Temporary Work Visa France
US employers looking to send their employees to work In France on a short-term basis will need to apply for a Temporary French Work Visa. However, it is vital to understand the application and documentation requirements. Here is the information you need on how to apply.
For expert help on applying for Temporary Work Visas. Including the eligibility requirements and costs. Our team at Total Law can help. Call our office today on +1 844 290 6312 or message us online to discuss which visa option is best for your circumstances.
Overview Of The French Temporary Work Visas
French Temporary Work Visas enable US citizens to legally engage in professional activities while in France for short periods.
The duration of a French work visa can vary depending on which work visa you apply for and the nature of the employment. They typically range from several weeks to a 1-year.
Types Of France Temporary Work Visas For US Citizens
- Talent Passport Visa: It is for professionals with exceptional talents in the tech industry and beyond. It allows the visa holder to work in France but the work must benefit the French economy. Salaries are required that are 30% higher than the French minimum wage.
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa: Specifically crafted for employees of multinational corporations, it facilitates their transfer to the French branch of their company.
- France Short-Stay Visa: Designed for US companies who want to send their employees to France on short term business trips. (Less than 90 days).
- French Long-Stay Visa: It is a temporary residence permit designed for stays for up to 1-year. The residence permit must be applied for within two weeks of arrival.
- Employee On Assignment Visa: It is for employees assigned to work in France by their overseas employer. It requires an assignment letter from the employer.
Page Contents
- Overview Of The French Temporary Work Visas
- Eligibility Criteria For France Temporary Worker Visas
- France Temporary Worker Visa Application Process
- Extending Your Stay On France Temporary Worker Permit
- Renewal Process For France Temporary Work Visas
- Arranging For Family To Join Employees On Temporary Worker Visa
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility Criteria For France Temporary Worker Visas
US companies seeking to send their employees to France using a Temporary Work Visa must confirm they satisfy all mandatory visa eligibility criteria.
What Is Needed To Prove Eligibility?
- Valid Passport: Applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
- Proof of Financial Means: Show sufficient financial means to support themselves.
- Health Insurance: Applicants must have valid health insurance coverage.
- Proof of Accommodation: Applicants must provide proof of accommodation in France.
- Certificate of Eligibility (CAE): In some cases, applicants may need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CAE).
- Translations: All documents must be translated into French.
Specific Eligibility Criteria for Each Visa Type
In addition to the general eligibility criteria, there are also specific criteria for each type of temporary work permit. Here are some examples:
Talent Passport Visa Criteria
- Visa holder must have a Master’s degree or equivalent diploma
- Proof of at least five years of relevant work experience
- Must offer a salary that is at least 30% higher than the French minimum wage
Intra-Company Transfer Visa Criteria
- Employment contract or job offer letter from the French branch
- Proof of employment with the company for at least one year
- Evidence of the position held at the US company
Short-Stay Visa
- Proof of purpose for the trip, such as a meeting, conference
- Agree that the applicant will not be taking up any form of employment in France
Long-Stay Visa
- Proof of the purpose of the stay in France
- Documentation demonstrating they have means to support themselves in France
Employee on Assignment Visa
- Assignment letter from the overseas employer
- Salary that is at least the equivalent of the French minimum wage
Specific Qualifications Or Skills Required
When applying for Temporary Work Visas, applicants may also have to show they possess specific qualifications or skills relevant to the job being offered to them. However, this could vary depending on the nature of the employment.
This might include showing evidence of any educational degrees, professional certifications, or specialized experience in some industries.
For instance, if the job requires proficiency in French or technical expertise, applicants must provide evidence that they have this.
We recommend that applicants check with the French authorities before applying for a specific work visa or temporary residence permit.
France Temporary Worker Visa Application Process
Overview
During the visa application process, US candidates will first need to determine which type of visa or residence permit they need.
They will then need to gather necessary documentation. Such as proof of the job, accommodation details, and show they have the financial means to support themselves. They can then complete an application form, pay the fees, and attend an interview.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting the process, ensure they have:
- A valid passport issued within the last 10-years
- Three recent standardized passport photos
- Long-stay visa equivalent form (VLS-TS) marked “Talent passport”
- Proof of address dated within six months in your own country
- Valid health insurance coverage for the initial period of your stay
Step 2: Schedule An Appointment
- Schedule an appointment at your local French embassy or consulate in the US
Step 3: Attend the Visa Interview
- Applicants will need to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate. Be prepared to answer questions about your planned work and financial situation.
