French Visa

[visaveteran 1]

My wife (you know, the one I'm pretending exists) wants to visit a Russian friend who lives in Paris. Anyone gone through getting a French tourist visa? Can you file online or mail? Or must you visit a French consulate? Is it easy for a green card holder to get a French visa? Any info appreciated.

[eekee 182]

She needs to get a Shengen visa from the French consulate. Here is the info: http://www.consulfrance-washington.org/spip.php?article384

You can apply by mail. It says to allow 1-3 months; when do you want to go?

[visaveteran 1]

She needs to get a Shengen visa from the French consulate. Here is the info: http://www.consulfra....php?article384

You can apply by mail. It says to allow 1-3 months; when do you want to go?

Thanks...she wants to go in June. But I looked at the site and there is a problem. Next month we file for her 10-year green card. Her 2-year GC expires in July...so she probably can't provide a GC that is valid for 3 months from her visit to Paris when she files for the Shengen visa.

Looks like she'll have to wait for the 10-year GC before the trip can happen.

[Neonred 3,452]

She needs to get a Shengen visa from the French consulate. Here is the info: http://www.consulfrance-washington.org/spip.php?article384

You can apply by mail. It says to allow 1-3 months; when do you want to go?

I don't think you can apply by mail(unless things have changed). We went to France a year and a half ago and had to visit the consulate here in Florida to get the Shengen visa. We received the visa three days after we applied for it. Read their website and be sure to bring EVERYTHING they ask for. I couldn't believe how many people got turned away because they were missing items, or tried to get a visa for a relative that was not there in person.

Edited March 25, 2010 by Neonred

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I don't think you can apply by mail(unless things have changed). We went to France a year and a half ago and had to visit the consulate here in Florida to get the Shengen visa. We received the visa three days after we applied for it. Read their website and be sure to bring EVERYTHING they ask for. I couldn't believe how many people got turned away because they were missing items, or tried to get a visa for a relative that was not there in person.

OK, so we are planning our summer trip and hoping to include a side trip to Germany. Do we need to have plane tickets first? Is the Shengen visa for only a spceific time? I guess we would apply at the Germon consualte (probably New York) Yes?

[eekee 182]

As far as I can recall from my past experiences with it, I believe the Shengen is similar to the American tourist visa in that it's valid for a long period of time and is multi-entry. I think it's a period of several months, rather than a year or two, though.

Neonred, the French consulate website mentions applying by mail...? Perhaps it has to do with the amount of time you have before your trip.

[sachinky 464]

I held the Shengen visa about a few years back. Yes, it's valid for a certain period of time and it is multiple entry.

[Neonred 3,452]

As far as I can recall from my past experiences with it, I believe the Shengen is similar to the American tourist visa in that it's valid for a long period of time and is multi-entry. I think it's a period of several months, rather than a year or two, though.

Neonred, the French consulate website mentions applying by mail...? Perhaps it has to do with the amount of time you have before your trip.

The website of the French Consulate in Miami says this "Since November 10th, 2009, this Consulate issues biometric visas (fingerprints are taken). Therefore, all applicants have to come in person at the Consulate, after having booked an appointment on the Website. Application by mail are not be accepted."

When we applied for the visa for my wife in 2008 we also had to appear in person after making an appointment. Back then she did not need to do fingerprints. The visa is good for 90 days.

They require a good deal of documentation (originals AND copies) including your hotel and travel reservations, proof of insurance valid in France, proof of funds, etc, etc. Check the website for all that is required. If you arrive for your appointment and you didn't bring everything you don't get the visa. For anyone that has done their own K-1 it is very easy.

[Used to be broken 143]

As far as I can recall from my past experiences with it, I believe the Shengen is similar to the American tourist visa in that it's valid for a long period of time and is multi-entry. I think it's a period of several months, rather than a year or two, though.

Neonred, the French consulate website mentions applying by mail...? Perhaps it has to do with the amount of time you have before your trip.

I think this is incorrect based on recent experience with Shengen VISA application in Eastern Europe. Its very time specific in other words, they want hotel, plane reciepts etc, and the VISA dates will be specific to that visit. Multiple entry for citizens of CIS States is rare. This comment should be taken in context of application from applying OUTSIDE the US, to someone who does not have legal status in US.

Not sure what the deal is from within the US, but I would imagine that is a game changer, as you would not be required to prove you would return to your home country, but to the US after the visit, presumably a more favorable and flexible policy would be at play under the circumstances of an LPR applying for a visitor visa.