In a previous post, I mentioned the Skills and Talents visa (visa compétences et talents) as one way of coming to France without a job lined up. It seems that many of you are interested in it, so I decided to look further into it.
What is it?
The Skills and Talents visa is a way of attracting those who can contribute something special to France and his or her home country, be it in terms of business, culture, science, sports, humanitarianism, etc. The card is valid for three years, renewable once.
What do I need to do?
You need to come up with an interesting project that fits in with the guidelines above. The French Interior ministry has a special commission that determines more specfic criteria of what they are looking for each year.
The prefecture or consulate will look at your project and take into account the yearly criteria from the ministry, where in France you would like to carry out your plans, the sector your project is in, and your qualifications for the project (level of studies, professional experience, etc.)
What happens once I get my visa?
You can come to France! The visa gives you the right to work, so if need be you can take up employment. Your family will also get a Family and Private life visa so they can move to France with you. Your spouse should also have the right to work as well.
Any other advice?
Have a look at Timi’s blog – she’s originally from the Philippines and is in France on the Skills and Talents visa. You can see her post on the formalities she went through to get the visa. Leave her a comment!
