Thierry Xavier.- Frequency of first residence permit renewal This article determines the renewal frequency of one-year residence permits issued to foreigners authorized to enter France in 1994-1996, and describes the transformations of immigration law as reflected in these renewals (access to longer permits, change in status for students). A small majority (59%) of these new immigrants have their first permit renewed, though the probability varies greatly between nationals of the European Union countries (34%) and those of other countries (71%). These probabilities of being able to extend legal residence also vary according to the reason for coming to France - nearly 90% of the dependents who enter on a one-year permit later have their peri...