What Do ANEF Statuses Mean? Complete Guide to Every Application Status (2026)
After submitting your residence permit application through ANEF (Administration Numérique des Étrangers en France), one of the most common questions is:
**"What does my ANEF status actually mean?"
Your application can stay in the same status for weeks—or even months—which often causes unnecessary stress.
The good news is that most statuses simply indicate where your application is in the administrative process. In this guide, we'll explain every common ANEF status, what it means, what happens next, and whether you need to take any action.
New to ANEF? Start with our complete ANEF France Guide to learn how the platform works.
Where Can You See Your ANEF Status?
After logging into your ANEF account, go to:
My Procedures (Mes démarches)
Select your application to view its current status.
Remember that the wording may vary slightly depending on the type of application, but the meanings are generally the same.
ANEF Status Meanings Explained
1. Draft (Brouillon)
What it means
You started your application but haven't submitted it yet.
What happens next?
Nothing.
Your prefecture cannot see your application until you submit it.
Do you need to do anything?
✅ Yes.
Complete the remaining sections and submit your application.
2. Submitted (Demande déposée)
What it means
Your application has been successfully sent to your prefecture.
This is usually the first status you'll see after submission.
What happens next?
Your application joins the prefecture's processing queue.
No one has started reviewing it yet.
Do you need to do anything?
❌ No.
Simply wait.
3. Under Review (En cours d'instruction)
This is probably the status applicants worry about the most.
What it means
An immigration officer is reviewing your application.
They may:
verify your identity
check your supporting documents
consult other government databases
confirm your eligibility
How long does it stay here?
Anywhere from:
a few weeks
several months
The processing time depends entirely on your prefecture.
Do you need to do anything?
Usually not.
Unless ANEF asks for additional documents.
4. Additional Documents Requested (Compléter votre dossier)
What it means
The prefecture needs more information before making a decision.
This does not automatically mean there's a problem with your application.
Common requests include:
newer passport scans
updated proof of address
employment documents
missing pages
higher-quality copies
What should you do?
Upload the requested documents as soon as possible.
The sooner you respond, the sooner processing can continue.
If you're unsure what a request means, see our guide on Why ANEF Keeps Asking for Documents.
5. Documents Received
What it means
Your additional documents have been uploaded successfully.
The prefecture will now continue reviewing your application.
Do you need to do anything?
No.
Wait for the next update.
6. Favorable Decision (Décision favorable)
Congratulations!
What it means
Your application has been approved.
Depending on your situation, the prefecture may now:
produce your residence permit
invite you for fingerprint collection
request payment of taxes or stamps
schedule an appointment
Do you need to do anything?
Follow the instructions provided in ANEF.
7. Residence Permit Being Produced (Fabrication du titre)
What it means
Your residence permit card is being printed.
This means your application has already been approved.
What happens next?
Once printing is complete, your prefecture will arrange collection.
8. Ready for Collection
What it means
Your residence permit is ready.
You'll usually receive:
an email
an SMS
or an ANEF notification
What should you bring?
Typically:
passport
current residence permit
tax stamp (if applicable)
appointment confirmation
Requirements vary between prefectures.
9. Refused (Décision défavorable)
What it means
Your application has been rejected.
The decision letter should explain the reason.
Possible reasons include:
missing eligibility requirements
insufficient supporting documents
expired documents
legal issues
If you believe the decision is incorrect, you may be able to challenge it or submit a new application, depending on your situation.
Why Has My ANEF Status Not Changed for Months?
This is one of the most common concerns.
Several factors can affect processing times:
workload at your prefecture
seasonal application peaks
complex cases requiring additional checks
requests for information from other administrations
It's normal for some applications to remain "En cours d'instruction" for several months.
Unless ANEF asks for more documents, there's usually nothing you need to do.
Can I Contact My Prefecture?
Yes—but only if:
your application has significantly exceeded the usual processing time;
your current residence permit is about to expire; or
ANEF specifically tells you to contact the prefecture.
Otherwise, contacting them usually won't speed up your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does "En cours d'instruction" mean I'm approved?
No.
It simply means your application is being reviewed.
Can my status go backwards?
Yes.
For example, an application can move from Under Review to Additional Documents Requested if the prefecture needs more information.
Why do different people receive updates faster?
Each prefecture has different processing times, staffing levels, and workloads.
Two applicants who submitted on the same day may receive decisions weeks—or even months—apart.
How often should I check ANEF?
Checking once every few days is usually enough.
You'll normally receive an email when ANEF requires action from you.
Final Thoughts
Waiting for an ANEF update can be stressful, especially when your status doesn't change for weeks. Fortunately, most statuses simply reflect where your application is in the administrative process—not whether it will be approved or refused.
If your application remains "En cours d'instruction", patience is often the only requirement. Keep an eye on your ANEF account, respond promptly if additional documents are requested, and remember that processing times vary significantly between prefectures.
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