Working Your Way Through The (Very Confusing) Visa Process

For many, the most daunting task before studying abroad is the student visa process. Having little knowledge of the steps required to obtain a Visa, I found it very difficult to figure out what to do. So, I thought I would share the steps to obtain a Visa (specifically for France, although many of the steps apply to other countries as well).

First, you will have to go to the "CampusFrance" website. After navigating how to change the language from French to English, you need to make an account and filled out an online application, which includes personal info, education, and French language proficiency.

After you are accepted, you will have to pay an application fee and will have to make an appointment on the France Visa website.

Once on the site, you will create an application. Depending on how long you plan to study in France, the type of Visa will vary. Because I studied for more than three months, I applied for the long-term Visa.

Next, you will make an appointment to visit the visa center that is closest to you—I went to the location in Manhattan.

On the day of the Visa appointment, make sure you bring ALL of the documents that they request, or else you will have to reschedule your appointment.
This includes:

1. Your passport or another travel document
2. 2 identical ID photos (I got passport pictures taken at Walgreens)
3. Acceptance letter to a French institution
4. Proof of Accommodation for the first three months 
5. Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement that shows at least 650 euros a month)
6. Printed copy of the Campus France confirmation
7. A copy of the registration receipt (it will be on the France-Visa website)
8. Application fee of $115

Once you get to your Visa appointment, they will ask you a few questions, such as the purpose of your visit, and they will ask for all of your documents. If for some reason you forget a document (I forgot to bring my proof of accommodation, which shows that I have a place to live in France) they  have a printer that you could use to print documents.

You can either pick up your Visa after it is processed (usually takes about a few weeks), or you can have them mail it to your house for an additional fee.

This should give you a good start to making your way through the very confusing Visa process.