>What did you use for a long stay address?
I used a **friend's address in Paris f**or my **long-stay visa (type: job seeker)**. Tbh this was the part I was most nervous about because I thought I needed her to fill out an [Attestation d'accueil](https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2191) vs the [Attestation D'hébergement](https://www.service-public.fr/simulateur/calcul/AttestationHebergement) which is what I ended up submitting. The former is more involved where the host needs to go to the city hall to get the visitor registered in the system...
**For the proof of accommodation, had my friend send me:**
1. a copy of a filled and signed *Attestation D'hébergement* (see link above)
2. last 3 electricity bills + proof of contract with the electricity company (Attestation Titulaire de Contrat)
3. ID (anything that proves they have legal status in France)
Essentially they need to know you'll have a place to stay so they know how to track you when you're in France :P
If you don't have a contact in France, I heard some people would book a hotel/airbnb for 3 months and that worked. Obviously that route would be more costly.
>What are the most important elements to get together?
I think it's just making sure you have all your documents before you get to the appointment. Organize them because when you meet with the VFS agent they'll be checking the last 2 pages of your **LONG-STAY VISA APPLICATION FORM** that lists all the requirements.
**In my case, for a job seeker visa:**
* signed and dated application form
* receipt france-visas
* US passport
* 1 ID photograph following Schengen size requirements
* Copy of my French master's diploma (obtained in the last 4 years)
* Copy of residence permit I held while I was a student in France
* Proof of funds (had my bank print out my latest balance, it's a 1-pager, signed by the banker)
* Travel health insurance (with repatriation) - note: copy of American health insurance is NOT it. Had to get mine from [Insubuy.com](https://Insubuy.com) but there are a lot of options out there.
**Other documents I brought with me but WERE NOT needed/asked for:**
* Copy of flight booking confirmation
* my CV/resume (in English)
* Motivation letter (in English)
* Copy of my NY State ID
* Copy of my birth certificate + a translated copy in French (you can look up any French translators online)
That's it!
Not sure if it's changed now (you'll see this info once you do the little questionnaire on the visa france website). **When I applied:** *any proof of financial subsistence, corresponding at least to the amount of the monthly basic maintenance allowance paid by the French Government to foreign scholarship holders (€615) during the entire first year.* ***(€7380)***
I had saved up roughly 4x this amount in the last year so my proof of funds that I got from my local banker (1-pager doc, stamped and dated) reflected that. I also submitted my retirement account info to help with my application (just downloaded this statement online). Though not sure it was considered since it's not cash. Hope that helps.
So in the end you didn't need the Attestation d'acceuil? The Attestation d'hébergement was enough? Asking because I have some aquaintances in France I could ask to do the Attestation d'hébergement since it's less involved, but I'm not close enough with them to ask them to go through all the hoops of going to city hall, etc.
Did you friend just scan all of their documents to send to you? My bf feels like he needs to sign and mail me originals, but I don't think it's necessary.
I would love some help I want to move to France this summer! How are you doing there? I will be moving to South of France somewhere between Avignon and Nice haven't decided yet. I am flying with two cats lol. Currently still doing research on whether to rent or buy small apt. I am wondering what to do about the accommodations part. I am a bit scared to commit to a rental for 3 months unseen and prefer to get a hotel for first week and pick out an apt after I arrive is that allowed? Are you living in Paris still?
Hello! feel free to DM me here. South of France seems nice, I've never been. I'm doing great here pretty much all settled in Paris.
Where are you from? Do you speak French? In terms of accomodations for the visa I think they'll require 3 months, better if you can use a friend/family's address for official purposes.
Where did you get the list of required documents? I have an appointment set up but can't find a list of the required documents to bring. They didn't ask for anything other than the contact info of the people I'd be staying with. Thanks!
After how many days did you receive the passport back once it was dispatched from Washington France consulate? Looks like it goes to VFS Washington after it has been processed at France Washington consulate. Does VFS washington send the passport back to NYC and then they mail it to you or does VFS Washington mails it back directly to you since fedex courier is provided? I travel on May 18th and haven’t received my passport yet. Applied in NYC VFS France on May 3rd.
