ANEF Application Still Says “En cours d’instruction”: What Does It Mean?
You submitted your residence permit application through ANEF, received confirmation, and then… nothing.
You log back in a few days later.
Still “En cours d’instruction.”
You check again a week later.
Still the same.
If you have been staring at the same ANEF status for weeks, it is completely understandable to wonder whether something is wrong with your application.
The good news is that “En cours d’instruction” generally means your application is still being examined by the administration. It does not, by itself, mean your application has been rejected or that you have done something wrong.
But there are some important things you need to understand while you wait—especially if your current visa or titre de séjour is approaching its expiry date.
In this guide, we'll explain what “En cours d’instruction” means, what happens during this stage, what you should do while waiting, and what happens if your current residence document expires.
Already confused by the different ANEF statuses? Our complete guide to ANEF application statuses explains what each status means and when you may need to take action.
What Does “En cours d’instruction” Mean on ANEF?
“En cours d'instruction” means that your application is being processed or examined by the administration.
In simple terms, your application has moved beyond simply being submitted, but a final decision has not yet been made.
During this stage, the administration may be checking:
the information you provided
your identity and personal details
your supporting documents
your residence history
whether you meet the conditions for the residence permit you requested
information held by other administrative services
whether additional documents or information are needed
The exact checks will depend on your situation and the type of residence permit you are requesting.
The important point is this:
“En cours d'instruction” is a processing status—not a decision.
It does not mean that your application has been approved.
It also does not mean that your application has been rejected.
It means you are still waiting for the administration to complete its examination.
How Long Does “En cours d’instruction” Take?
This is probably the question everyone wants answered.
Unfortunately, there is no single processing time that applies to every ANEF application.
The time can vary depending on:
the type of residence permit
whether you are making a first application or a renewal
your prefecture
whether your application is complete
whether additional documents are requested
whether additional administrative checks are required
the volume of applications being handled at that time
This means you should be cautious about comparing your application with someone else's.
For example, someone applying for the same type of titre de séjour in another département may receive a decision much sooner—or much later.
Similarly, two people applying in the same prefecture can have different processing times because their situations and applications are not identical.
So if your ANEF status has remained “En cours d'instruction” for several weeks, that does not automatically mean that something has gone wrong.
Does “En cours d’instruction” Mean My Application Is Complete?
Not necessarily.
Your application can be under review and the administration may still request additional information or documents.
This is one reason why it is important to keep checking your ANEF account and your email.
You may receive a request asking you to provide:
an updated proof of address
a clearer copy of a document
an additional civil-status document
employment information
financial documents
a document that was missing from your original application
a more recent version of something you already submitted
If ANEF asks you for a document you are certain you already provided, don't immediately assume that your application has been lost.
There are several reasons this can happen.
We've covered this in detail in our guide:
Why Does ANEF Keep Asking for the Same Documents?
The most important thing is to read the request carefully and respond within the deadline indicated.
What Should You Do While Your Application Is “En cours d’instruction”?
The hardest part of an ANEF application is often the part where you have nothing obvious to do.
You are waiting for the administration—but that doesn't mean you should completely forget about the application.
1. Check your ANEF account regularly
Log into your ANEF account periodically to check whether the status has changed or whether a new message or request has appeared.
You don't necessarily need to check every few hours.
A regular check is enough.
The goal is simply to avoid missing an important request while your application is being processed.
2. Check your email
ANEF-related communications may also be sent to the email address associated with your account.
Make sure you check:
your inbox
your spam folder
your junk folder
If you changed your email address since creating your ANEF account, make sure your contact information is up to date.
3. Keep your documents ready
Don't put your immigration paperwork away just because your application has been submitted.
Keep copies of:
your passport
your current or previous titre de séjour
your visa, if applicable
your application confirmation
supporting documents
documents you uploaded
messages received from ANEF
any documents subsequently requested
If the administration asks for something unexpectedly, you will be able to respond much faster.
4. Keep your own timeline
This is one of the simplest things you can do.
Create a basic record of:
Date submitted → documents requested → documents uploaded → messages received → status changes
For example:
10 July — Application submitted
10 July — Confirmation received
28 July — Additional document requested
30 July — Document uploaded
30 July — Status still “En cours d’instruction”
This may seem unnecessary when everything is going smoothly.
But if you eventually need to contact the administration about your application, having a clear timeline can save you a lot of frustration.
What If ANEF Asks for More Documents?
Don't panic.
An additional document request does not automatically mean that your application is going badly.
It can simply mean that the person reviewing your application needs additional information before they can continue.
When you receive a request:
Read exactly what is being requested.
Check whether there is a deadline.
Make sure you provide the correct document.
Check that scans or photographs are clear.
Make sure every required page is included.
Upload the document through the requested ANEF process.
Keep a copy of what you submitted.
Avoid uploading random documents just because you are worried something might be missing.
More documents are not necessarily better.
