Worried About Applyiying for french visa

[burgundy84]

Hi

I am an american living in london with my french partner of almost 3 yrs and we will be moving to france in jan 2013. I have checked out the visa website for those planning to go to france, but the only visa I think I can apply for is the long stay visitor. But they ask questions of who you will be staying with, but we will have our own place. So I dont kno if this visa will get me there. I am really worried as we had problems getting my eea residence visa to stay in london, so if anyone can help, please do

thanks
Shanei

[Bevdeforges]

When applying for a visa to France, one of the important questions on the visa application form is something like "What is the purpose of your visit to France?" It pretty much determines what sort of visa (and later, carte de séjour) you are eligible for. Key to all this is the question of whether or not you need or want to work when you get to France.

A long stay visitor visa will allow you to stay in France, but you won't be allowed to work. To get the visa, you need to show that you have the resources to provide for yourself for the period of time you'll be living in France (or for the first year at least). If your partner is going to provide for you, then you'll need proof of that, a statement from him/her to that effect, etc.

If you're planning on getting PACS'd then you need to state that, and although it doesn't guarantee anything, you are far more likely to be able to get a visa with work privileges (or be able to change your status after you get PACS'd) if you indicate that at the time of your visa application.

In any event, you'll need proof of health insurance for your visa appointment unless you've landed a job in France and are being sponsored by your French employer. If your partner is going to be employed on return to France, you could be covered under their coverage if you are married or PACS'd.

It could be worth looking into getting PACS'd before you apply for a visa. The consulate should have information about this.
Cheers,
Bev

[burgundy84]

Thanks for your help. We both want to go to france to work and hope in the future to get married, have a family, etc. So I guess getting the pacs is a good start.