Family reunification lawyer: optimize your chances of acceptance.

Why hire a family reunification lawyer?

Tailor-made support for every project.

A Goldwin Partners family reunification lawyer is familiar with the legal intricacies of this procedure. They analyze your situation, anticipate obstacles and optimize your file to avoid rejection. His role is also to guide you through the complex administrative procedures to ensure that your application meets the authorities’ requirements.

Secure and accelerate the procedure

A poorly prepared application often results in a refusal, thus lengthening delays. Our lawyers ensure that :

• The file is complete and compliant.
• Receipts are up to date and valid.
• Procedures are completed on time to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Documents are sent to the right organizations.

What are the conditions for family reunification?

Family reunification: who are the main people concerned?

Family reunification mainly concerns :

• The applicant’s adult spouses and minor children (legitimate, natural or adopted). (PACS and cohabitation are not eligible).
• In certain cases, ascendants or other family members under specific conditions.

Family reunification must include all eligible members. However, in exceptional cases, partial reunification may be granted to protect the interests of the child, in particular because of health problems, schooling or inadequate housing conditions.

Criteria for applying for family reunification

Under Articles L.411-1 to L.411-7 of the CESEDA, family reunification in France is subject to a number of strict conditions.

Criteria for applicants

• Applicants must be legally resident in France and hold a valid residence permit. In theory, students can apply, although their precarious status is often a reason for refusal.
• Proof of at least 18 months’ legal residence in France (one year for Algerians).
• Standard-compliant dwelling: it must meet specific surface area and habitability criteria (health and equipment), which vary according to geographical area.
• Proof of sufficient financial resources: applicants must also prove that they have stable and sufficient resources, generally equivalent to the minimum wage plus 10% to 20%. Social assistance is not taken into account.
• Knowledge of republican principles and the French language. The mayor of the commune may be asked to assess compliance with these values.

Criteria for the applicant’s family

• Medical examination: to check for serious illnesses (plague, cholera, progressive tuberculosis, etc.).
• Public order: the applicant’s presence must not represent a threat to public safety.
• Knowledge of French and republican values: compulsory test with the possibility of training before obtaining a visa.
• Residence outside France: members must be living abroad at the time of application, with the exception of certain spouses of legally resident foreigners.

Documents required to apply for family reunification

A well-prepared dossier includes :

• Completed Cerfa 11436 document
• Proof of identity: passports
• Proof of family relationship: marriage certificate, birth certificate, family record book, divorce decree, etc.
• Proof of residence in France: applicant’s residence permit, resident card
• Proof of accommodation: rent receipt, lease, proof of address less than 3 months old.
• Financial resources: pay slips, tax notices, employment contracts

This list may vary according to the personal situation of the applicant or his/her family.

The key stages of family reunification with a lawyer

Preparing your file: essential documents

Your Goldwin-Partners lawyer will help you gather and check all the necessary documents. He or she will make sure that every piece of documentation complies with legal requirements, and will complete the file with you to avoid any omissions that could result in a refusal.

Filing and administrative follow-up

The application must be submitted to the OFII (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration) or to the prefecture. The lawyer monitors the progress of the application and intervenes if additional documents are required or if processing is delayed.

Recourse in the event of refusal

The prefect has six months from the date on which the foreign national submits a complete application to grant authorization to enter France. If no decision is rendered within this period, the application for family reunification is considered implicitly refused.

If your application is rejected, the lawyer will analyze the reasons for the refusal and assist you in the various avenues of appeal:

• Appeal within 2 months of refusal: file re-examined by the departmental prefect.
• Hierarchical recourse: intervention with the Ministry of the Interior.
• Litigation: referral to the administrative court.

How can a lawyer help you if your application for family reunification is rejected?

Identify the reasons for refusal

The most frequent reasons are :

• Unsuitable housing: insufficient surface area, non-conformity or insalubrity.
• Resources deemed insufficient to meet family needs.
• Doubts about the authenticity of the marriage or the parentage of the children.
• Failure by the applicant to comply with the conditions of residence.

Strategies for strengthening the case

To maximize the chances of success, the lawyer can :

• Add additional supporting documents.
• Provide certificates and testimonials.
• Correct any errors or shortcomings identified during the initial file review.

Calling on a lawyer for an accelerated procedure

Family reunification lawyer, fast-track procedure: how does it work?

In certain cases, the procedure can be accelerated:

• Humanitarian emergencies.
• Applicant’s refugee status.
• Specific exemptions granted by the authorities.

Our lawyers are here to determine whether your case falls within this emergency category, and to assist you with the necessary steps. If your situation requires priority treatment, an emergency family reunification lawyer can plead your case and speed up the process by taking the appropriate steps.

Conclusion

The family reunification process can be long and complex. That’s why it’s important to use the best lawyer to maximize your chances of acceptance and save time. Goldwin-Partners can help you every step of the way to ensure your family joins you quickly. We look forward to hearing from you!