US residents have to apply for a French Schengen visa in-person at a VFS Global Center.

France falls in the Schengen Area of the European Union, and a Schengen Visa is required to enter France even if you hold a Green Card. You can check using France's official website to see if you are eligible to visit France without a visa.

If you do require a visa, below is a guide on how to prepare your French Schengen visa application.

France Tourist Schengen Visa - Complete List of Requirements

Visa application form: You can use Atlas to do this for you, or fill it on France's visa portal.You will have to create an account.Next, follow all steps and finish putting in your information.Download the generated PDF along with the checklist containing a unique barcode.

A valid passport + 2 copies: Make sure your passport is not expiring in the next 6 months.

A valid U.S. visa or Green Card + 2 copies: with I-94/ I-797 + 1 photocopy. Valid visas include H1, F1, O1, J1, etc. or a Green Card. B1/B2 US visas are not accepted.

Photographs: 2 passport-sized photograph with a clear face, light background, and the face occupying about 80% of the photograph.

Draft hotel & flight reservations: France requires proof of draft reservations. Depending on the airline and class of travel, customers might have to present the travel tickets together with the confirmation e-mail and imprints of both the outward and return journey reservations.

Tour itinerary: mentioning places of visit.

Bank statements for the last three months: we suggest downloading them from your online banking app or going to a branch.

Copies of any previous Schengen visas.

Schengen travel insurance: coverage of at least EUR 30.000 to support medical emergency, repatriation due to medical reasons, or any other emergency handling during France visit.

Visa Fees: 80 EUR plus an additional 31.50 EUR fee payable to VFS Global. The latter has to be paid while booking the appointment on VFS Globals's website.

Proof of employment: indicating that you're permitted to go on leave for the duration of your trip.

Proof of address in the United States: State ID, Driver's license, or a copy of your lease.

France Visa Appointment Center Locations

VFS Global (France Division) in Chicago,142 E Ontario St #1700,Chicago,IL, 60611

VFS Global (France Division) in San Francisco,110 Sutter Street Floor 5,San Francisco,CA, 94104

VFS Global (France Division) in Los Angeles8530 Wilshire Blvd Suite 450,Los Angeles,CA, 90211

VFS Global (France Division) in Washington DC1025 Vermont Ave NW 2nd Floor,Washington,DC, 20005

VFS Global (France Division) in Atlanta1025 Vermont Ave NW 2nd Floor,Atlanta,GA, 30303

VFS Global (France Division) in Boston160 Federal Street 17th FloorBoston,MA, 02110

VFS Global (France Division) in Houston2425 West Loop SHouston,TX, 77027

How to Get An Appointment for France Schengen Visa at VFS Global in Chicago for Indian Passport Holders

We recommend checking this post out to learn how to get an appointment easily.

How to Check Visa Status for your Application

Our estimates show an average processing time of 2 weeks to get your visa back. You can expect to receive email notifications regarding any missing documentation. You can opt-in for SMS service as well. However, that is an expensive add-on.

FAQ

Which income proofs can be submitted to show the ability to cover the travel and stay expenses?

Many qualify however showing a bank statement is the most straightforward. You can also use one of these:

invoices of prepaid travels and accommodations

Pay stubs

travelers’ cheques

attested documents showing spouse’s consent in covering the expenses, etc.

Other types of visas and document requirements

Short-term work visa: Reference letter of the U.S. employer mentioning profile, salary, date of hiring, dates of vacation, and itinerary.

Self-employed: Your business existence proof and the client’s details you intend to meet in France. The proof of income from the business.

Foreign students on F-1 visa: A valid I-20, reference letter from an educational institution, education details, and expected date of the end of graduation course.

Family/friend visit: If you visit a friend or family, get an original and copy of “Attestation d’Accueil” that the host will request at the City Hall in France, known as Mairie.

Other Questions

For any other questions, please email us at france@atlasvisa.co.