Navigating France’s OFII Medical Procedure for British VLS-TS Visa Holders

For British citizens relocating to France with a long-stay visa (VLS-TS), the immigration process involves more than just meeting legal requirements; it also includes following integration protocols that support long-term residency.

One key step in this process is the Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration (French Office for Immigration and Integration) (OFII) medical procedure, which has recently undergone changes for British nationals. If you’re moving under the “Salarié” (employee) or “Prestataire de services” (service provider) categories, it’s essential to understand what’s required and how to comply.

Miguel Ortiz‑Haro, Immigration Manager for France at Envoy Global, outlines the recent changes to France’s OFII medical procedure for British VLS-TS visa holders. He explains the shift to self-scheduled medical visits, its impact on “Salarié” and “Prestataire de services” categories and offers practical guidance to help HR teams ensure compliance and support long-term residency.

What is France’s OFII Medical Procedure?

The OFII medical process is normally part of France’s integration process for non-European nationals applying a visa, such as the VLS-TS visa. Generally, the OFII medical certificate process involves:

Medical checks and examination;
French language test; and
Signing the Republican integration Contract (CIR).

These steps help foreign nationals integrate into French life and fulfill specific visa requirements.

What’s Changed in the OFII Process for British Citizens?

British citizens holding VLS-TS (long-stay) visas under the “Salarié” or “Prestataire de services” categories will no longer receive automatic notifications from OFII about the required medical visit. Instead, they must now take the initiative to schedule this appointment themselves through a local general practitioner. This shift reflects recent policy changes and places more responsibility on the individual to manage the medical portion of their visa validation process.

Step-by-Step: The New OFII Medical Procedure for British Citizens

As an HR or global mobility professional, it’s important to understand the new OFII steps your British employees must follow after arriving in France with a VLS-TS visa under the “Salarié” or “Prestataire de services” category. Here’s how you can help them stay compliant:

Validate the Visa. Ensure your employee validates their VLS-TS visa online within three months of arriving in France. This step is mandatory to activate their long-stay status.
Monitor for OFII Instructions. Once the visa is validated, OFII will send an email instructing the employee to schedule a medical appointment with a general practitioner (médecin généraliste/traitant) of their choice in France.
Coordinate the Doctor Visit. The general practitioner will conduct a general health check and complete the official medical certificate provided by OFII.
Submit the Certificate. Advise your employee to send the original, signed certificate by postal mail to OFII’s medical department. Timely submission is essential.
Receive OFII Medical Certificates. OFII will issue two OFII medical certificates, sent either by email or postal mail. British employees should securely store these documents, as the French government may require them for future immigration applications.

OFII Medical Procedure: Who It Applies to and Why Compliance Matters

This new procedure applies mainly to individuals with VLS-TS visas as “Salarié “or service providers.

It does not apply to:

Seasonal workers
Individuals with temporary contracts (CDD) of less than six months

In these cases, employees should contact the local immigration office for guidance.

Following this process carefully is critical for long-term compliance. Proper completion and retention of the OFII medical certificates can help prevent administrative issues and support future immigration applications.

By ensuring your employees complete each step and maintain their documentation, you help safeguard their legal stay in France and streamline any future immigration needs.

A Better Way to Navigate France’s OFII Medical Procedure

Navigating France’s OFII Medical Procedure can be complex for HR, immigration and global mobility teams.

At Envoy Global, we bring together smart, friendly legal teams and smart, friendly technology to make immigration easier for companies and the global talent they depend on.

Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs.