What is an OQTF?
OQTF stands for Obligation de Quitter le Territoire Français — an administrative order to leave French territory. It's issued by the prefect when a foreign national's situation is deemed irregular: expired permit, rejected application, overstayed visa, or certain criminal convictions. An OQTF is not a criminal conviction — it's an administrative decision, and it can be challenged.
The 30-day deadline: your most important fact
Once you receive an OQTF, you have exactly 30 days to file a legal challenge (recours). This deadline is absolute. After 30 days, challenging the OQTF becomes almost impossible and the order can be enforced. If you received one today, contact a specialist organisation or lawyer today — not next week.
⚠️ 30-day deadline. This is not a guideline. After 30 days, recourse options become extremely limited and the OQTF can be executed. Act immediately.
Who to contact first
Specialist free legal aid organisations exist specifically for this situation:
- La Cimade — cimade.org — major immigration rights organisation across France
- GISTI — gisti.org — legal information and support
- France terre d'asile — for asylum seekers
- Your local ADDE — Association nationale d'assistance aux frontières pour les étrangers
These organisations provide free advice and can help you file a challenge. You can also contact a lawyer specialising in droit des étrangers — legal aid (aide juridictionnelle) is available if your income is below approximately €1,200 net per month.
Grounds for challenging an OQTF
The strongest grounds are:
- Minor children of French nationality in France
- Children who have been schooled in France for more than one year
- A French spouse or PACS partner with genuine cohabitation
- A serious health condition requiring treatment unavailable in your country of origin
- A procedural error in the notification (wrong address, missing elements)
- Changed circumstances since the OQTF was issued (new job, birth of a child, marriage)
- 10 or more years of uninterrupted legal residence in France
How to file a challenge
A challenge is filed at the administrative tribunal (tribunal administratif) covering your département. You can file without a lawyer, but legal assistance is strongly recommended. The tribunal is required to schedule a hearing quickly — usually within 3 months. Filing a challenge suspends the execution of the OQTF in some cases, but not all. Do not leave France until you have written confirmation that execution is suspended.
Legal aid: if you can't afford a lawyer
If your income is below approximately €1,200 net per month, you can apply for legal aid (aide juridictionnelle) at the tribunal. This can cover all or part of a lawyer's fees. Apply before the 30-day deadline — the application suspends the deadline while being processed.