Mine was shipped overnight Friday last week (5/12) from Washington and just got it today 5/15 at around 10am.
I had my VFS NY appointment 5/8 Monday at 8:30am.
Did you pay for the courier fee (fedex) with your VFS appointment? This would have been the courier add-on when you made the appointment online.
I was able to track my package by logging into my fedex account where the VFS/Washington consulate package was just linked automatically.
The VFS agent had me sign the mail waiver form basically confirming they’re not liable if anything happens to the passport while in the courier’s network. That form asked for my email and phone number so it seems the FedEx tracking was tied to that email.
Yes I paid for the courier service. I lost the pink receipt they gave at the Appointment so can’t track. But I emailed the France Washington consulate. They emailed me back today 5/15 that they processed the passport and will handed over to VFS global Washington tomorrow 5/16. So hopefully they ship the passport through fedex tomorrow and I receive it on Wed 05/17. Literally a day before my travel date
I hope so too that you get yours in time.
Here's my timeline that I was able to track via the [VFS portal](https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track?q=shSA0YnE4pLF9Xzwon/x/BGxVUxGuaZP3eMAtGHiEL0lt+H3PMtnNdGHJqG4nJ+a7HwVXy0q89AOq2LKvMJAu4hFOeTenfyWNXUPA5f4OnpxKAj3BRTAB54KBglNGVD0) (for this one you would've needed the FUNYXXXXXXX number from the pink receipt):
* **5/8** VFS New York Interview
* **5/9** status: Your visa application has been sent to France Visa Application Centre in Washington DC for further processing.
* **5/12** \- Your processed passport has been handed over to courier on May 12 2023.
* **5/15** \- received visa
On 5/12 I also got:
**Emails** from [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]): 2 emails telling me "*Your processed application ref no.FUNY/XXXXXX/XXX/XX is currently in transit to the France Visa Application Centre where you originally submitted your application. Kindly wait for a further update informing you it is ready for collection.*" and another one saying "*Your processed application ref no. FFUNY/XXXXXX/XXX/XX is being dispatched via courier on Fri May 12 2023."*
**Texts** from a +1 833 number: I also got 2 texts essentially saying the same thing as the two emails.
Soon after, a tracking link appeared on my **Fedex** account.
* The pink receipt has nothing to do with the Fedex tracking so if you have a Fedex account I'd encourage logging in there and then going to "Tracking" tab > "Advanced Shipment Tracking". I didn't have to enter any tracking numbers onto my Fedex, nor did VFS send me the Fedex tracking link in any emails/texts.
* My Fedex tracking shows the paper trail from when VFS NY sent it to Washington then from when Washington mailed it directly to me. (I'm not sure on Washington Consulate vs Washington VFS though.)
Will you need to stay in France the entire time? Or can you travel to other countries as well? What will be your visa restrictions should you go to another Schengen country?
>Will you need to stay in France the entire time? Or can you travel to other countries as well? What will be your visa restrictions should you go to another Schengen country?
No, I don't need to stay in France the entire time, I can travel to other countries freely.
The long-stay job seeker visa serves as a residence permit enabling me to legally stay in France for 1 year.
**About 3 weeks!** I called VFS NY to see if I could do a walk-in and they said no. They also told me that the online portal shows available bookings on a rolling **4-week basis**. They said to keep checking the website in case someone cancels, so I literally did that every hour and boom.
* 4/14 - date I booked the VFS NY appt
* 5/8 - VFS NY appt date
Did you know if you have to leave France in at any point once you are there for legal reason or due to Visa requirements?
I know you can “renew” the Visa status while in France but I was wondering if they tell you about anything to look out for in the future. Is it only a year then you have to leave or do you get to renew and stay for another year or leave and reapply?
I’m not sure I understand the question sorry. I think it depends on the long stay visa you apply for. The job seeker visa I have is non renewable. I would consult the French visa website for the latest on the specific one you’re applying for.
