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Immigrate to France
How you can immigrate to France, how to protect yourself from Fraud and what to expect after you arrive in France.
What Is Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border.
To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area.
Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:
Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.
Key Points for France PR Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to France?
To visit France, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
France visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a France visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a France visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?
You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.
What kind of visa will we acquire from France?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page on your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
For long-stay visitor visa( >90 days)- 99 euros (€), or about 8,943 INR.
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
Identify visa type:
- When applying for a visa to France as a Schengen State, it is crucial to determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, or education, to select the appropriate visa type.
- Consult the official website of the French embassy or consulate in your country to access detailed information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures for Schengen visas.
- Ensure you meet the specific documentation, financial, and eligibility criteria for the chosen visa category to increase the chances of a successful visa application for France as a Schengen State.
Begin your application
To start your visa application process, visit the FRANCE-VISAS website and click on “2. Start your visa application.” You will need to create an account and answer questions online, which will fill in the visa application form for you. After completing the form, a list of required supporting documents and visa fees will be displayed. Then, visit the France-Visas page for information on scheduling an appointment. For information about Schengen Biometric Exemption, click the link provided.
Book your Appointment:
After completing your visa application, the next step is to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, which includes your fingerprints and photo. You can choose a Visa Application Centre that is convenient for you and make an appointment through their online booking system or by contacting their customer service team.
Once you have made the appointment, you will receive an email confirming the details along with a letter of appointment. Please note that if you are traveling with family or a group, you will need to book individual appointments for each member.
Pay your Fees:
To find out how much you need to pay for your visa application, you can click on the link provided on the website which will redirect you to the page displaying the visa application fees. If payment of service fees online is not possible, then you will have to pay both the visa fees and service fees in person at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment.
Visit a Visa Application Centre:
Attend your appointment as planned.
Unless otherwise advised, you must personally deliver your filled-out visa application form to the visa application centre together with your supporting paperwork.
Track your Application:
After you have submitted your visa application, you will receive updates on the status of your application. You will receive an email and an SMS notification when your passport has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. Additionally, you can track the status of your visa application online through the France-Visas website. To access this service, go to “4. Track your application” on the website and enter your reference number and last name.
Collect your passport:
After you apply for a visa and it is processed, you can collect your passport and documents from the Visa Application Centre or have them delivered by courier, depending on your chosen mode of delivery. Third-party collection of documents or passports is generally not allowed, except in specific cases like immediate family members, group collections, or company representatives with authorization. If you choose courier delivery, you cannot change to counter delivery and vice versa. If a letter is included with the passport/envelope, you must collect it in person regardless of your chosen delivery method. You will need to bring a government ID card, the original ICR, and an authorization letter if someone else is collecting on your behalf.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Here is a document checklist for applying for an immigrant visa to France from India, including all possible routes, organized with headings:
General Documents:
- Visa Application Form: Completed and signed visa application form.
- Passport: Original passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay.
- Passport-size Photographs: Recent color photographs.
- Birth Certificate: A copy of your birth certificate.
- Criminal Record: A recent criminal record certificate issued by the Indian authorities.
- Marriage Certificate: If applicable, a copy of your marriage certificate or proof of registered partnership.
- Health Certificate: A medical certificate issued by an approved doctor in India.
- Accommodation Details: Documentation demonstrating suitable accommodation arrangements in France, such as a rental agreement or confirmation of accommodation booking.
- Financial Documents: Bank statements to demonstrate your financial stability during your stay in France.
- Travel Itinerary: A detailed travel itinerary, including flight reservations.
- Travel Health Insurance: Proof of travel health insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros.
- Visa Fee: Payment receipt or proof of payment for the visa application fee.
Family Reunification:
- Proof of Family Relationship: Documents proving the family relationship with the family member residing in France, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or proof of registered partnership.
- Proof of Accommodation: Documentation demonstrating suitable accommodation arrangements in France.
Employment-Based Immigration:
- Employment Contract: A copy of your employment contract or letter of confirmation from the French employer.
- Work Permit: Proof of a valid work permit or approval from the French authorities.
- Proof of Qualifications: Copies of educational certificates, degrees, and professional qualifications relevant to the employment.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in France.
Study-Based Immigration:
- Acceptance Letter: Official acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in France confirming your admission to a course of study.
- Proof of Financial Resources: Documents demonstrating sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in France.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in France.
Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment:
- Business Plan: A detailed business plan outlining the nature of your proposed business activities in France.
- Proof of Funds: Evidence of sufficient funds to establish and sustain your business in France.
- Business Registration: Documentation demonstrating the registration or intended registration of your business in France.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in France.
Retirement Permit:
- Proof of Retirement: Documentation demonstrating your retirement status, such as pension statements or proof of financial resources to support your retirement in France.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in France.
Humanitarian Immigration:
- Supporting Documents: Any relevant supporting documents that demonstrate the humanitarian grounds for your immigration to France, such as medical reports or evidence of humanitarian need.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in France.
