France
The visa application process for France varies depending on the type of visa and the status of the applicant (short stay, long stay, work visa, student, etc.). Find a detailed overview of the general steps below, with directions on preparing documents, making appointments, and official links to guide you through each step.
1. Visa type identification
The type of visa you apply for depends on the duration and reason for your stay in France:
– Schengen Visa (short stay): For stays of up to 90 days in the Schengen area, often used for business trips, tourism, or family visits.
– Long-stay visa: For stays longer than 90 days, including studies, work, or family reunification.
– Student visa: If you go to France to continue your studies.
– Work visa: If you have a job offer in France.
Official link to determine the type of visa required: France-Visas: Types of visa
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/fr_FR/web/france-visas/visa-types
2. Preparation of documents
The documents required vary by visa, but in general you will need to provide:
– Visa application form: Completed and signed. It can be downloaded through the official portal.
– Valid passport: With at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
– Identity photo: In accordance with biometric standards.
– Proof of resources: Bank statements, employment certificates, or any other document proving that you can support yourself in France.
– Travel insurance: Covers a minimum of €30,000 for medical and repatriation costs.
– Flight reservation and accommodation: No need for confirmed plane tickets, but a provisional reservation is sufficient.
– Purpose of travel: Letter of invitation, university registration certificate, employment contract, etc.
Link to check the list of documents according to the visa requested: France-Visas: List of required documents
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/fr_FR/web/france-visas/ma-liste-des-documents
3. Making an appointment
Once all the documents have been gathered, you must make an appointment with the French embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Appointments are made online via the France-Visas portal or through visa processing centers (such as VFS Global in certain countries).
Link for making an appointment: France-Visas: Make an appointment
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/fr_FR/web/france-visas/your-arrival-in-france
4. Submission of application
On the day of your appointment, you will need to:
– Submit all required documents.
– Pay visa fees. The cost varies depending on the type of visa, but for a short-stay Schengen visa, it is generally €80.
– Provide your fingerprints and a biometric photo (if this is your first request or if your biometric data is no longer valid).
– Answer any additional questions that the consular officer may ask.
Link for more information on visa fees: France-Visas: Visa fees
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/fr_FR/web/france-visas/visa-fees
5. Demand tracking
After submitting your file, you can follow the progress of your application online via the France-Visas portal.
Link to follow the status of your request: France-Visas: Follow-up of the request
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/fr_FR/web/france-visas/track-your-application
6. Decision and withdrawal of visa
Once the application is approved, you will be informed to collect your passport from the embassy or consulate, or it will be returned to the address you provided.
If the request is rejected, you can appeal by providing additional information.
7. Arrival in France
With a visa in hand, you will be able to enter France. If you have a long-stay visa, you will need to validate your visa with the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) within three months of your arrival in France.
Link for formalities upon arrival in France: France-Visas: Your arrival in France
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/fr_FR/web/france-visas/your-arrival-in-france
Additional resources:
Official France-Visas portal: France-Visas
VFS Global Visa Centers: VFS Global - France
By following our guide or letting us assist you, and carefully checking the required documents, you will maximize your chances of obtaining a visa for France without complications.