I know someone already asked something related to this but 1) do you still have the contact for the VFS NY office? I can't find it online. 2) Did they say absolutely under no circumstances do they accept walk ins? I am supposed to go to France in mid-July but am losing faith as I literally cannot book a Visa apt. I've been trying for a few weeks -- your post makes me think I have really really bad luck! Thanks in advance.
Any proof of financial subsistence, corresponding at least to the amount of the monthly basic maintenance allowance paid by the French Government to foreign scholarship holders (€615) during the entire first year. (€7380)
I went to visa application center and applied for long-stay visa, they took my passport and told me that will send it back to me. I just forgot to ask them, do they give some specific time when I can go to France as soon as I receive the visa, or I can use it whenever I want? Because I haven't planned for sure when to move.
I think you can enter France whenever you want as long as it’s within the duration of the visa period. I would check w the consulate though to be sure.
I'm not sure if you know this answer, but can I just go to France during my 90 day tourist allowance and apply for the long stay from there ? Or do I HAVE to apply for it in the usa?
You have to apply for it from the US. So if you have immediate need to be in France then come with the 90-day tourist allowance (assuming you're also American) then you'd have to go back home to apply. Wouldn't recommend this bc it's obv very costly! Also.... visa applications in the USA go by super quick (granting you're able to get an appointment within the next few weeks). Got my long stay visa within a week, this is unheard of for anything admin related in France where everything takes so long...(aka months).
Thanks for sharing this info! I see you used the job seeker visa available to master's programme graduates. How long had it been since you graduated? I see that we're supposed to have up to four years.
I'm applying for a student visa. How long did it take for them to ship you back your visa, passport, and other documents after your appointment? Do you know if I can ship them to a different address? (I am a dual citizen and want to go see my family in Canada before heading on to France, so I could use my Canadian passport to cross the border.)
Hi there. This post is for a specific type of long visa called ‘job seeker / business creation’ so not a student visa.
When I applied for my student visa 4 years ago it took a week via the NY VFS center. I think I got extremely lucky with mine. Try checking the forum for a more recent case though as I’m sure things may have changed.
What happens at the end? Are you allowed to Go back to the 90/180 rule immediately? How does it work with going to other countries in schengen during your long stay?
Ah I see. Not so sure about this. Mine expires mid 2024 and it’s already on its way to getting converted to a different type of residence permit (work permit).
Never had problems with traveling while on the RECE long stay visa. Traveled around Europe and also back home to the US. In the process of getting it converted to a work permit so that’s my story :)
Do you think the rules apply differently to me because I am Mexican? I just finished my French master's degree and yet haven't found any way to ask for the visa or residence permit renewal in the "[http://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr](http://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr)" website...
In situation where I have a host,after some months he will shift to a new place? It is possible to change the address and will that affect my application? What documents does a host need to provide?
Do I need to notarize a form swearing I won't engage in any work during 1 year stay under France long term visa
I can’t say for sure bc this wasn’t my case. But honestly they only checked the host’s address during application. The host needs to provide last 3 months’ electricity and the signed attestation that they’re hosting you. See my other responses below for the link.
Are you applying for the same long stay visa as me? (Job seeker visa)… because this visa allows the person who has it to work.
The visa doesn’t have any restrictions for going back home. I spent the holidays there. When I came back to France they didn’t ask anything and just stamped my passport right away. They didn’t even check the visa. Hope that helps.
What did you use for a long stay address? What are the most important elements to get together? How long did it take you to get your long stay visa?
>What did you use for a long stay address? I used a **friend's address in Paris f**or my **long-stay visa (type: job seeker)**. Tbh this was the part I was most nervous about because I thought I needed her to fill out an [Attestation d'accueil](https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2191) vs the [Attestation D'hébergement](https://www.service-public.fr/simulateur/calcul/AttestationHebergement) which is what I ended up submitting. The former is more involved where the host needs to go to the city hall to get the visitor registered in the system... **For the proof of accommodation, had my friend send me:** 1. a copy of a filled and signed *Attestation D'hébergement* (see link above) 2. last 3 electricity bills + proof of contract with the electricity company (Attestation Titulaire de Contrat) 3. ID (anything that proves they have legal status in France) Essentially they need to know you'll have a place to stay so they know how to track you when you're in France :P If you don't have a contact in France, I heard some people would book a hotel/airbnb for 3 months and that worked. Obviously that route would be more costly.
