I'm new and need help with carte de sejour!!

[michelleb]

Bonjour!

I am new to the forum, so my apologies if this is answered in another thread.

I am currently in Marseille with a student carte de sejour that will expire on October 31. I would like to stay longer, and want to figure out how! Help!

I spoke with a lawyer who suggested that I apply for a carte de sejour that would allow me to start my own business as a English Teacher (I'm TESOL certified). Of course, he also offered to fill out the form for $1500.

Anyone know what type of carte de sejour this is? Any advice as to whether or not I should have a lawyer fill out the application for acceptance? Or is it easy enough to do myself?

Lastly, another friend suggested that I apply for a carte de sejour as an artist. I'm a photographer and graphic artist.....

All this said, I just don't know what the best option would be and need a little advice. Can anyone offer any insight?

Best,
Michelle

[Bevdeforges]

No matter what you do, it's going to be difficult to change your status while remaining in France. You're also up against (yet another?) change in the procedures. First of all, you should take a look at the various links cited in the sticky thread here in the France section "New rules for some categories..."

There used to be a type of carte de séjour called a "carte commerçante" for those setting up their own businesses. I haven't heard anything about this type of card in a number of years, so it may not be available. But in any event, you had to be setting up a business that would generate a few jobs for the locals - not only for yourself. I suspect that this has been replaced (in part) by the carte de séjour "compétences et talents" - for which you need to have a project to propose that will benefit the country in some manner.

All that said, I don't think that hiring a lawyer is going to help your case much. You need to have a reason to renew your carte de séjour - and if you are finished with your studies, you don't really have much of a case unless you are doing a stage or some other job that relates to your studies. If no one has said this to you yet, let me be the first this isn't the US, and in general the French tend to take offense if you use a lawyer to do something you should be able to handle on your own. It could actually hurt your case, and it's very doubtful it will help much, if at all.

You can always just try applying for renewal and see what they do. Or simply go over to the prefecture and ask them what your renewal options might be. But officially, to change status, they are probably going to want you to return home and re-apply for a visa that reflects better what you're status is in France.
Cheers,
Bev