Carte de Sejour

[SandraE]

Hello, I have a complicated question. I hope someone out there might be able to help me.
I have a 10 yr Carte de Sejour which will be expiring soon, and I want to know if it is possible to renew it. I WAS married to a French, and I have a 14 year old daughter. We are not living in France at the moment, and I do not want to travel to France to find out that I am unable to renew this document.
So I would appreciate some help from anyone who can point me in the right direction. Many thanks

[Bevdeforges]

You can only renew a carte de séjour if you are resident in France. Technically, you are obligated to notify the prefecture that issued your carte de séjour when you move - so that your carte de séjour can be updated for your new address.

On renewal of a carte de séjour, you have to present proof that you are still eligible for the carte de séjour - i.e. proof of your French address, plus any proofs required that you have adequate health insurance, etc. If your daughter is a French citizen, you are supposed to have gotten permission (from her father, assuming he is a French national, and from the courts) to relocate her out of the country.
Cheers,
Bev

[SandraE]

Dear Bev

Thanks for your help. I will have to decide what to do. I figured it was going to be rather complex. Thank you again, your reply is very helpful

[Bevdeforges]

Why is it that you want to renew your carte de séjour? If you are planning on returning to France, you get "points" in the visa process for having had a carte de séjour in the past and not having caused any problems while you were there. If your daughter was born there and has a French father, she probably has French nationality and can go live in France whenever she wants.

But as far as I know, there is no way to renew your card from abroad if you no longer reside in France. You can apply for a visa when you want to return.
Cheers,
Bev

[SandraE]

Hiya Bev

Thanks again for more info. What do you mean by getting "points" on the visa? Am I to understand that if I lose my CDS now, it should not be a problem to get a long term visa in the future?

The reason I'm looking to renew is because I think my daughter may go to University in France. We are presently living in Asia. I would like to be able to visit/or live with her for a while if and when she is in Uni in France.

BTW, am I speaking to a lady or a gentleman? I am very grateful for the help you are providing me. It must have taken you some time to find out all the information that you have on France.

Regards

[Bevdeforges]

OK, by "points" I just mean that your visa application will probably be looked upon more favorably - mainly because you have a record with the French authorities and they can see how you behaved yourself during your previous stay. It's not anything official, just a factor definitely in your favor.

Getting a visa to stay with your daughter while she is at university may be a bit tricky. If you're considered to be of working age, they'll want proof that you can support yourself without working while you're in France. (Or that your daughter can support you without your having to work.)

I'm married to a Frenchman and have been for the last 14 years or so. Found out most of what I know about these things the hard way - i.e. by being refused a carte de séjour even after we were married.
Cheers,
Bev

[SandraE]

Hi Bev,

Thanks again for your answers. Its really difficult to know what to do, and unfortunately I couldn't renew my CDS any earlier just by the fact that it has to be renewed close to expiration. Will have to ponder things over and come to a decision soon.

I think its awesome that you're able to advise people based on your own findings. Really admirable.

Thanks again. Regards