Help me move to Paris!?

Question

Okay. So a close friend and I are planning to move to Paris, we're shooting for Jan of 08'.

How do I go about applying for a VISA? Is it true that they're hard to get and take forever?

We're looking for a flat as well, it's hard since i live in California and she lives in Australia so working all of these details out is daunting.

She will be going to Paris in June, getting as much info as she can on living arrangements.

But any help? websites?

Employment Opportunities? Suggestions?

Should I look into working as an Au Pair?

Anyone in the same boat?

thanks in advance!

Answer 1

hopefully you both know french!

you might check out various "american-ish" companies that are there. (i.e., disneyland paris; they hire from just about every country.)

but yes, you'll need proof of employment/school enrollment to get appropriate entry docs (visas, etc.)

(and for all of its ups and downs, i wouldn't take back my living-in-paris experience!) good luck!

Answer 2

You'll be sorry........

Answer 3

I would advise you to do a search on Yahoo Groups for expat groups, so you can talk to those already living in France.

To be completely honest with you - you'll find it very hard to move to France from the US without a job to come to. So I suggest that you should try to find a job in France before making the move. The other snag is that you won't get a Visa unless you have a job, a place to live and can prove you can support yourself financially while in France. You can stay in France for 3 months without a visa - but I would strong advise you against moving to France while awaiting your Visa application as French bureaucracy is notoriously slow.

France has a very high unemployment rate presently. There is always a big need for restaurant work, gardening or work the cleaning/hygene industry. Be very careful about accepting any Au Pair work as you could end up becoming a glorified house cleaner.

A further problem is that it is extremely hard to find flats in Paris. The centre within the périphérique ring road isn't that big. Although densely populated there are usually long waiting lists for flat rentals - and of course the rent is usually expensive for what amounts to, in most cases, a shoebox sized "studio" appartment.

Despite my rather negative reply (always best to tell the truth), I wish you luck with your project.

Answer 4

better know french!!!

Answer 5

To receive a long term visa (longer than 90 days) you must be able to verify that either have legal employment or the independent means to support yourself.

So to begin with you must arrange employment (since it appears from your question your not independently wealthy).

Work as an Au Pair is a good choice for a young person who wants to spend some time in Paris although it is not permanent employment. You should refer to the French Consulate's information about this: http://www.ambafrance-us.org/visitingfra...

I also suggest you read this document written by the American consulate in Paris:http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/acs/guide/S... which explains regular  employment in France (and why you won't find it) and also discusses Au Pair work.

Regulations are a bit easier for Americans who are enrolled in college in France. They have limited rights to work. You might consider this possibility.(this is also discussed in the referenced document).

The best way for an American to (legally) live and work in France is either 1) by becoming an  employee of the American Embassy or Consulate. or by 2) Working for an American company with a presence in Paris and getting transferred to their offices there.

P.S. I should emphasize that you can NOT legally enter France as a short term (90 day) visitor and then convert your status to Long Term while still in France. So make sure you have all your ducks in a row BEFORE you leave.

.

Answer 6

Hi!  It's a beautifully fantastic place to live.  I came here completely by accident (yes, lucky) on a salaried work visa for a french company who needed a translator/teacher.

So, start talking to people!  Rillifane has great info and so does the ex-pat guy.  You could just come here on a tourist visa for 3 months just to get a feel for the place and make contacts.  maybe one of those contacts could turn into something?  regardless, as Rillfane says, you've gotta get back to your native country to apply for a visa.  check out craigslist paris, fusac, etc.

Or join the french foreign legion and survive years in Central Africa then become a citizen! (just kidding - well, almost).