This article will tell you everything you need to know to get a France Schengen Visa for US green card holders. It will tell you how to make an appointment, what papers you need, and where to go for your appointment.
Various types of visas are available for different purposes of travel to France. Whether your intention is to visit, study, or work and reside permanently in the country, you will need to apply for the appropriate France Schengen Visa based on your specific circumstances.
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Do US Citizens Need visa to France?
No, US citizens don’t need visa to visit France, because US and the Schengen Area have a visa-free travel arrangement.
Individuals planning to travel to France from the United States typically need to apply for a France visa. The specific visa requirements depend on the purpose of the visit and the duration of stay. Common reasons for applying for a France visa include tourism, business, study, or employment. It’s essential to check the visa requirements and criteria based on your intended activities in France.
U.S. nationals and residents planning to work long-term, study, or move to France, must apply for a National (D) Visa.
Do US Green Card Holders Need a Visa for France?
United States Green Card holders need to apply for France visa which is completely depend on which card they are holding. This visa only applicable for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) in France for tourism or business purposes. However, it’s crucial to note that visa regulations can change, and it’s advisable to check the most recent information from official sources such as the French consulate or embassy. Always verify the current requirements before making any travel plans.
Who Can Apply for France Visa from the US?
You are eligible to apply for a France visa from the US under the following conditions:
- If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa for entry into the Schengen Area, and you are a legal resident in the United States (e.g., Green Card holders, F1 (I-20), H1B, G1, J1, etc.). Your residence in the US must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned return from the Schengen area.
- If you are an American citizen who has previously been denied visa-free entry to France or any other Schengen country.
- In case you are travelling for multiple country, and France in which you are spending most of your time.
Can I walk-in to VFS for my France visa? Should I book an appointment for Schengen visa?
No. Before you go to VFS center, you need to fill out your visa form online and make an appointment (at least one month before your visit). You will also need to print out all of your visa documents and the online visa form.
The visa consulate does not accept walk-ins.
Can I apply for my France visa on a B1/B2 Visa?
No. Holders of B1/b2 visas must apply for any Schengen visa in their home country.
How do I apply for France Schengen visa in US
We recommend that you follow the below steps in a chronological order to get your visa approved easily.
1. Confirm if you must apply for France Schengen Visa
Firstly make sure you are from one of the states that is allowed to apply for France visa & if you are visiting many Schengen countries, you must ensure that most of your trip days are spent in France and it is the main theme of your Europe trip.
2. What are the types of France Visa for US?
Decide what type of visa you are looking for, check out the France Schengen visa types which is give below:
- France Transit Visa
- France Tourist Visa
- France Visitor visa
- France Business visa
- France Diplomat visa
- France Student Visa
- France visa for Sports, Film Crew
- France Spouse Visa
3. Complete online France visa Form
Now, you must click on Complete France Schengen visa application form and fill the France visa form. Before you start you must:
4. France Schengen visa Requirements or Required Documents
- Passport
- 2 Recent Photograph which follows the visa specifications
- Flight Itinerary
- Don’t buy a plane ticket with full payment until your visa is accepted. If your visa is turned down, this could be unsafe. To get a visa instead, you can use the flight itinerary. Once your visa is approved, you can book the real flight ticket.
- Travel insurance for Germany Schengen visa
- Proof from the insurance company that the person is who they say they are, when they are covered, how much they are covered for, and that they are at least €30.000 (about $50,000) insured.
- Cover Letter
- A visa letter (also known as a cover letter) is one of the most important documents you need to submit when applying for a France visa as this is the first document that the visa officer will read to understand your application.
- Invitation Letter
- Proof of Income
- For employee
- Letter from your Employer indicating your position in company, length of employed
- salary or the last 3 month bank statement.
- Leave Approval letter for Germany Schengen visa from your current employer.
- ITR (Income Tax Return) Certificate
- Self-employed
- Last year ITR proof (Income Tax Return)
- Business license.
- Last 6 month Bank Statement.
- Retired:
- Proof of pension benefits or other regular and sufficient income.
- Latest 6 month bank statement.
- For Students
- Proof of your student status.
- Registration letter from school, college or university.
- Valid I-20 form
- Financial dependent
- Last joint Income Tax Return or joint bank statements
- Sponsorship Letter
- If you are a minor:
- Provide your birth certificate and a written consent form from your parent or guardian.
- Obtain notarized written permission from your parents or guardians for international travel.
- Ensure that either one parent accompanies you to sign the Spain Schengen visa application form, or the other parent writes permission for the application to be submitted on their behalf.
