How to apply for a visa for France as an American citizen: As an American, you don’t need a visa to visit France if you’re only going for a short-term visit. But if you want to go for more than 90 days, it’s likely you will need a visa – whether your visit is for a holiday, you’re moving to France, studying etc. There are several different types of visas and choosing the right one for your circumstances, and providing the correct paperwork and insurances is absolutely essential for success.
More than 20% of all applications fail – and that may not sound like a lot but if you’re in that 20% who don’t get the visa they long for, it’s a disaster.
Eric Donjon, a French visa application specialist at theeuropeanconcierge.com who have helped hundreds of English speakers with their admin needs in France from visas to residency cards, healthcare, registering cars and every aspect of daily life, says that the majority of visa fails are due to common reasons. Having the wrong paperwork, the wrong type of insurance and incomplete documents. It’s understandable, the process is complicated, French bureaucracy is famous for a reason. His advice is “Don’t panic about French bureaucracy – just plan for it. I get feedback from many clients who have witnessed mad panic inside the TLS interview centre from potential applicants running around like headless chickens trying to collect documents they had not thought of preparing or bringing with them to their meeting.”
Types of Visas for France that Americans commonly require
“There are so many types of visas” says Eric, “that it can sometimes seem overwhelming when you need to choose the right one, but it really is critical to get this right. You can’t just apply for a long stay residence permit as a retiree, knowing that when you get to France, you’re going to be running a B&B for instance.”
Some of the most common types of French visas that Americans apply include:
Long stay visa – staying +3 months to one year. This does not give you the right to a
residence card (includes Student Visas).
Long-stay visa with residence permit (VLS-TS) For anyone wishing to move to France and become resident
Working or self-employed visa Be it to run a gite/hotel/B&B or set-up your own company
Applying for a visa for France if you’re American
You’ll apply from the US (your country of citizenship) or your country of residence if you are a US citizen living abroad – not once you’re in France – you must apply through your local French consulate or visa centre (usually via TLS in the US) depending on where about you are in the world.
Paperwork: You’ll need to show proof of accommodation, income, health insurance, and a return ticket if you’re applying for a short stay (12 months maximum). Some documents may need to be translated into French, and some may need official certification.
Health insurance: This is a must. You need private health (visa approved) insurance that covers you in France for the duration of your visa. “This insurance must, amongst other criteria, state that you are protected as a resident of France” advises Eric. “We have seen cases of US citizens purchasing so-called visa insurance only to find out they aren’t covered as residents of France.”
Once you’ve been in France for 3+ months, you can usually apply to join the French healthcare system (PUMA). Note that a new law is in the making and 3rd country citizens will be asked to participate in their medical cover according to their financial means.
Apply early: Start your application at least 3 months in advance. Appointments at Visa centres can book up quickly, especially in minor centres like Seattle/Miami. Larger centres such as TLS New-York/San Francisco/Los Angeles or Washington DC offer better choices.
After arrival: More paperwork! You’ll need to validate your visa online within three months of arriving. You may also need a medical exam and eventually apply for a residency card (carte de séjour) at the end of your first year’s stay.
“Make multiple copies of everything. Keep everything, sometimes for many years. Expect the unexpected” Eric advises. “French administration bodies have a reputation… and not entirely without reason as you will most likely been asked to provide a document you have already sent them twice.”
How to apply for a visa for France as an American citizen
The European Concierge team have helped hundreds of people to deal with stressful, time consuming and complicated French admin requirements, and enjoy congratulating their clients on successful visa application. Eric will be happy to share details of past clients who have successfully made the transition to a new life in France.
The European Concierge has a 100% success rate in visa applications to date, all down to a down to earth “belt and suspenders approach” (as Eric puts it) to each application from filling the forms in the right way, ensuring you have the right insurance and the right documents. He and his team will support every aspect of your application from start to finish, ensuring minimal stress and worry.
If you’d like help with your visa application, residency card, health care, driving licence swap, car registration or any other aspect of life in France, get in touch with theeuropeanconcierge.com
