After three years of courting the beautiful woman who I now call my wife, we had long discussions about who would move after she accepted my marriage proposal. Being an American born national and coming from a fast-paced environment in New York City where the economic situation and opportunities for employment for me was plentiful, especially at my career level, I was somewhat reluctant to move to France. Nonetheless, I decided to move to France and make an adventure of it. Moving away from home is never easy; however, to another country entirely, where the culture and language are different, can pose some interesting challenges. Before moving to another country, it is always advantageous to research as much as you can. Some of the difficulties you may encounter moving to a foreign country and that you should prepare for are listed below.
- Language barrier: Learn as much of the native language as possible.
- Employment: Learn about the job market and what resources are available.
- Medical Coverage: Obtain international health coverage. Every country has a different medical system and requirement.
- Lodging: Determine where you will live and if you should pay months in advance
- Transportation: Determine how you will get around from to place.
- Documentation: Documents you should bring along. A birth certificate, Diplomas, immunization records, etc.
After doing some research on France and where I would be living, I decided to apply for my marriage Visa.
Note: Every situation and application for a visa is specific to the person and situation.
1. Application: I applied for my visa on the France-visas.gouv website. I created a user name and password and proceeded with my application. The link is listed below.
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/ma-demande-en-ligne
2. The application: The process is pretty simple. You fill in your information as accurately as possible.
- Place of submission: United States Of America (city)
- Type of visa requested: Long-Stay (>90 days)
- Reason for applying: Join family/spouse
- Travel Document: Ordinary Passport
- Passport information: Document number
- Issued by: United States Of America
- Plan: Familial or private establishment (adult)
- Purpose: Visitor
- Age: 35
- Your host/ relatives information: Address and passport information
- Expected arrival date in France: You should allow yourself at least a 3 to 4 week window
3. Confirm the information: Review the information for accuracy and confirm
4. Print or download: A copy of your application is stored in your account but you should print a copy for your records.
The Application fee varies depending on the type of visa being requested. The fee can range from $0.00 to $120.00
5. Make an appointment VFS Global: Register an account and make an appointment VFS.
The appointment fee is $35.00 The link is listed below.
6. Appointment Day- Bring the required documents to the appointment:
- Copy of Visa Application
- French Visa receipt (receipt depending on the type of application)
- Appointment receipt
- Passport valid for at least 90 days after arrival issued less than ten years ago with at least two blank pages.
- Passport photo
- L’acte de Marriage
- Proof of Domicile, Eg. Letter of D’herbgement & copy of spouses Electricity bill.
- Proof of spouses French Nationality (Copy of identity card & Passport)
- Three months of bank statements (Three most recent)
- Proof of minimum daily allowance of €32.50.
- Letter of International medical coverage (Should cover $50 to $100,00 of medical coverage)
- Date of expected arrival in France
Once you have provided all documentation needed, it is then collected and sent to Washington D.C. along with your original passport (which is sent back to you afterward). They will also collect biometric data (fingerprints, etc.).
The wait time can range anywhere from about one to three weeks. You can pick up your response at the VHS office or have it mailed directly to you.
With in the first two months of arrival you must validate your visa on the “Ministére De L’Intérieur” web page. The fee is 200,00 euros or about $240.00 USD.
https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/
No matter where you decide to move and settle make sure you research and as much as you can. Keep an open mind, and remember that not everything will always go according to plan. Have some patience, stay persistent and roll with the punches. Eventually, everything falls in place. Keep track of all your paper and do not forget to apply for renewal of your visa before it expires. Most importantly stay positive and make an adventure of it.
