Visa Instructions (for stays longer than 3 months)

Basic visa info:

• • In order to qualify for the visa, you’ll need:
    • To attend a VFS Global Center in person (once you have all the documentation)
      • Check the link to see if you can go to the location nearest you 
    • Application form, dated and signed
    • Your passport
      • It must have been issued less than 10 years ago
      • Have 2+ blank pages
      • And be valid at least 3 months longer than the expiry date of the visa requested
    • France-Visas receipt
    • ID photograph
    • Agreement between you and your host family (Cerfa n° 15973*01)
    • Any document that may attest to basic knowledge of French language or the level of secondary teaching or professional qualifications
    • Travel health insurance
      • Travel health insurance certificate issued by the insurance company (covering any possible costs for medical repatriation, and emergency and/or hospital treatment, for a minimum amount of €30,000, valid in France for the whole stay. A copy of your American health insurance card is not an acceptable proof of adequate coverage).American citizens need a visa to stay in the Schengen Zone (the blue countries in the image) for longer than 90 days within a 180-day period
        • • If you exceed 90 days in the Schengen illegally, you may have serious consequences (a fine, deportation, and/or ban) so don’t do this
        • Having a visa is the best way to stay in the Schengen for longer than 90 days
        • Check all of this information online
          • The earliest you can submit your visa is 3 months prior to the start of your trip
            • You can complete as much as you can before that and submit later
          • Your visa needs to be valid for your entire stay in the Schengen area
        • If you are applying from the US, your information when you start the application should look like this

  Visa costs

  • The visa costs about $110 (slightly more or less depending on exchange rates)

  Remember!

  • Gather all required documents and make your appointment in a timely manner
  • If you fail to do so, it may result in delayed visa approval or refusal by the Consulate
  • The Consulate has the final decision on issuing a visa
  • They might ask for further documents

  Instructions for applying for the student visa:

  1. Create an account online 
  2. Fill out the application
  3. Print a transcript or other proof that you’ve taken basic French courses
  4. Gather all other documents
  5. Sign the agreement between you and the host family
  6. Make an appointment online to meet in person at a VFS Global Center 

  Note: The sooner you gather this paperwork, the easier it will be to apply for a visa! 

  Find more information at the official VFS site: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/web/us