Secure the notification date and deadline
Keep the complete decision, envelope, notice that it was made available and online-account history. The relevant date should not be reconstructed approximately.
The normal procedure allows one month for appeal. Routes involving certain accelerated, border or inadmissibility procedures may follow different rules. Identify the regime stated in the decision.
File a reasoned appeal in French
The appeal must be in French, state its grounds and include a copy of the OFPRA decision. It explains the alleged errors and seeks the form of protection appropriate to the circumstances.
Address each reason: facts considered implausible, inconsistencies, possible protection in the country, the current nature of the risk or legal classification. A structured response shows the Court what is genuinely disputed.
Produce useful evidence
Submit decisive existing records and new material, with a list and explanation of origin. Foreign-language documents should be accompanied by the translations required for the Court to use them.
A recent statement does not erase an earlier inconsistency and must be placed in the chronology. Country material should match the relevant profile, area and period.
Legal aid and the hearing
For the normal procedure, the CNDA states that legal aid should be requested within fifteen days after notification. Some newer procedures organise the request differently, at times through the appeal itself, so the applicable regime must be checked.
Hearing preparation covers the Court’s likely questions, earlier statements and new evidence. The applicant should answer in their own words and raise any interpreting problem.
Counsel’s role
Counsel reviews OFPRA’s reasons, obtains relevant procedural material, drafts the grounds, organises evidence and prepares the hearing. She separates factual explanations from legal issues.
An appeal does not guarantee a hearing in every procedural configuration or a favourable outcome. The CNDA decides under the applicable route and on the individual file.
Discuss your situation
You can send the firm the essential facts, relevant dates and any known deadline.
Frequently asked questions
When should legal aid be requested?
For the normal procedure, the CNDA states fifteen days from notification. Other procedures may have specific rules; send the decision immediately so the correct regime can be identified.
Can I submit new evidence?
Yes. It must be filed under the procedural rules, with an explanation of its origin and what it adds to the OFPRA file.
Should I memorise my account for the hearing?
No. Review earlier statements and important reference points, but answer in your own words. Honest uncertainty should be explained, not concealed.