The following information applies to language assistant in appointed and hired by the French Ministry of Education or participating in an international teacher exchange. These teaching positions are normally held for a period of more than three months.  

Procedure

Visa requirements

Any foreigner (except for citizens of the European Union) needs a long stay visa prior to departure if he/she plans on staying in France for more than 90 days. Any stay of more than 90 days is considered as a long stay.

Documents required

Your original passport, which must be valid for at least one year after the date of arrival in France. Make sure you have signed it.

 

2 or 3 long stay visa application forms, depending on your nationality (click here to find out) filled out completely and signed. Attach a post-it to one of them stating your intended departure date from Western Canada to France. This information is very important since it will be used to date the visa.This form exists only in French. Contact us by fax or e-mail if you wish to be sent a translation and guidelines to fill them out properly. See address at the bottom of this page.

Original recent identity photos glued to each form.

 

1 recent color photo, format 35mm x 45mm, with a clear plain background. The height must be between 31.5mm and 36mm from chin to crown. The person’s head must be full front view centered in the middle of the photograph. Photos with hat, caps, sunglasses, etc. will not be accepted nor digitized photos.This photo will be scanned in the visa.

 

The original plus one photocopy of the official letter from the French Ministry of Education (called either "arrêté ministériel" or "attestation d'échange") hiring you as a language assistant in secondary school.

 

Fees

NONE   This visa application is free of charge.

Time process

Once you submit a complete application as requested, the process normally takes 2 working days, however for some nationalities it can take up to 8 weeks.

Your visa could be delayed or refused. Do not buy an airplane ticket prior to receiving confirmation that the visa will be issued.

After your arrival in France

Within 2 months of your arrival, you must apply for a residence permit ("carte de séjour") at the "Préfecture" of your place of residence in France.
Without the long stay visa in your passport, the Préfecture will refuse to issue a residence permit.