France is one of the foremost countries inviting Indian NRIs who are students, researchers and teachers holding the Talent passport.

There are hundreds of Indian students, researchers and teachers who have the Talent passport can now explore opportunities in France. This is the first country that has opened its borders for non-residents and residents of India to try their luck in a French academic establishment or laboratory.

Visa Centers in Metropolitans

The government here has opened seven visa processing centers in metropolitan cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi. These centers have been in the operation from August 17, 2020. However, these visas will be granted to only a few applicants.

The visa providers have been complying with Indian travel regulations and the safety of consular teams amid the widespread of pandemic Covid-19. Likewise, the varsities in France have also made all arrangements for accommodating the international talent, either wholly or partly on the campus premises.

An ambassador Emmanuel Lenain from France addressed thousands of Indian students who would like to study there, stating that the country is back to the state of normalcy from infectious coronavirus. This is delightful to announce that the students will be the first to be benefited with this unlock. Besides, its embassy is also mobilized to allow them study there in all favourable conditions.

Limited Facility

As per directions, this visa facility is limitedly available for a long-term visa. The consul will offer certificate attestation to these applicants there so that they get their documents validated for visa.

Simply put, Indian students can travel there in autumn for studies for more than three months or more. But if they want to go for short-term courses or internship, it is also permitted now. The accommodation facility will be accompanied with the study visa.

As far as professors and researchers are concerned, they can also join French academic institution or research laboratory. Even, the students who are at the end of the course session there, they can also teach and apply for a valid long-term visa or the Talent passport.

Mandatory Certificate

The applicants must have Attestation de déplacement international dérogatoire, aka International Travel Certificate to Mainland France. The interested ones can download it from the website of the French interior ministry. It is mandatory to present it to the travel company before emigrating. The border control authorities will check it on arrival in that country.

In addition, the applicants should have an undertaking reading that the person does not show up any symptoms of COVID-19. This undertaking will ensure that the applicant has not been contacted with the infection 14 days prior to departure.

Visa Processing

Since safety is priority, the visa authority will process applications in small batches every week. It is to ensure that adequate precautions are taken at the processing centers. Moreover, social distancing and other preventive measures are being embraced. Mobile biometric data collection and courier services are being availed to carry out contactless procedures at the centers.

What if Any Sign Appears?

Since infection is widespread, an additional preventive step is being taken. If any of these travelers shows any symptoms of COVID on the entry of the French boundary, he or she will have to be quarantined or self-isolated.

Host Pre-Departure Sessions

Those who would be prepared to catch the flight, there will take place pre-departure sessions. These are called “Bienvenue en France”.  These are meant to acknowledge students with administrative procedures, ways to finding accommodation, tips from alumni and practical advice on student life in France.

The authority will grant around 118 Indian students to travel to that country at the end of September as English Language Assistants for their professional journey in French schools. This is a golden chance for French-speaking Indian students to live there and earn their bread and butter, gaining professional experience.