Ok, I've been officially going to Paris for a while, but now it's officially official since my work permit has been approved!
When I first found out I was going to Paris, my thought was that all I needed was a visa. I was so very wrong. Here's how the process actually works...at least how I understand it to work as of right now. I'm only on step 5 after all.
moi mademoiselle's understanding of the French visa process
1. Celebrate! Your company is sponsoring you to work in Paris for six months!
2. Submit alllllllll your documentation to apply for a work permit. (Yes, that reads work permit and not visa. Stop trying to put the cart ahead of the horse now, it'll save some stress.) By allllllll documentation, I mean all of it. If it has anything to do with your identity, it's likely needed.
3. Wait. And wait some more.
4. The Ministry of Labour approves your application to work in France. They transfer the approval to the Office of Immigration.
5. Your closest consulate acknowledges receipt of the work permit approval. You schedule an appointment to apply for a travel visa. (Yes, a travel visa.)
6. You attend your appointment at the consulate, fill out more forms, submit more documentation.
7. Wait.
8. Pick up your passport with freshly adhered travel visa!
9. Celebrate! It's getting more real!
10. Pause, then remember that your visa only allows you to work and travel in the Schengen area for 90 days. So what about days 91-180 you will be working and living there??
11. Fast forward a few weeks: arrive in Paris! Celebrate! You're in Paris!
12. After eating a fresh croissant and a few macarons, head straight to the Office of Immigration.
13. Go through a full medical examination. Fill out more forms. Submit more documentation.
14. Wait. And wait some more. While waiting: work, live like a Parisian, travel within the Schengen area.
15. Receive a resident sticker for your visa.
16. Celebrate! Now, finally, you're a resident of Paris and you're allowed to stay for more than 90 days! AND you get to travel to non-Schengen area countries (read: the UK).
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