- For employee
5. Where to Apply for a France in the US?
Based on your location, decide and select the appropriate Consulate or VFS Global Visa application center.
| Mission Name | Location details |
|---|---|
| VFS Global Visa Application Center – Washington | 1025 Vermont Ave NW,2nd Floor 20005 Washington DC |
| VFS Global Visa Application Center – Chicago | 148 E Ontario St., Suite # 1700, Chicago, Illinois, 60611 |
| VFS Global Visa Application Center – Atlanta | 100 Peachtree Street NW Suite 225 30303 Atlanta GA |
| VFS Global Visa Application Center – Boston | 160 Federal Street 17th Floor 02110 Boston MA |
| VFS Global Visa Application Center – Houston | 2425 West Loop S 3nd Floor, Suite 330 77027 Houston TX |
| VFS Global Visa Application Center – Los Angeles | 8530 Wilshire Blvd Suite 450 90211 Beverly Hills CA |
| VFS Global Visa Application Center – San Francisco | 111 Sutter Street, Floor 05, San Francisco, CA 9410 |
| VFS Global Visa Application Center – New York | 146 West 45th Street, Floor 4 New York, NY 10036 |
| VFS Global Visa Application Center – Miami | 2655 S Le Jeune Rd Coral Gables Penthouse 1-A 33134 Miami FL |
6. Book Visa appointment
Once you are done with the downloading and filling the France visa application form, then you need to book an appointment for your visa at your nearest VFS Visa application center.
And once your appointment is scheduled, reach at VFS Visa application center along with the application form and all other required documents at scheduled date.
7. How to Pay the France Visa Fee from the US?
Pay the visa fees on appointment scheduled date at VFS Visa application center. Fees is given below, check out
| Category | France Visa Fee (EUR) | France Visa Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| France Schengen visa application fee | 80 | 95.45 |
| For children aged between 6-11 years | 40 | 47.72 |
| For children under 6 years | No fee | No fee |
| US residents holding a passport of Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Kosovo | 35 | 38.52 |
| Researchers travelling for the purpose of conducting scientific research or participating in a scientific seminar or conference. | No fee | No fee |
| US residents holding a passport of the Gambia | 120 | 132.07 |
Note: Exemption of Visa Fee for a child is applicable only in the case of Short Term category, if the child’s age is less than 6 years at the date of submission.
You may be charged 30 USD as service fee & this fee is non refundable.
When Should I apply for France Schengen Visa from US?
The application for a France Schengen visa must be filed to the VFS Visa application center at least 15 days before the scheduled trip and no later than three months before the intended stay.
What is processing time for France Schenge visa, if I apply from US?
Generally, if you apply France Schengen visa from US, the processing time will be 15 days, in some extreme situations the visa processing time will extended up to 30 to 45 days.
What should I do If my France Schengen visa is rejected?
If your France Schengen visa is denied, you can file an appeal with the court or the High Court of Justice of France. But you must have to analyze your visa denial letter to determine. what could be the reason and reapply for your visa from US.
You can also try a different consulate, but keep in mind that the black mark will remain on your passport.
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How Should I Apply for France Schengen visa from Washington D. C?
Book an appointment for your France Schengen visa online, and reach out VFS center with all the necessary documents, which is located at 1025 Vermont Ave NW,2nd Floor 20005 Washington DC
How Should I Apply for France Schengen visa from NewYork?
Book an appointment for your France Schengen visa online, and reach out VFS center with all the necessary documents, which is located at 146 West 45th Street, Floor 4 New York, NY 10036.
How Should I Apply for France Schengen visa from San Francisco?
Book an appointment for your France Schengen visa online, and reach out VFS center with all the necessary documents, which is located at 111 Sutter Street, Floor 05, San Francisco, CA 9410.
How Should I Apply for France Schengen visa from Chicago?
Book an appointment for your France Schengen visa online, and reach out VFS center with all the necessary documents, which is located at 148 E Ontario St., Suite # 1700, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.
How Should I Apply for France Schengen visa from Boston?
Book an appointment for your France Schengen visa online, and reach out VFS center with all the necessary documents, which is located at 160 Federal Street 17th Floor 02110 Boston MA.
How Should I Apply for France Schengen visa from Houston?
Book an appointment for your France Schengen visa online, and reach out VFS center with all the necessary documents, which is located at 2425 West Loop S 3nd Floor, Suite 330 77027 Houston TX.
How Should I Apply for France Schengen visa from Miami?
Book an appointment for your France Schengen visa online, and reach out VFS center with all the necessary documents, which is located at 2655 S Le Jeune Rd Coral Gables Penthouse 1-A 33134 Miami FL.
How Should I Apply for France Schengen visa from Los Angeles?
Book an appointment for your France Schengen visa online, and reach out VFS center with all the necessary documents, which is located at 8530 Wilshire Blvd Suite 450 90211 Beverly Hills CA
How Should I Apply for France Schengen visa from Atlanta?
Book an appointment for your France Schengen visa online, and reach out VFS center with all the necessary documents, which is located at. 100 Peachtree Street NW Suite 225 30303 Atlanta GA