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 aroud Europe for more than 90 days, its validity covers France only.
Applicants granted with a 12 months residency will be able to extend their stay by applying for a Residency Card (Carte de Séjour) at the nearest Prefecture de Police within the last month of validity of their visa.
REQUIREMENTS PER APPLICANT
1 Long Stay Visa application form * duly completed in French , dated and signed
2 passport size photographs 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 in French .
* Included for each applicant is a translation of the long stay visa application form and a visa information form . These do not need to be filled out nor sent back.
Original documents + 2 copies of :
valid passport
police certificate(s) of country or countries of residence of more than one year over the last ten years :
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
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 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 : 1 months minimum for a complete application
Updated 11/1/2010