ICT for Integration, Social Inclusion and Economic Participation of ...

In total, there are around 600 CERFA forms available on this site. Some of them can be
printed, filled out, and returned while others are only for informative purposes. However, the
section called ‘Foreigners in France’ does not offer that many forms online. English, German,
and Spanish versions of the site are available, but only certain parts of the website have been
translated and it does not include the section on ‘Foreigners in France’.
The Ministry of Immigration, Integration, National Identity and Community
Development
www.immigration.gouv.fr
This recently established Ministry (May 2007) pursues four objectives: control migration
flows, promote integration, promote French identity, and encourage community development.
The Website is very poor and very little information is available. There is no useful
information for migrant/IEM, no guidelines, and no references. The only online documents
include a list of CERFA forms about a few questions related to migrant/IEM, but no
information (procedure, formalities, explanation, etc.) is provided with the forms. The
thematic files – announced on the main page – on ‘Coming to France’ and ‘Live in France’
are empty.
Formalities on the website of the Prefecture of Paris
http://www.prefecture-police-paris.interieur.gouv.fr/
http://www.prefecture-police-paris.interieur.gouv.fr/demarches/etrangers/etrangers.htm
In France, prefectures – and, in the case of Paris, the police headquarters – are in charge of
most of the formalities and some of the decisions regarding resident permits and applying for
French nationality.
The website of the Prefecture of Paris (Paris police headquarters) is very informative,
comprehensive, and complete. The user can find general information, definitions, conditions,
procedures, a list documents to send with the application form, opening hours of the office
where the application has to be delivered (and the rush hours 16 ), reference laws, as well as a
FAQ section.
But while this site is quite informative, there is no electronic application procedure.
Very few CERFA forms are available online and the ones that are available are just for
information purposes only. The IEM applicant still has to physically go the police
headquarters to deliver his application and, even in some cases (first application), to pick up
the application form. To renew a residence permit, the applicant can call or send an e-mail to
get the application form (that she/he will receive by regular mail).
16 It should be mentioned that the wait time for those wishing to obtain a residence permit can be several hours
at the Police Prefecture of Paris.
19