TEMPORARY LONG-STAY VISAS FROM APPLICATION TO ARRIVAL

France, with its rich culture, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities, is a popular destination for many individuals from the United Kingdom seeking new adventures, education, or work opportunities. If you're planning to travel to France for an extended stay, you'll likely need a visa. In this article, we are talking about an application for a temporary long-stay visa, allowing you to spend up to 6 months in France. To live in France you need to apply for a different visa (carte de séjour, also known as titre de séjour) to move here full-time. This month, we'll guide you through the temporary long-stay visa application process, step by step.

Step 1: Begin with the Visa Wizard

Your journey to securing a French visa starts with the Visa Wizard, an online tool on the France Visa website designed to assist applicants in determining the appropriate visa type and requirements.

Here's how to get started: time to fill out the online visa application form. Here's how to do it:

1. Visit the official France Visa website (https://france-visas.gouv.fr/).

2. Click on the "Apply for a visa" tab.

3. Select "Long stay" if your intended stay in France is more than 90 days.

4. Create an account or log in if you already have one.

5. Fill out the visa application form, providing accurate and complete information.

4. Select a convenient date and time for your appointment.

5. Confirm your appointment details. Remember to bring the required documents, including your passport, visa application receipt, and supporting documents, to your appointment. During your visit, your biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph, will be collected.

Step 4: Coming Over to France

Once you've completed the necessary steps in the UK, including the visa application and biometric data collection, you're one step closer to your adventure in France. But before you pack your bags, it's essential to understand that you cannot enter France until you have received your passport in the post, with your visa printed straight into it.

After submitting your application and attending your biometric appointment, the processing time for a French long-stay visa can vary, so it's crucial to check the estimated processing times on the official France Visa website.

Step 5: Validating Your Visa on the ANEF Website

Within the first three months of entering France, you must validate your visa

1. Visit the official France Visa website (https://france-visas.gouv.fr/).

2. Click on the "Do I need a visa?" tab.

3. Answer a series of questions regarding your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the duration of your stay.

4. The Visa Wizard will provide you with a personalised list of requirements, including the visa type you should apply for, supporting documents, and fees.

By using the Visa Wizard, you can ensure that you are applying for the correct visa category, saving time and avoiding unnecessary complications down the road.

Step 2: Filling Out the Application Form

Once you've determined the visa type and gathered the necessary documents, it's

6. Download the filled-out form and make sure to save it to your computer. I suggest printing it out as soon as possible, so technical difficulties will not interfere in your visa process. Be sure to double-check all the information you provide on the application form, as any mistakes or discrepancies could lead to delays or visa denials. Once your application is submitted, you'll receive a confirmation receipt, which you must keep for reference.

Step 3: Booking Your Appointment at a TLS Center

After successfully completing your visa application online, it's time to book an appointment at your nearest TLS Center (Visa Application Center) for biometric data collection. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the TLScontact website for the UK (https://fr.tlscontact.com/gb/LON/in dex.php).

2. Choose your preferred TLS Center location: London, Manchester or Edinburgh.

3. Create an account or log in if you already have one.

Upon receiving approval for your French long-stay visa, you're ready to embark on your journey to France. However, there's one more crucial step to complete. Within the first three months of entering France, you must validate your visa on the ANEF (Agence Nationale des Etrangers en France) website. Here's how to validate your visa:

1. Visit the ANEF website (https://administration-etrangers-enfrance.interieur.gouv.fr/particuli ers/#/).

2. Create an account by providing your personal details and visa information.

3. Click on ‘Validate your VLS-TS long stay visa’

4. Fill out the visa validation form and submit it online.

5. Pay the appropriate tax for your visa type.

This step is crucial as it entitles you to lawfully remain in France for your visa's entire validity period. The OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration) reserves the right to call you for a meeting to carry out further formalities or to conduct a medical check-up.

Navigating the French visa process, from application to arrival, can be a complex journey, but with the right guidance and adherence to the steps outlined above, you can achieve your dream of living or staying in France. Remember that each applicant's situation may be unique, so always refer to the official France Visa website and consult with the relevant authorities if you have specific questions or concerns. Bon voyage!