Hi, everyone!
I am new to this forum and I have a great interest in moving to France. I currently reside in Pennsylvania and am a nurse here. I am in need of step by step instructions on how to make this move no matter how long it takes (I'm very patient). I appreciate all inquiries. Thanks in advance!

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

Moving to France from the US is going to take some time. France doesn't have the strict categories of visas that the US does - but you still need to have a valid "reason" for moving to France, in some cases before the consulate will even give you the forms to fill out to ask for a visa.

The "best" excuse is to have a job offer in hand from a French employer (in French, of course). The government makes it very difficult for employers to hire non-EU foreigners. In your case, your US nursing qualification doesn't count here. The training and function of nurses is considerably different, and France only seems to recognize French-trained nurses or EU-trained nurses with special language and "reciprocity" training (more or less dictated by the EU).

You can try to find a job with an international company that might transfer you eventually to France. Speaking French reasonably well is obviously a big advantage - getting a job on your own without French is next to impossible. If you do decide to go job-hunting on your own in France, bone up on French job hunting technique - the French are very suspicious of US style "marketing" of job candidates - and plan on making a couple trips over to be available for interviews once you get any display of interest.

Without a job, you may be able to get a visa if you can show that you have the resources to live here without working and without needing any form of public benefits. You also have to provide your own health insurance. This is what most retirees here do.

There are student visas, but be aware that students are restricted from working during the school year, and most degree programs require you to do unpaid (or very nominally paid) "stages" (internships). Again, you'll have to prove that you have the resources and health insurance to get through your stay.

OK, it sounds gloomy - to some extent it is. But, learn the language now and keep your eyes open for opportunities to get yourself overseas in just about any capacity. It will all help to eventually get you to France if you really want to pursue this.
Cheers,
Bev

Thanks Bev