The objective is to provide the document that was actually requested, in a clear and usable format.
What If My Titre de Séjour Expires While My Application Is Still “En cours d’instruction”?
This is where things become more important.
If your current residence document is approaching its expiry date, don't assume that the words “En cours d'instruction” automatically give you the right to remain in France after it expires.
The document you need to look out for is an attestation de prolongation d'instruction.
According to the French Ministry of the Interior, this is a provisional residence document that can be issued while an application is still being examined. Its purpose is, in certain circumstances, to prevent a break in lawful stay while the administration reaches its decision.
This is different from the simple attestation de dépôt you receive when submitting an online application.
Your confirmation of deposit is not the same thing
This distinction is extremely important.
When you submit an application through ANEF, you may receive a confirmation or attestation showing that your application was submitted.
But a confirmation of deposit does not, by itself, prove that you have regular residence in France.
The official French administration specifically distinguishes the confirmation of deposit from the attestation de prolongation d'instruction.
So don't assume:
“I submitted my application, therefore my old permit can expire and everything is automatically fine.”
Your situation depends on the type of application, the document you hold, and the provisional document issued to you.
What Is an Attestation de Prolongation d’Instruction?
The attestation de prolongation d'instruction is a temporary document that can be issued when your residence permit application is still being examined.
It can serve as proof of lawful stay in situations covered by the rules.
For a renewal application, it is generally used alongside your previous residence permit—even if that permit has expired—and can maintain the rights associated with that previous permit during its validity.
For a first application, the effects can be different.
For example, an attestation issued for a first application does not automatically give you the same rights as a renewal attestation. The Ministry of the Interior explains that the rights relating to work, social benefits and crossing the Schengen borders depend on the type of application and attestation.
This is why you should always check exactly what your attestation says and what rights it provides.
How long is an attestation de prolongation d’instruction valid?
According to Service-Public, an attestation de prolongation d'instruction can be valid for up to three months and can be renewed by the prefecture while a decision on the residence permit application is still pending.
That means receiving one does not necessarily mean your residence permit decision is imminent.
It means your temporary situation has been documented while the application remains under examination.
Can I Work While Waiting?
This depends on your situation.
Do not assume that simply having an ANEF application under review gives you the right to work.
The rules differ depending on whether you are making a first application or renewing an existing residence permit, and on the type of residence permit involved.
For example, an attestation de prolongation d'instruction accompanying a renewal can preserve the right to work when the previous residence permit allowed professional activity. Certain first applications can also allow work, but only for specified categories.
If your ability to work depends on your residence status, check the exact wording and type of provisional document you have rather than relying solely on your ANEF status.
Can I Travel Outside France While My Application Is Pending?
Be careful here.
An application showing “En cours d'instruction” is not, by itself, a travel document.
The rules can differ depending on the provisional document you have and whether you are making a first application or a renewal.
The Ministry of the Interior states, for example, that an attestation de prolongation d'instruction for a renewal can allow travel across the Schengen borders, whereas the corresponding attestation for a first application does not.
So before booking a trip, check the specific document you hold and the travel rights attached to it.
Don't rely on:
“My application is still pending, so I should be able to travel.”
That assumption can cause serious problems when trying to return to France.
When Should You Contact the Prefecture?
There is a difference between waiting normally and needing to follow up.
If your application is simply showing “En cours d'instruction” and there is no urgent issue, repeatedly contacting the prefecture may not change anything.
But following up can become more important when:
your current residence document is about to expire
your provisional document is about to expire
you have received a request that you cannot understand or answer
you believe a document was submitted incorrectly
you have been asked for something you cannot provide
your personal circumstances have changed significantly
you need proof of your status for work or another important administrative matter
If you need to contact the administration, make your message as clear and specific as possible.
Include:
your full name
date of birth
foreigner number, if applicable
application reference number
type of application
date of submission
current ANEF status
relevant expiry date
the specific problem you need help with
A concise timeline is much more useful than a long explanation of your entire immigration history.
Don't Submit a Second Application Just Because You're Waiting
One of the most tempting reactions to a long period of silence is:
“Maybe I should just submit another application.”
Be careful.
Submitting another application without understanding what happened to the first one can create more confusion rather than solving the problem.
Before doing anything, check:
whether your original application is still visible in ANEF
whether you received a message
whether additional documents were requested
whether your application was actually submitted successfully
whether your prefecture has specific instructions for your situation
If you're unsure, investigate the status of your existing application first.
What Happens After “En cours d’instruction”?
Eventually, your application should move toward a decision or another stage of processing.
Depending on the outcome, you may see a status indicating a favourable decision, a request for further information, or another administrative action.
If your application is approved, you may receive an attestation de décision favorable while your physical residence permit is being produced. The Ministry of the Interior explains that this document is different from an attestation de prolongation d'instruction and is issued after a favourable decision has been made.
You will then generally receive information about the next step, such as the availability of your residence card and any payment or collection requirements that apply to your situation.