Please note that specific requirements may vary depending on the immigration route and your individual circumstances. It is advisable to consult the official website of the French embassy or consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the immigrant visa application process for each category.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To apply for a residence visa in France from India, the following visa application forms may be required:
Long-Stay Visa Application Form (Formulaire de demande de visa de long séjour): This form is the general application form for a long-stay visa in France. It captures personal information, travel details, and the purpose of the visit.
Visa Application Supplementary Form: Depending on the purpose of your residence in France, additional supplementary forms may be required. These forms are specific to the type of residence visa you are applying for, such as a work visa, student visa, or family visa.
Please note that the specific visa application forms and requirements may vary depending on your nationality, the purpose of your residence in France, and other factors. It is advisable to consult the official website of the French Embassy or Consulate in India or seek professional assistance to ensure you have the correct and up-to-date information for your specific situation.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
After receiving PR approval in France, here is the process to obtain a visa from India:
- Collect Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, including your passport, PR approval letter, proof of accommodation, financial documents, and health insurance.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest French Consulate or Visa Application Centre in India. Check their website for available dates and times.
- Fill out Visa Application Form: Complete the visa application form online, providing accurate and up-to-date information.
- Compile Supporting Documents: Prepare all the supporting documents required for the visa application, such as photographs, biometric data, and additional forms specific to your situation.
- Attend the Appointment: On the scheduled date, visit the Consulate or Visa Application Centre with your application form, supporting documents, and passport.
- Pay Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee at the designated payment counter. Keep the receipt for future reference.
- Submit Biometric Data: Provide your biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, as per the instructions at the Visa Application Centre.
- Track Application: After submitting the application, you will receive a tracking number. Use this to monitor the progress of your visa application.
- Wait for Processing: The visa processing time varies, so patiently wait for the decision on your visa application.
- Collect Passport and Visa: Once the visa is approved, collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre or through the designated courier service.
- Travel to France: With the visa in your passport, you can now make travel arrangements to relocate to France as a permanent resident.
Note: The specific requirements and procedures may vary based on your individual circumstances and the policies of the French Consulate or Visa Application Centre in India. It is recommended to check their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information
There are several routes to obtain residence in France from India, each with its own visa category:
Work Visa (Travailleur): If you have a job offer from a French employer, you can apply for a work visa. This includes categories such as:
- Temporary Work Visa (AutorisationProvisoire de Travail, APT): For short-term employment contracts.
- Employee Visa (Salarié): For long-term employment contracts.
- Highly Skilled Worker Visa (TravailleurQualifié): For individuals with high qualifications and skills.
Student Visa (Étudiant): If you plan to study in France, you can apply for a student visa. This includes categories such as:
- Short-term Student Visa (Visa de Court Séjour Étudiant): For programs lasting less than 90 days.
- Long-term Student Visa (Visa de Long Séjour Étudiant): For programs lasting more than 90 days.
Family Reunification Visa (Regroupement Familial): If you have a family member who is a French citizen or legal resident, you can apply for a family reunification visa.
Entrepreneur Visa (Entrepreneur): If you plan to start a business or invest in France, you can apply for an entrepreneur visa.
Scientific Researcher Visa (Chercheur): If you have a research or academic position in France, you can apply for a scientific researcher visa.
Talent Passport Visa (Passeport Talent): This visa category is designed to attract highly skilled individuals in specific fields such as arts, sciences, sports, and more.
Investor Visa (Investisseur): If you plan to make a significant investment in France, you can apply for an investor visa.
Refugee or Asylum Seeker Visa (RéfugiéouDemanded’Asile): If you are seeking refuge or asylum in France, you can apply for this visa category.
Please note that the specific requirements and application processes may vary for each visa category. It is advisable to consult the official website of the French Consulate or Embassy in India for detailed information and guidance
Step 1 - Gather information on your situation
This website provides you with all the important information you need to know before applying for a visa online. You can find out whether you need a visa or not, what documents you need to submit, and how much it will cost you.
Step 2 - Set up my online application
To apply for a visa, you will need a valid travel document that was issued less than 10 years ago and has at least two blank pages. It should also be valid for at least three months. You will also need to provide two recent ID pictures in ISO/IECI format (pdf).
Once you have these documents, you can fill out the visa application form online. As part of this process, you will need to create a personal account and provide your email address. This will allow you to save your partially or fully completed application. Once you have completed the application, you will receive a list of required supporting documents and be able to book your appointment.
Step 3 - Book your appointment
Schedule a meeting at the visa application centre.
On the page for your country of application, you can find all the information you need to schedule an appointment.
Step 4 - Submit your application
When attending your appointment at the visa application center, it’s important to bring all the required documents, including a copy of each document and the passport’s ID pages.
During the appointment, the service provider or consulate will review your application, collect the visa fee, and take your biometric data, which includes a photo and fingerprints. They will also keep your passport and copies of all supporting documents to forward them to the consulate.
The entire visa application process should take around 20 minutes at the visa center.
Step 5 - Track your application
After submitting your visa application, you can track its progress on the designated page for tracking. Once your visa application is approved and your passport is ready for collection, you will be notified by the visa centre where you applied. Normally, visa applications are processed within 15 days, but in some cases, it may take up to 45 days if the application requires further examination. In some cases, the passport can be sent to you via postal services.