How To Get A Visa For France From Usa
If you are a citizen of a foreign country who wants to live and work in France, you will need to obtain a working visa. This visa permits you to enter France and employment.
Getting a visa for France from the US can be a long and complicated process. You have to be prepared and you have to act fast if you want to visit Paris, Nice or Marseille. Why not learn all about France visas from someone who does it every day? Here are some useful tips for getting a visa for France from the United States.
Top reasons to move to France One thing is certain, every time you think of France, the end result is one of joy. The opportunities and possibilities to be a part of one of the best countries in the world are endless.
How To Get A Visa For France From Usa
Many foreign nationals aside from visiting, come to France to study or work, or even to settle and live there. However, depending on their nationality and purpose of entry, many of these travelers will have to apply for a French Visa first.
French visas include visas given to enter and stay in France, DROM or CTOM. However, a French Schengen visa does not entitle its holder with entrance into DROM or CTOM.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to France?
If you are planning to visit France, you should be aware that many nationals need a French visa in order to enter its borders, while many others do not. Whether you need to apply for a visa to France or not, depends on these factors:
- Your nationality.
- The part of France you wish to visit.
Check the list of counties that are exempt from applying for a French visa.
What Type of France Visa Should I Apply For?
Finding out what type of French visa you need to apply for is actually a pretty easy process. A France Schengen visa is issued to foreigners that wish to visit France, the French territories or another Schengen area country for less than 90 days within a 6-month period.
You can apply for a French Schengen Visa if you are traveling for one of the following purposes:
- To transit through the French airport.
- To participate in business and professional meeting, or a conference.
- To make a family and private visit.
- For tourism.
- To enroll in a short-term training course.
- To enroll in an internship (practicum).
- To visit Monaco
How to Apply for a France Visa?
The process of getting a French Visa is not easy, nor quick. You can complete the application process for a France visa by following the steps listed below:
- Choose the right Embassy.
- Compile the documents file.
- Schedule an interview.
- Attend the interview.
- Pay the French Visa fee.
Choose the right embassy
If you are applying for a visa to France, you will have to submit your application at the French embassy in your home country. However, if you will visit other countries in Europe apart from France, you will have to apply for a visa at the Embassy of the country where you will spend most of your time.
For instance, if you will spend three days in Germany, two in Switzerland and live in France, then you will have to apply to the French embassy. On the other hand, if you will be spending the same amount of days in each country you are planning to visit, then you will have to apply at the embassy of the country where you will be landing first.
Fill in the French Schengen visa application form
You can find the France Schengen Visa application form here.
Fill the form with honest and correct information. Keep in mind that the information you give in this form must comply with that in the other documents, otherwise, your application most probably will be rejected. Do not forget to print it twice, and sign both copies at the end.
Compile the documents file
The required documents depend a lot on the type of French visa you are applying for and the purpose under which you wish to enter France. After you have found out what type of France visa you need to apply for, then the next step you need to take is to gather the required documents for France visa.
Book a France visa appointment
After you decide where you will have to apply, book a France visa appointment. At most French embassies you are able to schedule the appointment online, however in some countries, this might not be an option, so you will have to go to the embassy to schedule the appointment.
If you do not book this appointment, then you will not be accepted for the interview.
Attend the interview at the France Embassy
On the day of the interview, show up at the appointment center on time (embassy or consulate). Remember that if you are late even for a few minutes, then they will probably cancel your appointment. Try wearing something a bit more official, but comfortable.
The France visa interview takes around 10 minutes to complete. The consular officer will ask you some questions regarding your trip and the purpose of travel to France. Try not to be nervous, and answer honestly.
After the verification of your application, the application form information will be entered into the online system of the consulate or embassy and you will receive a printed copy of your application, which process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After you get the printed form, please make sure to verify all the details are correct and sign the form.
Underage applicants must be accompanied by their mother/father/legal guardian.