Readers provide praise for French residency cards and visa processes
Steve Graham was 'delighted' with the experience on applying for a temporary long-stay card
The Connexion has received positive feedback of French visa procedures this year at the TLScontact centre in Wandsworth, England.
Reader Steve Graham was “delighted” with the experience on applying for a temporary long-stay visa - a kind of visa often used by British second-home owners post-Brexit, so as to stay for periods of up to six months.
In previous years The Connexion has often heard of difficulties with the process, involving trips to one of three offices run by contractors for the French consular service, which sometimes appeared overwhelmed by post-Brexit demand.
However, Mr Graham found staff at Wandsworth “a pleasure to deal with” as they were “keen to help”, ready to listen, efficient and had a “cheery” attitude.
He said there is a new process in place for long-stay visa applicants compared to last year and they now queue separately from short-stay applicants. His passport was returned with the visa within one week.
We have also received positive news relating to a multi-year residency card application for self-employed worker Tanya Motsi, who previously told of worries about new French rules around civic and language tests.
There had been uncertainty if applications lodged at the end of 2025 would escape the new requirements (which were officially due from January 1), however this proved to be the case for Ms Motsi, 31.
“I sent the application to the prefecture in December - at the time there was no information about how to even take the civic test,” she said. “I wasn’t sure if it would be rejected or if I would be asked for further documents, but luckily it seems the new requirements are only being implemented for applications received from January.
“I’ve received a response from the prefecture, saying my residency rights have been extended until September during processing. They did ask for extra documents – but only related to my auto-entrepreneur work and tax returns.”
How was your experience at Wandsworth? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com