Coronavirus: who benefits from an extension of their residence permit and Schengen visa?

Are you a foreign national, and is your residence permit, visa, or temporary residence permit in France about to expire? What does this mean for your legal status in France during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has necessitated a global lockdown and, consequently, the slowdown or even paralysis of most administrative services?
Do not worry and rest assured.
In response to this global health crisis, the French government has introduced measures through an ordinance (Article 16 of the Emergency Law - Official Journal, 24 March 2020) to exceptionally extend the validity of these permits by 3 months. Here is everything you need to know.

Who is eligible for the extension of residence permit validity?

In the current context of the Coronavirus pandemic, the French authorities have decided to automatically extend by 3 months the validity of residence permits held by foreign nationals. This measure aims to reduce the need for travel, particularly to prefectures, "while ensuring the security of foreigners in a regular situation," according to the public service website.
This decision applies to:

• permits that expired between 16 March and 15 May 2020
• long-stay visas
• residence permits
• temporary residence permits
• receipts for residence permit applications
• asylum application certificates

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
If you are affected by this measure, you do not need to take any action. Due to the suspension of services for residence permit applicants at prefectures, the extension of your permit is automatic. Additionally, this measure also extends social rights and work rights.
CAUTION!
This measure is only valid within French territory. Despite this exceptional extension, you are strongly advised not to leave France. You may face difficulties re-entering the country as some nations have announced the closure of their land borders with France.

What should I do if I hold a short-stay visa that is about to expire?

Holders of short-stay Schengen visas (Type C) of 90 days do not benefit from this automatic extension. However, due to the current circumstances related to the health crisis and the difficulties some face in returning to their country of origin (suspension of certain air and sea routes), it is possible to apply for an extension of your short-stay visa at the prefecture.
Some prefectures allow applications to be submitted online.

What should I do if I am exempt from a Schengen visa but my authorised stay duration is reached or nearly reached?

Many nationals of countries whose citizens are exempt from Schengen visas can stay in the Schengen area (which includes France) for up to 90 days. If the maximum duration of your stay in the Schengen area has been reached or is close to being reached, and in cases of justified emergencies, you can contact the prefecture where you are staying to obtain a temporary residence permit (APS).