Download and fill out the long stay visa application form found on the Consulate General of France's website (see Resources). You must provide two completed copies of this application.
Show proof of payment to Campus France. Campus France is a program facilitator that allows students to study in France. If you are studying through an American university program they will provide you with the proof of payment to Campus France. If you are not going through an external university program you must use Campus France to facilitate your student stay in France.
Obtain a valid passport and photocopy it. The passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stickers and stamps. The passport expiration date must be at least three months after your planned departure from the France. You must also provide a photocopy of the first five pages of the passport.
Get your photo taken. You must provide two passport-like photos along with your application.
Complete an OFII form (see Resources). You must complete the first part of the application. If your visa is approved, the embassy/consulate will stamp the application. After that you are required to complete the rest of the form and mail it to the OFII office after your move to France.
Provide proof of residency. Proof of residency can be established with a bill or statement that has your American home address. It can also be established with a government-issued ID that has your address on it.
Show proof of sufficient funds. This can be done one of two ways. You can provide your last three bank statements showing the balances in your savings and checking accounts. If your parents are planning on supporting you they must fill out a Financial Guarantee statement (see Resources) and have it notarized.
Pay the required processing fee. This can be done with a Visa or MasterCard, check, money order or cash. As of March 2010 the processing fee for the long stay student application was $68.
Make an appointment with your local embassy/consulate. The application and all of the required items must be submitted in person at the appointment time. Appointments must be scheduled online through your local French Consulate General's website (see Resources). At your appointment time it is recommended that you leave your passport with a prepaid envelope so it can be mailed back to you in a timely fashion.
