My Contract With the French Republic

Today we fight for more than the Republic. Today we fight for all our brothers back home.

Captain Rex, “The Clone Wars,” Star Wars

It’s now about the middle of winter in Paris. The highs are in the 40’s Fahrenheit, with lows in the 30s Fahrenheit, brisk with overcast days and drizzly rain from time-to-time. Most stores and cafes are still open at this time with COVID restrictions remaining in effect until the Omicron variant subsides.

Integration Contract with the French Republic: Reminding me that I was in a scene out of “The Clone Wars,” I made a trip to the to set-up my integration contract with the Republic of France at the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) located in the 13th arrondissement. The purpose of this contract is to define what I am required to accomplish in order to renew my visa to France this fall. My initial visa which was a long-term stay visa, expires in October 2022. There are a few requirements needed to renew the visa. Among those are setting up and accomplishing the tasks in the Contract (called le contrat d’intégration républicaine – CIR).

At this appointment, they gave us a written test of French and interviewed each of us. While my writing skills were adequate, my verbal skills were not at an A1 level, yet. As a result, I am required to take 100 hours of French language that they will schedule for me. In addition, I am to take four days of French civic lessons. It actually reminds me of probation, not that I have personal experience with being on probation…

The personnel at OFII were friendly and helpful including speaking English when it was necessary to understand some instructions. The contract interview was in English as well which helped to really understand what will be required of me in my integration contract. At about five months before my visa expires, I start the process to renew my visa. If I complete everything they listed in my contract, then they said it would be very likely my visa would be renewed. This also includes doing work consistent with my visa (teaching swing dance), making a minimum amount of income (~1200-1500 €/month), and paying taxes on that income.

VISA CONSULTANT, ALLISON FROM YOURFRANCEFORMATION: I would describe French immigration law as not difficult, but very specific. Thankfully, I employ a visa consultant, Allison (https://www.yourfranceformation.com/). She takes me along every step of the way from deciding which type of visa to obtain (about 10 months before leaving for France) through the renewal after a year in France. She made this process straightforward with her help and extensive training material. As long as you are told what to expect and accomplish for each of the steps along the way, the French system and civil employees seem to be effective and helpful.

I have not been in Paris for three months. It’s hard to believe how many friends I have made and adventures I have experienced in this short time. It has taken a lot of patience, for sure, but well worth the frustrations to experience the beauty of Paris and its people.

Until we meet in Paris…