Check first the list of countries whose citizens do not need a short stay visa to go to France. If your nationality does not appear on it, you need to apply for a visa before departure to France.

Procedure

A short stay visa does not allow you to stay more than 90 days per period of 6 months in the Schengen region.

With the exception of some very specific situations, the Consulate General of France's short stay visa is a Schengen visa, which means it covers you for the entire Schengen region. Click here to view the list of Schengen countries. You need only one visa, a Schengen visa, if you are visiting one or several of these countries for a total of 90 days or less.

However, you can apply for a Schengen visa at the French Consulate if your main destination (the country where you will spend the longest time) is France. If you are spending the same amount of days in several countries, your application must be processed by the Consulate of the Schengen country of your first port of entry.

Documents required

Please note that the photocopies as well as the originals are mandatory. If they are missing, your file will be considered incomplete. If for a special reason you don't have the original, submit two photocopies of the copy you have. We will stamp them and return them so that you can take them on the trip.

1) The following documents must be submitted in original only.

one short stay application form. Each form must be filled out and duly signed with one recent original, identity photo cut to the size indicated on the form and glued to it.
If your wife and/or children under 18 years old are registered in your passport, only you and your wife need to fill out the form. A recent picture of the children must be glued on the back of one of the parent's form.
Children applying with their own passport submit separate application form(s) signed by their parents or legal guardian who must accompany the minor to the Consulate to apply. They must bring proper id.

your original passport. It must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of the planned journey. Make sure there are at least 2 empty pages left on it.
If a minor (under 18 years old) needs to apply for a visa, he must present his/her own passport. The parents or legal guardian must sign the visa application form(s) and accompany the minor. They must bring proper id.
A minor cannot apply with his parents passport (even if he/she has been registered on it) unless they are travelling together.

the original of your employment authorization or student authorization (in addition to your Canadian multiple entry visa) or whichever document allows you to enter your final country of destination (and of permanent residency) after your trip to the Schengen states. It must be valid for at least three months after the date of your return to Canada.

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.

2) The following documents must be submitted in original plus one photocopy of each per applicant.

They will be returned to you with the passport when the process is over. You must take them on the trip for immigration authorities and also in case police require to see them. These documents will prove your legal status in France.

supporting documents concerning the purpose of your trip :

for business travelers : a letter from your company and a letter of invitation from the company or institution you are going to visit in France;

for tourists: a flight reservation itinerary and/or proof of an organized tour (list of cities and number of days spent in each one);

others: a letter explaining the purpose of your visit.
(nannies accompanying their employer to France: job contract, latest pay slips, T4 form; school trips: letter and itinerary from the school, financial guarantee letter from parents).

supporting documents concerning the means of transportation and return to your country of origin or of permanent residency :

a round-trip flight reservation itinerary ;

or/and a flight reservation itinerary to your final country of destination after your trip to France;

supporting documents concerning accommodation during your trip :

reservations in a hotel or a similar establishment (faxed confirmation to you or your travel agency stating the confirmation number and the hotel's name, address and telephone number); For tourist information www.franceguide.com or call the French tourist office in Montreal at (514) 288.4264.

or a Youth Hostel card.

if the applicant declares he will be housed by a private individual or by a company, a proof of accommodation ("attestation d'accueil") must be obtained by the person offering lodging in France, sent to you in original and then submitted with your visa application. It can be obtained free of charge from the city hall or police station nearest his/her place of residence in France. A plain letter of invitation does not replace this document neither does it replace the applicant's proof of financial resources.

 

supporting documents concerning financial resources during your stay in the Schengen region :

a letter from the bank (confirmation of balance) stating your account is credited with at least CAN $70 per day of stay in the Schengen region ($35 if you hold a valid Proof of accomodation certificate). Your name must appear on it. Bank books and monthly bank statements are not accepted.

IN ADDITION TO an international credit card (when applying by mail, send a photocopy and write the name of the card and the expiration date in section 21 of the visa application form)

or travelers' cheques ( bring them or send a photocopy if you are applying by mail) .

supporting documents concerning medical insurance :

Excess emergency medical insurance or proof of full international medical coverage for the Schengen states. It can be purchased in any travel agency. Provincial health plan not sufficient therefore not accepted.

Write your insurance's policy number in section 25 ("Other information") of the visa application form and submit the brochure specifying the terms and conditions. If your spouse and/or children are covered by your employer's insurance, provide a letter from the company stating so unless they have their own card with their name clearly stated on it.

Additional documents requested :

A letter from your employer stating how long you have been working there, your position, the dates you are allowed to take holidays on and on what date you are expected back to work. Include original plus copy of the two latest salary statements.

or Copy of your student card if you are not employed.

or If you are self-employed, provide a copy of your business license and of documents related to it that show your name.

Fees

Click here for fees and instructions for payment.

Time process

sually, only applications from residents in British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon or the Northwestern Territories are accepted. In some circumstances, visitors to Western Canada may apply although processing their application takes longer.

Time process for a tourist visa depends on your nationality, even if you are a landed immigrant in Canada. It usually takes between 2 and 8 working days. For some nationalities it can take up to 15 working days.

Applications can be made no longer than three months prior to departure to France.

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

If you have questions after reading these instructions, the best and quickest way to reach the visa section is by direct e-mail: visas@consulfrance-vancouver.org or by fax 604.681.4287