Get my dossier reviewed

Your French visa dossier checked line by line

Before you submit it, the French founders of EasyFranceNow read every document the way the consulate will, flag what gets US and UK files refused and send you the fix for each one, in writing within 72 hours.

5.0 on Google

“I now feel much more confident and prepared to submit a new application.”

Adrienne, dossier review after a first denial

Maxime RoseauAurelio MauriciReviewed by our founders, Maxime Roseau and Aurelio Maurici, French relocation experts.
Have my file read

$279 per person, in writing within 72 hours.

Nobody has read your file yet but you

Two dossiers can look identical and not be. Everyone who gets refused was sure theirs was fine. You cannot see the gap in your own file, because it is your own.

Your refusal letter won’t tell you what went wrong

You get one standard line in French. Which document, which figure, which date is left for you to guess.
“Informations incomplètes ou peu fiables”
Incomplete or unreliable information

The one we see most on American files. Usually it's something small and boring: a screenshot of a banking app instead of the real statement, a translation from a site that isn't sworn, statements that don't go back far enough, an address on your tax return that isn't the one on your bank account.

“Ressources insuffisantes”
Insufficient financial resources

They looked at your income and decided it wasn't enough for the visa you asked for and the time you plan to stay. A big balance on one day doesn't fix that. They want to see money that comes in steadily.

“Objet et conditions du séjour non justifiés”
Purpose and conditions of stay not established

They weren't convinced by your reason for moving, or your papers don't back up the visa type you chose.

“Garanties de rapatriement insuffisantes”
Insufficient return guarantee

Mostly a short-stay thing. It still shows up on long-stay files now and then, when the whole application didn't add up for them.

30days

One letter can list several of these. If you want to appeal (the RAPO), you have 30 days from the day they notified you, not from the day you work out what failed.

Before you submit, the founders of EasyFranceNow go through every one of these places. See what we check

What the review gives you

Your full dossier, read the way it will be read at the counter, then handed back colour-coded with a fix beside every flag.

Every line checked against what gets refused

We go through your whole dossier the way a consular officer does, and flag what would get a US or UK file held up or turned down.

Colour-coded so you know what is urgent

Green for ready, yellow for a slight adjustment, red for wrong or missing. You fix what matters and skip the noise.

Specific fixes instead of vague feedback

For every flag, exactly what to change, add or re-do, down to which document needs a sworn translation and how to present your proof of funds.

The presentation problems you cannot see

Proof of funds, the cover letter, consistency across documents. Often right on paper, but presented in a way that raises a question. We catch that.

Read by the founders from the inside

Your file is reviewed by the founders of EasyFranceNow, two French nationals who move people to France for a living.

In writing within 72 hours

A marked-up review you work from, instead of a phone call you half-remember. Your file, your fixes, on the page.

You see what is wrong and how to fix it

Every flag comes with the exact change to make.
Passport validity
Your passport is valid to 2034, but your France-Visas form lists 2026.
To FixReady
Correct the expiry on your application to match your passport. A long-stay visa needs it valid at least 3 months past the visa's end date.
They provided clear feedback, colour coded with elements of the application that were ready (green), needed slight adjustments (yellow), and wrong/missing (red).
NGNoelle GibbsReapplying for a long-stay visitor visa - family of threeTrustpilot

An 11-page review laid out page by page

Every item with its status, and a note written for the file. Name, bank and account details are removed.

VLS-TS Visitor Visa
Dossier Review Checklist

Client file review before submission to TLScontact and the French Consulate.

30items reviewed9complete14to action
Status key CompleteTo fixMissingN/A

John & Jane Doe

Client file review before submission to TLScontact and the French Consulate

23 applicable checks, 7 not applicable
9Complete10To fix4Missing7Not applicable

We recommend bringing two copies of each document to your TLS appointment.

Note: Each applicant must submit a separate application on France-Visas and have their own visa dossier packet, including their own cover letter and supporting documents.

Disclaimer: All comments, suggestions, and recommendations are based on the published requirements for French visas, practical experience, and successful case studies. They are for information and guidance only and do not constitute legal advice. They do not guarantee a particular outcome. The final decision on the visa application rests solely with the French Consulate and the competent authorities.

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1Identification and travel documents

Visa duration, France-Visas selection

Between 3 and 6 months, from 6 months to 1 year, or more than 1 year. Important: if you wish to stay beyond 1 year and renew, select “more than 1 year” under Number of months of stay in your online France-Visas application to get a renewable visa. This avoids the need to reapply from abroad.

The “more than 1 year” visa is included in the application.

1Visa appointment confirmationComplete

Present and printed

2Visa application formTo fix

Signed and dated

To be signed.

3Copy of passport bookletTo fix

Including every page, signed

Bring your passport to the appointment and provide full copies of it, including all pages with visas, stamps, and blank pages.

