France orders 500 staff to cut Carte de Séjour delays by Nov. 5

France orders fixes to residence permit delays

France’s highest administrative court told the government to fix Carte de Séjour processing problems within six months after ruling that backlogs and ANEF glitches are leaving applicants stuck without clear legal status. The Conseil d’État said the system must protect the right to stay, work and receive benefits while cards are pending.

Who feels the delays most

The ruling affects expats, remote workers and families waiting on first-time or renewal applications, especially people tied to long-stay visas, Talent permits and work authorizations. NGOs that brought the case said delays have pushed some applicants into unpaid leave or blocked access to housing and social support.

The court pointed to chronic delays averaging 117 days, well above the 55-day target, with bigger waits in some prefectures than others. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the government will add 500 staff, extend temporary attestations and speed up renewals.

What applicants should do now

Applicants should keep copies of récépissés and renewal proof, since the court ordered automatic temporary certificates before permits expire when files are complete. The decision also calls for clearer certificates after approval and ANEF changes so users can add documents, correct files and handle multiple requests online.

The deadline for full compliance is Nov. 5, 2026 and the court said missed deadlines could trigger fines and further legal action. Read our full France guide for the complete picture and keep up with nomad news.