The VISA

My very most extremely least favorite thing to think, ponder, research, and talk about. It literally hurts my brain to even look at those four letters ... V... I... S... A

Partly because there is absolutely nothing I can do about it right now, other than think about it. And partly because no matter how much I think about it, it still isn't clear that I'm going to figure it out. 

As far as I can tell, here's how it goes:

1. Visit the Consulate General of France in Chicago website. 

This is kind of where I get stuck. 

At the beginning of this process I really just wanted to know if it was possible for a US citizen to successfully relocate to France. At the beginning I didn't know that the Visa was first of many challenges I would face in this endeavor.

I called the Consulate General of France in Chicago during their published hours for when people like me are allowed to call. Nobody answered so I sent an email. This was slightly more effective in that they actually responded within 48 hours. 

My question was simple, "is it possible for US citizens to relocated to France?" Except that I included a bunch of other words and questions in my email and the responder didn't see this one. But they were actually helpful. 

So I asked my more direct question one more time and the response was "some do relocate yes". 

Ok. Not super affirming or optimistic or detailed in any sort of way; the one time I want someone to tell me a story I get the one liner barely-a-sentence response that I usually wish people would just give me. 

2. Figure out which forms to fill out. 

• Long Stay Visa Application Form
• available in English
• long stay Visa holders are allowed to reside in France for up to 12 months according to the validity of their Visa and purpose of stay. They are no longuer (how adorable, their note is bilingual) required to obtain a residence permit (carte de sejour) from the French local authorities as long as their Visa is valid. 
• long stay Visa holders who intend on staying in France for more than six months have to register with the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) during the first three months of their stay in France
• Visitor Visa
• Visitor Visa, or Visa "D" allows you to enter France and stay for more than three months
• You need a long stay Visitor Visa if: you have sufficient income to stay in France without working
• Theoretically that's us

Now that that's settled, we need to go through the Long Stay Visa application process.

Did I make it sound like it was just a form?

For security reasons all applicants, except children under the age of six (thank goodness, my dog doesn't have to go to Consulate General of France in Chicago office), have to appear personally at the Consulate General of France in Chicago. Please bear in mind that applications cannot be processed more than 3 months before your departure date. 

(don't worry, I'll have a whole nother story about the process for getting pets there)

Appointments must be made online. They will not do it over the phone and there are NO walk-ins. 

3. Other requirements for application:

• US passport size photo on white background, no glasses, no hat, no smile.
• Questionnaire that appears to be only in French. But, it's just one page and I'm learning French so we will be able to tackle this. I can already read the first question (what is your name?).
• Questionnaire must be notarized.
• Original passport plus photocopies of identity pages. Passport must have been issued less than 10 years ago and be valid for at least three months after your return to the US (but I'm not returning) and have at least two blank pages left
• they keep your passport while they decide whether or not to grant you a Visa, so if you are planning on leaving the country during that time, get a travel card. 
• Status in the US - if you are not a US citizen and copy of your green card or Visa. Doesn't say what to bring if you are a citizen. Maybe this just applies to non US citizens. 
• Letter explaining what you intend to do in France.
• Relax after figuring out how to apply for the Visa. 
• Letter promising not to engage in any employment in France; signature certified by a notary public. 
• Letter of employment in the US stating occupation and earnings.
• Ok, fine, I apply and hurry up real quick retire. 
• "retire" is such an old sounding word. We need a new word for this. Pensioner is even worse. 
• I think this one warrants another email to the Consulate General of France in Chicago.
• Proof of means of income - letter from the bank, investment certificates, pension slips, etc to cover your entire stay. 
• Bring at least three months checking and savings slips
• Be prepared, financially, to show through these checking and savings slips that you can support yourself for the entire duration of your stay. 
• I'm confused. What about the letter of employment in the US stating occupation and earnings? 
• And I'm retiring anyway, so how does that work? 
• More emails to Consulate General of France in Chicago.
• Proof of medical insurance: you must bring proof of a valid overseas medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000 US for emergencies and repatriation and NO deductible or copay. The letter provided by your insurance company MUST clearly state these conditions. 
• I did call my insurance company, and as of January 2016 it will cover me overseas and I do not have a deductible. I do have a copay. I don't think they will lie for me. 
• Email follow up to Consulate General of France in Chicago required. 
• Marriage certificate 
• Proof of accommodation in France, such as a lease rental agreement. Email from landlord will not suffice. Consider a utility bill and a copy of the landlord's passport.
• Processing fee 
• If you intend on staying in France for more than 6 months: one residence form duly filled out (upper part only) (thank goodness, it's all in French too)

REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE VISA DE LONG SEJOUR - DEMANDE D'ATTESTATION OFII

etc etc

• A self addressed prepaid EXPRESS MAIL envelope from the US POST OFFICE ONLY. Please do NOT stick the mailing label on the envelope and fill out as follows (and they show you how to address the envelope, with a label that you cannot stick on the envelope).
• The consular administration has full authority to evaluate and request more documents than those submitted by the applicant
• Please be aware that submitting the aforementioned documents does not guarantee the approval of the Visa.
• but. but. but. 
• Please note that holders of Visas are still subject to immigration control upon first entry into France. The Visa itself does not grant the right to enter France.
• Note to self - leaf black trench coat and suspicious look in the eye behind. 

This is Not the End of the Visa Process

Once you arrive in France the Visa is to be renewed annually. That will be another story for another day.