Decision Made

Well, we did it.

We made the decision to retire early.   
Two years earlier than our original plan. 

Letters of resignation have been drafted and delivered.  My application to the Teacher's Retirement Association was submitted and accepted.  The gathering of the endless list of documents and paperwork has begun.

Our situation is a bit unique.  I have dual citizenship (French/American) with no documentation to prove my "Frenchness" other than a birth certificate and a copy of my father's Livret de Famille.  My husband is an American, born and raised.  That means  we will have to use two different avenues to secure the necessary travel documents.  Although I hold American citizenship,  I have been made to understand that the French government does not like to issue visas to French citizens. So, I will need to secure a French passport while my husband goes the visa route.  But which visa to apply for?  Regular visitor's visa or  visa for the spouse of a French national? 

A visitor's visa requires:

• proof of adequate income to support one's self for a year
• proof of health care coverage
• a passport (+ one copy)
• a letter promising not to attempt to work in France
• proof of accomodation in France
• proof of citizenship
• a letter explaining what one intends on doing in France
• proof of marriage
• an application form
• a completed visa questionnaire
• a passport size photo
• 
  

A visa for the spouse of a French national requires:

• proof of marriage in the form of a Livret de Famille (+1 copy) or a French marriage certificate
• a passport (+ one copy)
• an application form
• a passport size photo
• proof of spouse's nationality
• a completed residence form

The latter has fewer requirements and is, theoretically, easier to acquire. That is, if the French national has his/her documents in order.  I do not possess a Carte d'Identité or a Livret de Famille.  Having lived in the US most of my life, the thought never crossed my mind to secure them.  

The former has more requirements, but we have all the documents at hand.  The fly in the ointment is the fact that this type of visa can be denied for no apparent reason while the spousal visa is pretty much guaranteed.

Next week, we will start the process for securing my Carte d'Identité with a visit to the French Consulate in Chicago.  Once I have this oh-so-important document in hand, I will be able to apply for my  Livret de Famille.  This can only be secured from the French Consulate in Washington, DC.  We're hoping against hope it will arrive in time for our return trip to Chicago to apply for my husband's visa.

All this just to get permission to go to France.  We'll talk about other aspects of moving to France and assimilating into the French culture in future posts.  

The adventure begins.

À bientôt!