France: Online Filing Issues Persist

France's online filing system, called the “ANEF”, which is being progressively rolled out across work and residence authorization categories, continues to face issues including unpredictable processing times; additional document requests by government authorities; and limited application guidance from government officials prior to filing. Additionally, Talent Passport Family applications can only be filed online once the principal Talent Passport applicant receives their identification number upon approval, causing a significant gap between the principal and dependent applications. This gap is particularly problematic where dependent visas are due to expire, or their applications face closure due to inactivity. There are also significant processing delays for the processing of children’s travel documents for “DCEM” applications, which are now being filed on the ANEF, with some Préfectures even asking for the applications previously filed by other means to be re-filled on the ANEF.