Long-stay visas are required for trips longer than 90 days
Americans are allowed to visit France for 90 days without a visa (as of March 2010). If you're planning to spend more than 90 days in France---whether for vacation, work, or school---you must have a long-term (or long-stay) visa, which you are required to apply for and receive in the United States prior to leaving. You'll need several documents when submitting an application, which must be done in person at the nearest French consulate. The French Consulate General recommends applying at least three weeks in advance for a long-stay visa, and notes that such visas can take as long as two months to be processed.
Instructions
1. Determine which French consulate you will need to contact. In addition to the French Consulate General in Washington, D.C., there are French consulates in Boston, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu. According to the French Consulate General's website, where you live in the United States determines the consulate to which you should apply---see the website of the French Consulate General for information on which regional consulate you should contact.
2. Schedule an appointment to file your application. This appointment can only be made online through the website of the regional French consulate at which you must apply.
3. Assemble the following documentation: your U.S. passport (valid for at least one year); a completed visa application (plus one copy); two passport-size photos; a letter from your health insurance company stating you will be covered while in France; proof of finances (for example, three months of bank statements; and proof of a place to stay. Depending on the reason for your stay, you will need to provide additional information: a motivation letter (plus one copy) if you're a tourist; proof of employment if you're going to be working in France; and letters from both your American university and the French school you'll be attending while studying in France. Each consulate's website will list the specific requirements for the different applications.
4. Submit the application, the documentation, and the necessary fees (as of March 2010: $141; $71 for students) at the scheduled appointment.
