Immigration Law
Immigration law is a highly technical and constantly evolving field, with significant human implications. A refusal of a residence permit, a removal order, or placement in immigration detention can profoundly disrupt an individual’s life.
Nathalie CARTIER acts with rigour and responsiveness to protect and enforce your rights vis-à-vis the administrative authorities and before the competent courts, at every stage of your immigration journey in France.
Protecting your right to live, work, and settle in France.
Nathalie CARTIER assists clients with all procedures relating to obtaining or renewing the right to reside in France.
First-time residence permits: employee, student, private and family life, visitor, talent passport
Renewal of residence permits: file preparation and appeals in case of administrative delay
Change of status: student to employee, family reunification, spouse of a French national
10-year resident card: conditions and application procedure
Long-term EU resident permit
Residence permits for EU/EEA nationals and their family members
Appeals against refusals of residence permits issued by the Prefecture
Family Life & Family Reunification
Family life is a fundamental right protected under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Nathalie CARTIER assists clients in asserting and enforcing this right.
Family reunification: application filing, follow-up, and appeals in case of refusal
Residence permits based on private and family life
Residence rights for spouses and partners of French or EU nationals
Family reunification for beneficiaries of international protection
Protection against removal for legally protected foreign nationals
Asylum & International Protection
Nathalie CARTIER assists asylum seekers at all stages of the procedure, from the initial application to appeals before the CNDA.
Asylum applications before OFPRA: interview preparation and supporting statements
Appeals before the National Court of Asylum (CNDA) following OFPRA refusal
Refugee status under the 1951 Geneva Convention
Subsidiary protection for risk of inhuman or degrading treatment
Statelessness recognition and travel documents
Requests for reconsideration based on new evidence
Temporary protection schemes
Removal Orders & Immigration Detention
In removal proceedings, deadlines are often extremely short. Nathalie CARTIER provides urgent legal assistance to protect the right to remain in France.
Obligation to leave French territory (OQTF): appeals before the Administrative Court
Entry ban on French territory (IRTF): challenges and appeals
Prefectural deportation orders
Emergency proceedings (urgent applications, suspension orders)
Assistance in administrative detention centres (CRA)
Representation before the Judge of Freedoms and Detention (JLD)
Annulment of removal decisions
Naturalisation & French Nationality
Acquiring French nationality is a significant step. Maître CARTIER assists clients throughout the process and in challenging refusals.
Naturalisation by decree: residence, integration, and financial requirements
Acquisition of nationality by marriage to a French citizen
Declaration of nationality: children born in France, French ascendants
Reinstatement in French nationality
Appeals against naturalisation refusals
Challenges to loss or deprivation of nationality
Right to Work for Foreign Nationals
Access to the French labour market is subject to specific rules for non-EU nationals.
Work permits: applications, renewals, and refusals
Talent Passport and Talent Passport – family members
“Talent – medical and pharmaceutical professions” residence permit
Posted workers and seasonal workers
Appeals against work permit refusals
Protection of victims of illegal employment
FAQs
Q: What remedies are available following a refusal of a residence permit application?
In the event of a refusal of a residence permit, you generally have a two-month period to lodge an administrative appeal (administrative review) with the Prefecture or a judicial appeal before the Administrative Court. This time limit may be reduced to 15 days where the refusal is accompanied by an OQTF (order to leave French territory). Nathalie Cartier can assess your situation and advise you on the most appropriate legal strategy.
Q: What is an Obligation to Leave French Territory (OQTF), and what remedies are available to challenge it?
An Obligation to Leave French Territory (OQTF) is an administrative decision requiring a foreign national to leave France. It may be challenged before the Administrative Court, generally within 15 days (or 30 days where a voluntary departure period is granted). Nathalie Cartier acts urgently to prepare and file the appeal.
Q: Is it possible to work in France on a student visa?
A foreign student holding a “student” residence permit may work in France up to 60% of the standard annual working time (approximately 964 hours per year). Nathalie Cartier can advise you on your rights and assist you with the relevant procedures to obtain a work authorisation, where required.
Q: What are the ways to acquire French citizenship?
Naturalisation is possible after five years of lawful residence in France (reduced to two years in certain cases). Applicants must meet requirements relating to integration, French language proficiency, financial resources, and a clean criminal record. Nathalie Cartier can assist you in preparing your application and, where necessary, lodge an appeal in the event of a refusal.
Q: Is it possible for my foreign partner to join me in France under family reunification rules?
If you are a French national or a lawful resident in France, your foreign spouse may join you through the family reunification procedure or under the “private and family life” residence category, depending on your situation. Nathalie Cartier will guide you in preparing your application and assist you with the procedures before the Prefecture and consular authorities.
Q: What remedies are available following a rejection of an asylum application by OFPRA?
You have one month to lodge an appeal before the National Court of Asylum (CNDA). This appeal generally suspends your obligation to leave French territory. Nathalie Cartier can assist you in preparing and filing your appeal before the CNDA.
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