For a broader explanation of what happens after submitting your application, see our guide:
What Happens After You Submit Your ANEF Application?
What You Should NOT Do While Waiting
Waiting for French administration can be frustrating.
But avoid making the situation more complicated because you're anxious about the delay.
Don't keep submitting duplicate applications
One pending application is usually better than several applications that you cannot easily distinguish.
Don't ignore ANEF messages
A request for additional information can require action from you.
Don't assume silence means rejection
“En cours d'instruction” means the application is still being examined. It is not the same as a refusal.
Don't assume silence means approval either
The same status does not mean your application has been accepted.
Wait for an actual decision or official provisional document.
Don't rely on your submission confirmation as proof of residence
This is particularly important if your existing visa or residence permit is expiring. The official administration distinguishes a confirmation of deposit from an attestation de prolongation d'instruction.
How to Make the Waiting Period Easier
You cannot control how quickly your prefecture processes an application.
You can, however, control how prepared you are.
Keep one organised folder containing:
Identity
Passport
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate, if relevant
Previous residence permits
Residence
Current titre de séjour
Visa or VLS-TS, if applicable
Proof of address
Application
ANEF confirmation
Submitted documents
Additional document requests
Uploaded responses
Attestations
Emails and correspondence
Timeline
Application date
Document request dates
Upload dates
Expiry dates
Important follow-up dates
This becomes particularly useful if your application takes longer than expected.
It also means that when ANEF asks for something unexpectedly, you aren't searching through hundreds of files trying to remember where you saved it.
The Bottom Line
If your ANEF application says “En cours d'instruction,” the simplest interpretation is:
Your application is still being examined.
It does not automatically mean there is a problem.
It does not mean your application has been approved.
And it does not, by itself, replace a valid residence document or the appropriate provisional attestation when your existing document expires.
While you wait:
Check ANEF regularly.
Monitor your email.
Respond promptly to document requests.
Keep copies of everything.
Track your application timeline.
Pay particular attention to the expiry date of your current residence document.
Understand the difference between an application confirmation and an attestation de prolongation d'instruction.
Check the specific rights attached to any provisional document you receive.
And remember: the hardest part of French administration is often not completing one application. It's keeping track of everything that happens before and after you submit it.
That's Where Navigating France Can Help
ANEF is only one part of your administrative life in France.
The challenge is often remembering:
what you've already submitted
what you're still waiting for
which document expires next
whether you've responded to a request
what you need to do after the current step
That's why we built Navigating France.
Instead of managing your French administration through scattered emails, downloaded PDFs, browser tabs and calendar reminders, you can use a personalised checklist to keep track of your administrative journey and understand what comes next.
Because waiting for French administration is stressful enough.
You shouldn't also have to wonder whether you've forgotten something.
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#ANEF
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “En cours d'instruction” mean on ANEF?
It means your residence permit application is still being examined by the administration. It is not a final approval or rejection.
How long does “En cours d'instruction” take?
There is no single processing time for every ANEF application. Processing can vary according to the type of application, prefecture, completeness of the file and whether additional checks or documents are required.
Does “En cours d'instruction” mean my application is approved?
No. It means the application is still being processed. You need an official decision before you know the outcome.
Does an ANEF confirmation of deposit prove that I am legally staying in France?
Not necessarily. The official administration distinguishes the confirmation of deposit from an attestation de prolongation d'instruction. The latter can serve as a provisional residence document in applicable circumstances.
What happens if my titre de séjour expires while my ANEF application is pending?
Your situation depends on the type of application and the documents you hold. If applicable, an attestation de prolongation d'instruction can provide temporary proof of lawful stay while your application is being examined. Check the specific rules applicable to your situation before your current document expires.
Can I work while my ANEF application is being processed?
Not simply because the application is pending. Work rights depend on your situation and the type of residence permit or provisional document you hold. An attestation de prolongation d'instruction can preserve work rights in certain renewal and first-application situations.
Can I travel while my ANEF application is pending?
Do not assume that a pending application automatically gives you the right to travel and return to France. Travel rights depend on the specific provisional document and type of application.
Should I contact my prefecture if my application has been “En cours d'instruction” for several weeks?
Not necessarily. A long processing period does not automatically mean there is a problem. However, follow up if there is an urgent issue, such as an approaching expiry date, an expiring provisional document, or a problem with a document request.
What should I do if ANEF asks for documents I've already submitted?
Read the request carefully and provide the requested document again if necessary, preferably using the clearest and most up-to-date version available. See our guide on why ANEF keeps asking for the same documents for more detail.
Continue Reading
What Do ANEF Statuses Mean? Complete Guide to Every Application Status
What Happens After You Submit Your ANEF Application?
Why Does ANEF Keep Asking for the Same Documents?
Renouvellement Titre de Séjour: How to Renew Your Carte de Séjour
ANEF France Guide: How to Apply, Track & Renew Your Residence Permit