured and treasured. For this reason, Master’s degree-holding Indian students who have studied in France for at least a semester are qualified for a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa. According to the French Embassy’s official statement, “This is a special provision for Indian alumni to enable them to maintain close ties with France and their French counterparts.” 

According to the official announcement, applicants must have completed a Master’s degree or higher at a recognized university in India, France, or a third nation, as well as have studied abroad for at least one semester. These candidates will also need to submit a visa application that is properly filled out and complies with all standard Schengen standards. By 2030, France plans to accept 30,000 students from India, the embassy reported Wednesday. Additionally, in order to convey this message throughout the nation, the French Institute and the Embassy of France have announced the upcoming “Choose France Tour 2023,” which will take place throughout India in the month of October.