The main stages of obtaining refugee status in France: rights and obligations

Obtaining refugee status or subsidiary protection in France is not only a new opportunity, but also a significant change in life, including certain rights and obligations. If you have received one of these statuses, you enter a new legal and social reality. First of all, you are granted access to rights to residence, employment, health care and social protection, which is an important step towards integration into French society.

Basic rights upon receiving status:

1. **Residence permit**: Refugees receive a resident card valid for 10 years, which can be extended. Persons under subsidiary protection receive a temporary residence permit valid for 4 years, which can be extended further.

2. **Right to Work**: Immediately after receiving the status, you have the right to work. Your residence permit gives you the right to work legally.

3. **Health care and social benefits**: You are entitled to health insurance (Carte Vitale) as well as family benefits and other types of social assistance from the Caisse d'Allocations Familiales (CAF)

Important steps after receiving the status:

1. **Documentation**: You must go to the prefecture as soon as possible to exchange the receipt for the residence permit application for the final document. You must also undergo a medical examination and sign the Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine (CIR)

2. **Notifying changes**: It is important to notify OFPRA of any changes in your civil status (e.g. marriage or birth of a child) in order to update your details in your documents.

If you are unsure how to correctly complete all these steps or if you have any difficulties, the **France Assistance** team is ready to provide you with comprehensive support and assistance at every stage of document processing. Our experts will help you not only to understand the administrative procedures, but will also provide advice on all legal issues.

For detailed information about your rights and options, as well as for personal advice, visit the "Services" section of our website.

**To be continued...** In the next blog we will talk about how to correctly apply for a residence permit and what to do in case of receiving subsidiary protection.

If you need further assistance, please contact us through our website and we will guide you through all the stages of integration into French society.