Traded my bagels for baguettes
Before celebrating your one-year anniversary in France, you need to apply for a carte de séjour to ensure you can stay. What a lovely gift from the French government! However, the process of preparing begins many months before your visa expires.
Once you’ve lived in France for three months and established residency, you’re eligible for French national health coverage — Woohoo! But to reap all the benefits, you’ll first need a numero de securité sociale and a carte Vitale.
When the person you love comes from a different country, there are challenges to your relationship that most couples take for granted: The possibility you could be separated against your will by the government. Not having all the time in the world to get to know each other. Even going through airport customs in different lines.
As I learned, bouncing into your new job with your American working style and enthusiasm probably isn’t the best way to proceed. But good news, some of the differences are wonderful!
Moving across town is stressful. Moving to another continent will test your mental stability. Six months ago, my French husband and I made the jump from the United States to France, and let me tell you I learned some things!
As part of signing the integration contract with France (un contrat d’intégration républicaine or CIR) at your OFII meeting, you have to complete two required modules on French civics.
I made the permanent move to France in June 2017. As I continue to share my experiences, I’ll add articles to this list that are helpful to others trying to make the move! Write me if there is a topic you’d really like to hear […]