3aPassport validityTo fix

Valid at least 3 months beyond expected departure from the Schengen Area, OR at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of the visa applied for (long stay).

Check that your passport is valid at least 3 months beyond your expected departure from the Schengen Area, or at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of the visa applied for (long stay). Be sure to transmit (scan) the identity page of your travel document as well as ALL PAGES containing visas, entry and exit stamps or any other inscription.

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3bPassport conditionTo fix

Issued less than 10 years ago, at least 2 blank pages, in good condition

Verify that there are two blank pages.

3cPassport pages copiedTo fix

Copy must include all pages with visas and stamps

Provide full copies of your passport at the appointment, including all pages with visas, stamps, and blank pages.

2Commitment not to work

4Commitment not to engage in professional activity in FranceTo fix

Signed and dated. Exact statement: “I, NAME, hereby declare not to carry out any professional activity in France”

State only that you commit not to perform any professional activity in France, without the words “in any paid capacity,” and without citing article L313-6, which is the old article number.

Add your passport number. Keep the address, phone number, and visa application number in the letter. We recommend writing simply:

“I, the undersigned, [full name], hereby declare that I will not engage in any professional activity in France.”

3Letter of intent

5Letter explaining the purpose of relocation to FranceTo fix

Signed and dated. Approximately half a page. Must briefly cover: reasons for moving, plans while in France, French language proficiency, intention to integrate into French society, respect for French culture and history

To be signed. Your name, address, and application number are included. You can also add your passport number.

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Letter explaining the purpose of relocation to France (continued)To fix

The cover letter content is well written, and looks fine. The letter explain the intention of retirement in France and also the commitment of not working in France is mentioned, this is good. Good also that the proof of funds clearly state that the bank transfer received every month come on the checking account ending [XXXX] and [XXXX], and also the commitment to arrange a long term housing to have it ready once the short term accommodations ends.

Note: The [spouse] checking account that you mentioned in your letter, if it is on [spouse]’s name, will have value “in the eyes” of the consulate only for her dossier. Make sure that your name is on the checking account statement as an account owner where you received the Social Security and the automatic twice monthly IRA withdrawal, which I assume is the case.

6aLetter: required contentsComplete

Full name, address, email, date, visa application number

Add the visa numbers to your cover letter.

6bLetter: length and toneComplete

1 to 2 pages maximum. Not too detailed (long personal stories) or too vague (missing key facts)

6cLetter: family membersComplete

If applicable: names and visa application numbers of accompanying family members

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6dLetter: document list summaryComplete

Summary listing all documents enclosed in the application package

To make the consulate’s work easier, we recommend adding a summary list of all documents included in your application package. List each pension with its name and net amount, and add the name of the bank account and its last 4 digits where your pensions are received. The consulate can then see in one view every requirement they will look for in the dossier. A template for this summary is included in this report.

4Proof of financial means

7Bank statementsImprovement suggestions

Last 3 months (all accounts), starting from the month of the appointment

It is included a financial verification letter from [the financial planner], stating the total liquid net amount and the monthly passive income linked to the investment portfolios and retirement accounts of [client] and [spouse], with the last three months of statements attached.

Make sure both of your names appear on these [bank] statements.

Add your pension statements stating your net lifelong pensions, and the official US government Social Security benefit documents stating the net amount.

Also include in your dossier, as stated in the cover letter, the last 3 months of statements for your checking account (not only your investment account), showing the twice monthly bank transfer. France wants to see that the minimum required money is readily available in the bank account, ready to use for your daily life, with your credit card. The amount must be above €1,477.93 net per month, or €17,735.16 for 1 year, per person.

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Bank statements (continued)Improvement suggestions

Your US government Social Security monthly income is paid into a checking account ending [XXXX]. Add the full last 3 months of statements for this checking account, showing the Social Security transfers. Add also the last 3 months of the bank statements ending [XXXX] where you received the twice monthly IRA automatic withdrawal. Make sure your name is included and seen as an account owner on all the bank statements. Make sure to share the complete statement for each month, with all transactions visible, where we can clearly see that the bank transfer is coming in every month.

What matters most to the French consulate is the money in the checking account, ready to use for daily life. [Brokerage] and other investment accounts are of course good additional proof of financial independence and stability.

7aMinimum financial thresholdTo fix

€1,477.93 per month per person, OR €17,735.16 lump sum savings (equal to 12 months of income). Advisable to show a bit more than the minimum

7bAcceptable income sourcesMissing

Pensions, annuities, rental income, investment/passive income

Add all pension and Social Security letters stating the lifelong net amount you receive every month. Make sure to share the complete statement for each month, with all transactions visible, where we can clearly see that the bank transfer are coming in every month. Also your name must appear on the bank statement as an account owner for the consulate to consider it reliable.

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7cRetirement and investment accountsMissing

401k, investment portfolio (if applicable)

Add also the last 3 bank statements of the investment account to your dossier. Your name must appear on the bank statement as an account owner for the consulate to consider it reliable.