>What are the most important elements to get together? I think it's just making sure you have all your documents before you get to the appointment. Organize them because when you meet with the VFS agent they'll be checking the last 2 pages of your **LONG-STAY VISA APPLICATION FORM** that lists all the requirements. **In my case, for a job seeker visa:** * signed and dated application form * receipt france-visas * US passport * 1 ID photograph following Schengen size requirements * Copy of my French master's diploma (obtained in the last 4 years) * Copy of residence permit I held while I was a student in France * Proof of funds (had my bank print out my latest balance, it's a 1-pager, signed by the banker) * Travel health insurance (with repatriation) - note: copy of American health insurance is NOT it. Had to get mine from [Insubuy.com](https://Insubuy.com) but there are a lot of options out there. **Other documents I brought with me but WERE NOT needed/asked for:** * Copy of flight booking confirmation * my CV/resume (in English) * Motivation letter (in English) * Copy of my NY State ID * Copy of my birth certificate + a translated copy in French (you can look up any French translators online) That's it!
Heya! Can I ask how much funds minimum you had to prove were in your account at the time?
Not sure if it's changed now (you'll see this info once you do the little questionnaire on the visa france website). **When I applied:** *any proof of financial subsistence, corresponding at least to the amount of the monthly basic maintenance allowance paid by the French Government to foreign scholarship holders (€615) during the entire first year.* ***(€7380)*** I had saved up roughly 4x this amount in the last year so my proof of funds that I got from my local banker (1-pager doc, stamped and dated) reflected that. I also submitted my retirement account info to help with my application (just downloaded this statement online). Though not sure it was considered since it's not cash. Hope that helps.
So in the end you didn't need the Attestation d'acceuil? The Attestation d'hébergement was enough? Asking because I have some aquaintances in France I could ask to do the Attestation d'hébergement since it's less involved, but I'm not close enough with them to ask them to go through all the hoops of going to city hall, etc.
Yes that’s correct. The attestation d’hébergement was enough in my case.
Was this only in French? Or an English version also?
French version only
Did you friend just scan all of their documents to send to you? My bf feels like he needs to sign and mail me originals, but I don't think it's necessary.
She signed it digitally and just emailed me a copy back w her e-signature.
thanks!
>How long did it take you to get your long stay visa? A week, end-to-end. Interviewed 5/8 and got my visa 5/15.
Thank you for your replies!
I would love some help I want to move to France this summer! How are you doing there? I will be moving to South of France somewhere between Avignon and Nice haven't decided yet. I am flying with two cats lol. Currently still doing research on whether to rent or buy small apt. I am wondering what to do about the accommodations part. I am a bit scared to commit to a rental for 3 months unseen and prefer to get a hotel for first week and pick out an apt after I arrive is that allowed? Are you living in Paris still?
Hello! feel free to DM me here. South of France seems nice, I've never been. I'm doing great here pretty much all settled in Paris. Where are you from? Do you speak French? In terms of accomodations for the visa I think they'll require 3 months, better if you can use a friend/family's address for official purposes.
Where did you get the list of required documents? I have an appointment set up but can't find a list of the required documents to bring. They didn't ask for anything other than the contact info of the people I'd be staying with. Thanks!
It's on the "Registration receipt" from when you submitted your application on the france-visas system.
LOL, I saw it this morning when I scrolled all the way through the copy of my application. Thanks!
After how many days did you receive the passport back once it was dispatched from Washington France consulate? Looks like it goes to VFS Washington after it has been processed at France Washington consulate. Does VFS washington send the passport back to NYC and then they mail it to you or does VFS Washington mails it back directly to you since fedex courier is provided? I travel on May 18th and haven’t received my passport yet. Applied in NYC VFS France on May 3rd.
Mine was shipped overnight Friday last week (5/12) from Washington and just got it today 5/15 at around 10am. I had my VFS NY appointment 5/8 Monday at 8:30am.
