Procedure

Stay of up to three months

Canadian Citizens or citizens of any other country exempted of short stay visa (Click here to view the list of these nationalities), do not need a visa to work in France as a university professor or to conduct research in a public institution in France if the total stay is for 90 months or less. However, they must be in possession of the original of the certificate of acceptance from the institution in France called "protocole d'accueil".

If your nationality does not appear on it, you need to apply for a short stay visa by presenting the original "Protocole d'accueil" plus one photocopy with the rest of your short stay visa application file.

Stay of more than 90 days

Any foreigner other than a citizen of the European Union wishing to conduct research in France or work as university professor, needs to apply for a long stay visa to the French consulate nearest his/her place of residence, before going to France.

Documents required

The certificate of acceptance ("protocole d'accueil") stamped by the university or public Institution hosting your research (in original plus one photocopy) and by French authorities (the Préfecture). We cannot process the visa if one of these stamps is missing. Please verify before applying.

 

Your passport which must be valid for at least one year after the date of your arrival to France. If you are going for only six months, 9 months of validity is sufficient.

 

2 or 3 visa application forms,depending on your nationality (click here to find out) , to be neatly and completely filled out in original (use black or blue ink). Attach a post-it to one of them stating your approximate departure date from Canada to France. The visa will be dated one day ahead. This form does not exist in English. Translation provided by fax upon request. Make sure to download its full size two times. If you are not able to, please contact the visa section by e-mail so that the forms, along with a translation, can be mailed to you.

Original identity photos glued to each one of the forms.

 

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.

 

Payment for the visa fee. Click here to view the current amount and instructions for payment.

If you wish your spouse and children to accompany you during your stay in France, they must apply for a visa simultaneaously but separately. Your spouse's file must consist of all documents as detailed above in addition to original plus copy of the marriage registration (different from marriage certificate). For each one of your children: same documents as detailed above in addition to original plus photocopy of their birth registration (different from birth certificate). Inquire at Vital Statistics Canada.

Applications accepted up to three months prior to departure from Canada.

Incomplete applications cannot be processed. If you qualified to apply by mail, the package will be returned by courier service at your expense.

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

Fees

Click here for fees and instructions for payment.

Time process

Depending on your nationality, the processing of the visa can take between 2 and 8 working days. However, for some nationalities it can take up to 2 months.

If you have questions after reading this information, contact us by e-mail or fax: 604 681 4287 visas@consulfrance-vancouver.org