Step 4: Submit Documents and Pay Visa Fee
- During the interview, applicants will submit the original documents and pay the work visa fee
Step 5: Receive Visa Processing Notification
- After submitting an application, the French authorities will send a notification and highlight the processing time
Step 6: Collect Your Visa
- Once your work visa is approved, applicants will get notified to collect their passport and the issued Temporary Work Visa
- Upon arriving in France, the visa holder must register with the French Immigration and Citizenship Office
Temporary Worker Visa Fees
Typically, for US citizens, the visa fees are:
- Visa Application Fee: The standard fee is €99 ($107.70)
- Resident Permit Fee: Pay €200 ($217.58) to the French Immigration and Citizenship Office (Within two weeks of arrival)
- Stamp Duty Fee: Pay the stamp duty costs of €25 ($27.20)
- Translation Costs: You may need to pay for translation services
- Other Expenses: May include courier fees, accommodation costs and travel expenses
Processing Timeframes
The processing time for a temporary French work visa can vary depending on the nationality of the applicant and the specific visa being applied for. Other factors can include, the complexity of the application and the workload of the French authorities.
However, US citizens should typically expect to wait at least two months for it to be processed. We recommend that all new residence permit and work visa applications are submitted as early as possible to avoid any potential issues.
If you have any doubts, consider seeking help from an immigration lawyer. Our team at Total Law can help. Call our office today on +1 844 290 6312 or message us online.
Extending Your Stay On France Temporary Worker Permit
To extend the duration of a Temporary French Work Visa, applicants must submit an application before their current work permit expires. The process involves providing updated documentation if there are any changes and meeting specific criteria such as:
- Maintain valid employment with the company or organization
- Demonstrate continued compliance with French labor laws
- Provide updated documentation reflecting any changes
Application Process
The application process for extending a temporary worker’s stay in France, typically involves the following steps:
- Gather required documents, such as proof of employment.
- Complete the visa extension request form.
- Submit the request and settle any applicable fees.
The processing time for visa extension requests can vary depending on the workload of the French authorities.
Applicants should apply as early as they can. It can take several weeks or even months for a decision on a visa extension.
Renewal Process For France Temporary Work Visas
To renew Temporary Work Visas, applicants must submit an application to the local prefecture or sub-prefecture responsible for their residence.
To be eligible for renewal of a work permit, applicants must:
- Continue to meet the general eligibility criteria for the work visa
- Maintain employment with the company (if applicable)
- Provide updated documentation reflecting any changes
- Demonstrate continued compliance with French labor laws
Application Process
The application process for renewal of a temporary worker visa typically involves:
- Gather required documents, such as proof of employment.
- Complete the visa extension request form.
- Submit the request and settle any applicable fees.
- Attend an interview (if required)
Processing Time and Approval
The processing time for extending or renewal applications can vary depending on the specific visa type and the workload of the French authorities. Applicants should typically expect to wait several weeks or even months for a decision on their renewal application.
The Fees
The fees for renewing or extending the French Temporary Worker Visa is €99 ($107.70)
Arranging For Family To Join Employees On Temporary Worker Visa
Family members of US employees working in France on a Temporary Work Visa can apply for a Family Stay Visa. It allows the spouse, registered partner, or dependent children of the Work Visa holder to reside in France for the duration of their residence permit.
Eligible Family Members
The following family members can apply for a Family Stay Visa:
- The residence permit holder’s spouse or registered partner. They must be legally married or in a registered partnership with the employee
- The residence permit holder’s dependent children must be under 18. If over 18, they must be unmarried and in full-time education
Application Process
Applications for Family Stay Visas can be done before or after the work or residence permit holder arrives in France. However, it is best to start the process before to ensure a smoother transition for family members.
Documents Required
- Valid passport of the family member
- Proof of relationship to the employee
- The financial means to support themselves
- Proof of accommodation in France
- Employee’s work or residence permit
- Show proof of an employment contract
- Health insurance coverage for all family members
Application Form & Fee
You can get a Family Stay Visa application form from the French consulate or embassy in the US. Or online through the French government website.
The application fee for a Family Stay Visa is typically around €99.
How Can Total Law Help?
If your company requires guidance processing Temporary Work Visas, consult our team of immigration specialists. We deeply understand the French visa system and specialize in enabling US businesses to legally transfer international employees.
We are dedicated to smoothly facilitating global mobility for your firm’s essential personnel. Our employer-focused services include:
- Assessing candidate eligibility for relevant work visa programs
- Compiling and verifying all necessary visa documentation
- Handling completion and submission of a work visa application
- Providing regular application status updates
- Liaising with French consular officials
To discuss how we can make your talent transfers simpler. Contact us today at +1 844 290 6312. You can also email [email protected] or connect via live chat online.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
US citizens cannot work legally in France without the appropriate visa. France, like most countries, has strict immigration laws within its borders. For non-EU citizens, including US citizens, obtaining a valid work visa is mandatory before working in France.
Obtaining a job in France as an American can be challenging due to their strict labor laws and healthy competition. But with the correct work visa, Americans can secure employment in France with a French company.
The minimum salaries for French work permits depends on the type of permit. For example, the minimum salary for a work permit has to be equal to or greater than the French minimum wage (€1,747 per month).
However, for the Talent passport, the salary requirement is €37,739.52. For the Intra-Company Transfer Visa it is €35,112 per year.
