With a VLS-TS, your student residence permit is requested online, not at the prefecture.
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Submit your application online, at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before the end of validity of your permit. You immediately receive a digital proof of filing.
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The prefecture comes next: fingerprinting if needed, then appointment to receive the permit if your application is accepted. An SMS notifies you of the card's availability and the fees to pay.
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Student temporary permit: with no response 90 days after your complete application, it's an implicit refusal, and you have 2 months for an appeal.
Travel, once your permit has expired: the filing proof alone does not allow you to return to France, you need a return visa requested from the French consulate. Upon renewal, the proof of extended processing allows it, with your expired permit or long-stay visa and your valid passport.
Tip: use a permanent email, not just your school email.
Tip: respond quickly to requests for additional information.
And you, how did it go for you? Tell us in a note: it will help the next students.
Complete guide: https://pionra.world/fr/p/prefecture-rendez-vous-titre-sejour-france