France in Australia
Embassy and Consulate-General

Long Stay Visitor visa

This visa allows applicants to take residency in France from 4 to 12 months to enjoy a French cultural experience. This is not a long stay Schengen visa allowing you to travel around Europe for more than 90 days, its validity covers France only.

This Visa does not entitle you to work in France.

REQUIREMENTS PER APPLICANT

- 1 Long Stay Visa application form duly completed in French , dated and signed

- 2 passport size photographs (one pasted on to the form)

- 1 check-list duly completed

- 1 «Demande d’attestation OFII» with the first part (« RUBRIQUES A REMPLIR LORS DE LA DEMANDE DE VISA ») duly completed.

Original documents + 1 copy of :

- Valid passport

- Police certificate(s) of country or countries of residence of more than one year over the last ten years :

  • for Australia, a National Criminal History Record Check (less than three months old) : standard disclosure - police name check - issued by the police authorities of your State or Territory.
  • for other countries, in the event of impossibility of obtaining a police certificate in less than two months, applicants must submit evidence of application thereof accompanied by a statutory declaration relating to conviction status and an undertaking to provide the document when available.

- Evidence of sufficient financial resources : recent bank statement(s) and professional advice from accountant, bank manager or financial adviser

- Proof of ownership of property in France (if applicable).
Or copy of tenancy agreement in France covering the full length of stay.
Or signed letter from host together with copy of host ID (passport or ID card) + copy of recent utility bill + proof of ownership or rental agreement.
In all cases, this must cover the whole length of the requested visa.

- Statutory declaration (duly legalised by a Justice of the Peace) that you will not take up any form of employment during your stay in France

- Evidence of comprehensive private health insurance covering entire length of stay in France

- Return tickets to France or full comprehensive travel itinerary issued by a Travel agent or an airline. If you are staying more than 11 months, a one way ticket will be accepted.

- for accompanied minors, provide copy of full birth certificate, and if under 16, a letter of certifying enrolment in a French school.

Applications should be lodged in person at the Consulate-General of France in Sydney with all the requirements, in the order indicated above.

If you intend to ask for your passport to be returned by post, please provide a pre-paid, registered and completely filled out self-addressed envelope (preferably Platinum Express Post).

Please consult the list of applicable fees

Important: only credit card will be accepted.

Processing time to obtain the visa : 2 weeks minimum for a complete application

Book an appointment here

Updated 4/5/2010