04/06/2024
The question that inspired this post:
I was summoned for my OFII appointment at Dijon yesterday (I'm Canadian with a French spouse, so a VLS-TS vie privee et familiale). I just wanted to write this to say that much of my trepidation turned out to have been unnecessary. Everyone there was respectful and pleasant, and the doctor even joked around ("Drink more champagne and less dessert wine if you want to avoid dental caries!"). I was exempted from mandatory French classes as I was assessed between A2 and B1, which came as a huge relief to me (I plan to take classes on my own schedule to reach B1 and beyond, although they offered me a complimentary intensive course if I was interested). Those who don't pass A1 are required to take mandatory lessons.
The whole process took about 4 hours (I had done the X-ray a couple of weeks prior). A 5-minute video welcomed us to France, after which we took a 20-minute reading/writing test followed by a brief 1-on-1 interview to assess oral French skills. This was followed by a second 1-on-1 interview to gauge my personal circumstances, sign some documents, and schedule my 3 civics classes (one day per week in June; there's a 4th day which is a workshop). Then, I spent about an hour waiting for a nurse to see me, filled out a questionnaire, and answered some basic questions about my health. Finally, I was called in by a doctor who asked me many of the same questions, practised his English with me, joked around a bit, and discharged me.
For those who are yet to go through OFII, my main advice would be to learn as much French as possible now to ease the process, and not stress out too much! There was one person there who spoke none; he was assigned an English interpreter
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Introduction
An OFII appointment refers to a meeting with the French Office of Immigration and Integration (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration, OFII). This appointment is critical for non-EU citizens who have been granted a long-stay visa to live in France for more than 90 days. The purpose of the appointment is to complete the necessary administrative formalities to validate the visa and obtain a residence permit. Here’s a detailed explanation of what the OFII appointment entails:
Purpose of the OFII Appointment
Validation of Long-Stay Visa: Upon arrival in France, holders of long-stay visas (visa long séjour valant titre de séjour, VLS-TS) must validate their visas within three months. The OFII appointment is part of this process.
Residence Permit: The appointment helps convert the visa into a residence permit (titre de séjour), allowing the holder to legally reside in France for the duration specified by the visa.
Process Leading to the OFII Appointment
Visa Application: During the visa application process at the French consulate or embassy, applicants are often provided with an OFII form (demande d'attestation OFII).
Arrival in France: Upon arrival, the visa holder must complete the OFII form and send it to the OFII office. This form includes personal details, the visa information, and a copy of the passport pages with the visa and the entry stamp.
OFII Confirmation: After receiving the form, the OFII sends a confirmation receipt and an invitation for an appointment. This invitation includes details about the appointment's date, time, and location.
What Happens During the OFII Appointment
Medical Examination: Some visa categories require a medical examination. This may be conducted during the OFII appointment or at a designated medical facility. The examination ensures that the visa holder meets health standards.
Document Verification: The OFII officer will check the necessary documents, which typically include:
Valid passport with a long-stay visa
Proof of address in France
Proof of financial means (if required)
Completed OFII form and any additional forms provided by OFII
Biometric Data Collection: The appointment may involve taking biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, for the residence permit.
Payment of Fees: Depending on the visa type, there might be a fee for the validation process, which can be paid during the appointment.
Issuance of Residence Permit: After completing the OFII appointment, the visa holder may receive a temporary residence permit or a confirmation that the long-stay visa has been validated.
Importance of the OFII Appointment
Legal Stay: Completing the OFII appointment is mandatory for legal residence in France. Failure to attend the appointment or validate the visa within the stipulated time can lead to legal complications.
Access to Services: Having a validated residence permit is essential for accessing various services in France, such as healthcare, social security, and opening a bank account.
Conclusion
The OFII appointment is vital for long-stay visa holders to ensure their stay in France is legal and properly documented. It involves medical checks, document verification, biometric data collection, and sometimes fee payments.
Proper preparation and timely attendance at the OFII appointment can help make the transition to living in France smoother and legally compliant.
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