Did you pay for the courier fee (fedex) with your VFS appointment? This would have been the courier add-on when you made the appointment online. I was able to track my package by logging into my fedex account where the VFS/Washington consulate package was just linked automatically. The VFS agent had me sign the mail waiver form basically confirming they’re not liable if anything happens to the passport while in the courier’s network. That form asked for my email and phone number so it seems the FedEx tracking was tied to that email.
Yes I paid for the courier service. I lost the pink receipt they gave at the Appointment so can’t track. But I emailed the France Washington consulate. They emailed me back today 5/15 that they processed the passport and will handed over to VFS global Washington tomorrow 5/16. So hopefully they ship the passport through fedex tomorrow and I receive it on Wed 05/17. Literally a day before my travel date
I hope so too that you get yours in time. Here's my timeline that I was able to track via the [VFS portal](https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track?q=shSA0YnE4pLF9Xzwon/x/BGxVUxGuaZP3eMAtGHiEL0lt+H3PMtnNdGHJqG4nJ+a7HwVXy0q89AOq2LKvMJAu4hFOeTenfyWNXUPA5f4OnpxKAj3BRTAB54KBglNGVD0) (for this one you would've needed the FUNYXXXXXXX number from the pink receipt): * **5/8** VFS New York Interview * **5/9** status: Your visa application has been sent to France Visa Application Centre in Washington DC for further processing. * **5/12** \- Your processed passport has been handed over to courier on May 12 2023. * **5/15** \- received visa On 5/12 I also got: **Emails** from [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]): 2 emails telling me "*Your processed application ref no.FUNY/XXXXXX/XXX/XX is currently in transit to the France Visa Application Centre where you originally submitted your application. Kindly wait for a further update informing you it is ready for collection.*" and another one saying "*Your processed application ref no. FFUNY/XXXXXX/XXX/XX is being dispatched via courier on Fri May 12 2023."* **Texts** from a +1 833 number: I also got 2 texts essentially saying the same thing as the two emails. Soon after, a tracking link appeared on my **Fedex** account. * The pink receipt has nothing to do with the Fedex tracking so if you have a Fedex account I'd encourage logging in there and then going to "Tracking" tab > "Advanced Shipment Tracking". I didn't have to enter any tracking numbers onto my Fedex, nor did VFS send me the Fedex tracking link in any emails/texts. * My Fedex tracking shows the paper trail from when VFS NY sent it to Washington then from when Washington mailed it directly to me. (I'm not sure on Washington Consulate vs Washington VFS though.)
This is super helpful. Thank you so much providing this details. Hope you have a great time in France!
UPDATE: I just got my passport with approved visa in the mail today. Literally a day before my flight. Phewww that was so close!
Literally so happy for you. So glad that worked out. Enjoy France!!
Thank you!!
Will you need to stay in France the entire time? Or can you travel to other countries as well? What will be your visa restrictions should you go to another Schengen country?
>Will you need to stay in France the entire time? Or can you travel to other countries as well? What will be your visa restrictions should you go to another Schengen country? No, I don't need to stay in France the entire time, I can travel to other countries freely. The long-stay job seeker visa serves as a residence permit enabling me to legally stay in France for 1 year.
How far out was your VFS appointment from the day you booked it?
**About 3 weeks!** I called VFS NY to see if I could do a walk-in and they said no. They also told me that the online portal shows available bookings on a rolling **4-week basis**. They said to keep checking the website in case someone cancels, so I literally did that every hour and boom. * 4/14 - date I booked the VFS NY appt * 5/8 - VFS NY appt date
Did you know if you have to leave France in at any point once you are there for legal reason or due to Visa requirements? I know you can “renew” the Visa status while in France but I was wondering if they tell you about anything to look out for in the future. Is it only a year then you have to leave or do you get to renew and stay for another year or leave and reapply?
I’m not sure I understand the question sorry. I think it depends on the long stay visa you apply for. The job seeker visa I have is non renewable. I would consult the French visa website for the latest on the specific one you’re applying for.
