French Immigration Laws

France placed restrictions on its open-border policy in 2006 against individuals who would place a burden on the country. The ability to obtain French nationality through marriage has also been tightened.

Significance

French law has made a distinction between stay documents and visas. If an individual is from the OECD countries, including the United States, a long-stay visa is not needed for visits of fewer than 90 days.

Types of Visas

France requires short-stay, long-stay, work and family immigration visas.

Other Considerations

Children of a French parent will receive French nationality citizenship without residing in France. Spouses must be married for four years before claiming French citizenship. Dual nationality is recognized in France.

Asylum

France recognizes a foreign-born person who is persecuted for the need for asylum as a refugee under the rules of the Geneva Conventions. Any request for asylum or refugee status must be made through the French Office for Protection of Refugees and Expatriates (OFPRA).

Appeals

An individual who has been denied a visa or nationality can pursue an appeal through the French system of justice.

References

• Immigration and Visa Law in France