Though few of my posts will cover advice on the logistical side of study abroad, my experience obtaining a visa was so painful that I am devoting today’s post entirely to the subject.
First, here’s a quick retelling of how it went for me.
A year ago, when I first started planning to study abroad, I had no idea what the visa process was like. After some research I realized I needed to have an address in France to apply. Thus, I was dependent on my French university who was in the middle of choosing a host family for me. When I finally submitted my application, I realized too late that there was an extra step before the normal application specifically for students traveling to France. After that problem was fixed, the earliest appointment date I could get was much too close to my departure date for my visa to arrive in time. After a stressful week of emails and phone calls, I had a walk-in appointment.
All the problems seemed to be over. When I showed up, however, I discovered I was not even on the schedule. I nearly broke down right there in lobby. But there was still one more twist yet to come. Even as the receptionist told me to make a new appointment online, she received word of a cancellation. And so it was by the hand of God that one hour later I was sitting in the visa office getting my application approved.
In sum, everything possible went wrong and the whole thing took years off my life. Luckily, thanks to my experience you will have all the information you need.
Here are some absolutely essential details to know before you apply for a French student visa:
1. Get a passport
This one is obvious, but you need a passport to apply for a visa. This process can take up to several months unless you pay extra for the expedited process, so begin early if you do not already own one.
2. Know your type of visa
Here is the link to the France Visa website. Fill out a short series of questions to determine your visa type. Make sure your results align with the type of visa required by your study abroad program, if specified.
3. EEF – Etudes En France
Here is where my research failed me. This is the step I did not know existed until after I submitted my visa application. This is an expensive and time-sensitive mistake. The application fee is $250 for a 3-week processing time, but if you have to expedite it (like I had to do) it will cost a whopping $390 for 3-day processing time. The EEF website suggests you submit this step 10-12 weeks before departure.
4. Collect your documents
One reason I filled out my application late was that I did not know what information was required. Often when it comes to study abroad, the responsibility falls on the student to figure out what you need and then request that information from coordinators and advisors. Open up the application early so you can begin compiling the correct information and request what you do not have.
Here is a link to a wonderful, life-saving pdf that explains each necessary document and the steps before and after you obtain a visa. I attached it once above, but in case no one noticed, I added it again. It’s that helpful.
5. SAVE YOUR EMAILS
This is almost a subcategory of the previous bullet point, but basically along the way you will have a lot of receipts and confirmations come to your inbox. You will be required to print many of these for your visa appointment. It is a good idea to start a folder on your computer of all the significant documents, emails, receipts, and scans that you will need for this process.
6. Read everything and pay attention to details
This final point may seem obvious, but it may be the most important. One of the hardest parts of this whole process is keeping track of a million details and deadlines. Pre-study abroad is a logistical mess. The thing to do is to be proactive and as organized as possible. Read what your advisors send you, do your own research, and don’t simply sit back and rely on your school faculty to get you to the finish line. It’s rough, but so worth it.
Hope this helps. Good luck!