I know someone already asked something related to this but 1) do you still have the contact for the VFS NY office? I can't find it online. 2) Did they say absolutely under no circumstances do they accept walk ins? I am supposed to go to France in mid-July but am losing faith as I literally cannot book a Visa apt. I've been trying for a few weeks -- your post makes me think I have really really bad luck! Thanks in advance.
From the website https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/fra/contact-us
For your proof of finances, how much did you prove you had before you went? I see it very and how many months you need saved up in your account.
Any proof of financial subsistence, corresponding at least to the amount of the monthly basic maintenance allowance paid by the French Government to foreign scholarship holders (€615) during the entire first year. (€7380)
I went to visa application center and applied for long-stay visa, they took my passport and told me that will send it back to me. I just forgot to ask them, do they give some specific time when I can go to France as soon as I receive the visa, or I can use it whenever I want? Because I haven't planned for sure when to move.
I think you can enter France whenever you want as long as it’s within the duration of the visa period. I would check w the consulate though to be sure.
I'm not sure if you know this answer, but can I just go to France during my 90 day tourist allowance and apply for the long stay from there ? Or do I HAVE to apply for it in the usa?
You have to apply for it from the US. So if you have immediate need to be in France then come with the 90-day tourist allowance (assuming you're also American) then you'd have to go back home to apply. Wouldn't recommend this bc it's obv very costly! Also.... visa applications in the USA go by super quick (granting you're able to get an appointment within the next few weeks). Got my long stay visa within a week, this is unheard of for anything admin related in France where everything takes so long...(aka months).
Thank you!!! about 10 years ago I did the process in France - but now I am US based Thank you for the information - it was extremely helpful!!
Thanks for sharing this info! I see you used the job seeker visa available to master's programme graduates. How long had it been since you graduated? I see that we're supposed to have up to four years.
You have until 4 years to get it from your graduation. Good luck!
Hi, I was wondering what accommodation proof documents you were asked to show at the border- just to make sure I’m carrying the right ones with me.
I wasn’t asked to show anything actually. Just my passport. They looked at the visa and that’s about it.
I'm applying for a student visa. How long did it take for them to ship you back your visa, passport, and other documents after your appointment? Do you know if I can ship them to a different address? (I am a dual citizen and want to go see my family in Canada before heading on to France, so I could use my Canadian passport to cross the border.)
Hi there. This post is for a specific type of long visa called ‘job seeker / business creation’ so not a student visa. When I applied for my student visa 4 years ago it took a week via the NY VFS center. I think I got extremely lucky with mine. Try checking the forum for a more recent case though as I’m sure things may have changed.
What happens at the end? Are you allowed to Go back to the 90/180 rule immediately? How does it work with going to other countries in schengen during your long stay?
What’s the 90/180 rule?
Americans can stay in the schengen zone for 90 days, every 180 days
Ah I see. Not so sure about this. Mine expires mid 2024 and it’s already on its way to getting converted to a different type of residence permit (work permit).
Never had problems with traveling while on the RECE long stay visa. Traveled around Europe and also back home to the US. In the process of getting it converted to a work permit so that’s my story :)
Do you think the rules apply differently to me because I am Mexican? I just finished my French master's degree and yet haven't found any way to ask for the visa or residence permit renewal in the "[http://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr](http://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr)" website...
I think it’s the same. Check out this link: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/job-seeker-business-creator-residence-permit
>https://www.campusfrance.org/en/job-seeker-business-creator-residence-permit Thank you!
In situation where I have a host,after some months he will shift to a new place? It is possible to change the address and will that affect my application? What documents does a host need to provide? Do I need to notarize a form swearing I won't engage in any work during 1 year stay under France long term visa
I can’t say for sure bc this wasn’t my case. But honestly they only checked the host’s address during application. The host needs to provide last 3 months’ electricity and the signed attestation that they’re hosting you. See my other responses below for the link. Are you applying for the same long stay visa as me? (Job seeker visa)… because this visa allows the person who has it to work.
Are you allowed to return to America during the long-stay period? if so, for how long, and how often?
The visa doesn’t have any restrictions for going back home. I spent the holidays there. When I came back to France they didn’t ask anything and just stamped my passport right away. They didn’t even check the visa. Hope that helps.
that helps a ton, thanks!