A refusal isn't final — but deadlines are short
Receiving a residence permit refusal is a shock, but it's not the end. You have several forms of recourse. The constraint is that deadlines are strict: you generally have 2 months from the notification of refusal to act. After that, your recourse options expire and the decision becomes final. Don't delay.
Administrative appeal: simple, free, no lawyer needed
An administrative appeal is a letter sent directly to the prefect who made the refusal decision, asking them to reconsider your file with new elements or clarifications about your situation. It's free, doesn't require a lawyer, and doesn't close the door to a legal appeal if the response is negative. The préfecture has 2 months to respond. No response within that period counts as an implicit refusal.
Legal appeal: before the administrative tribunal
A legal appeal is filed with the competent administrative tribunal within 2 months of the refusal. This is a formal legal procedure — a lawyer specialising in immigration law is strongly recommended. They will identify the strongest legal grounds: legal error, factual error, procedural defect, violation of Article 8 of the ECHR on private and family life.
Legal aid if you can't afford a lawyer
If your income is modest, the state can cover all or part of lawyer's fees through legal aid. The application is made to the legal aid office at the competent administrative tribunal. Submitting before the appeal deadline suspends the deadline.
During the appeal: your administrative situation
If you filed your appeal within the deadline, you can remain in France throughout the procedure — your presence on French territory is legally tolerated. Keep all evidence of your ongoing appeal carefully.