7dAdditional supporting documentsMissing

E.g., Social Security monthly statements (if available)

As stated earlier, make sure to include the last 3 bank statements of the checking account receiving the Social Security benefit and the last 3 bank statements of the checking account receiving the pension income. Make sure to share the complete statement for each month, with all transactions visible, where we can clearly see that the bank transfer are coming in every month. Your name must appear on the bank statement as an account owner for the consulate to consider it reliable.

7eIf currently employedN/A

Copy of employment documents (assuming the contract ends before departure to France)

7fGuarantor documents (if used)N/A

Copy of the guarantor’s passport, the guarantor’s bank statements showing sufficient funds, and a written letter committing to cover all costs for the entire duration of the stay

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5Proof of accommodation

8Proof of accommodation in FranceImprovement suggestions

Short term rental (Airbnb) or host arrangement for 3 months, with printed proof of accommodation

A rental agreement is included for 2 months and 1 day in the name of [spouse], with [client] as authorized occupant. It is included also is the cover letter that you commit to securing a long term rental lease as soon as possible after arriving in France.

The French consulate states no specific requirement for the length of rental accommodation.. It is up to you to make a compelling case and all applications are reviewed individually and in its entirety. To put every chance on the applicant side, we recommend a 3 month rental as it has worked by many applicants, and we also have heard of applicants receiving TLScontact feedback asking for a 91 day rental.

8aAirbnb optionN/A

Minimum 3 months, receipt labeled “for visa purposes.” Does not need to cover the full 12 month period, only the initial accommodation

8bHost: required documentsN/A

Signed accommodation letter (attestation d’hébergement), copy of the host’s passport and national ID card, proof of address (utility bill, preferably electricity or water, dated within the last 3 months), proof the host legally rents the property

8cHost who is the property ownerN/A

Signed letter stating legal ownership and authorization to stay, copies of ID, proof of ownership (acte de propriété and/or latest taxe foncière), proof of address

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8dHost or owner letter: required contentsN/A

Full French address of the property, applicant’s full name and passport number, signed and dated

8eHost: consistency checkN/A

Names, addresses, visa number, and dates consistent across all housing documents

6Health insurance

9Health insurance certificateComplete

International private health insurance (not travel insurance), valid from date of entry through one year

9aMinimum coverageComplete

€30,000

9bRequired coverage contentComplete

Emergency medical care and repatriation to the home country

9cPolicy durationComplete

12 months, valid in France and the Schengen Area - Must match the intended date of entry in France.

The insurance starts on [date] and is renewed automatically by tacit agreement. The start date matches the “Intended date of entry in France” on the France-Visas application. OK.

7Photo and format

10ID photoMissing

Passport standard (ICAO format, PDF for the online application)

Provide two recent ID photos in ICAO format (PDF). As a note, this can be added as an extra service in the TLS online appointment process, and the photos can then be taken at their center in their photo booth.

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8Final cross checks

11Overall consistency

Names, dates, addresses, and financial information must match exactly across the entire application

General recommendation to follow for consistency.

12Document organization

Organized in the order listed above, separated by paper clips; two copies of each document plus the original recommended

General recommendation to follow for clarity.

Summary recommendations template

Template for the document list in your cover letter

This application includes the following documents:Completed, signed VLS-TS application formCopy of valid US passportProof of income: [source], $X/month or balance in dollars3 months of bank statements (Bank Name, account ending XXXX)Proof of accommodation: [French address], valid 3 monthsHealth insurance certificate: [Insurer Name], policy #XXXXSigned statement of no professional activity in FranceProof of school enrollmentAny other documents included

Answers to the questions

Your questions on the cover letter and the dossier

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Q1

How much detail is needed in the document list section of the cover letter (i.e., should we list ALL financial statement documents in the cover letter or just some)?

A

We recommend listing all the documents included in your dossier.

Q2

Do we just state ‘Financial Documents’ in the list section of the cover letter or do we do a sub-bulleted list under ‘Financial Documents’ for “Investment Accounts” “Bank Statements”, “SS Verification of Benefits”, etc?

A

For clarity and presentation only, you can add a sub-bulleted list under Financial Documents so the consulate can easily see each type of document category: Investment accounts, Bank statements, Social Security benefit letters, Pensions letters, and any other supporting documents category.

Q3

What is the preferred order for documents in the dossier folio (i.e., should the application be in the front pocket, then the cover letter, then the lease, and so on)?

A

There is no official preferred order. Just make sure the dossier is clear, well organized, and easy to consult. Personally, I would put the application first, then the cover letter, then the other documents.

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Page 1 of 11

Three steps from checkout to fix-list

1Order your reviewChoose how many people it is for and check out securely through Stripe. Under a minute, and no long form first.
2Send us your dossierYou get a private link to an end-to-end encrypted Sync.com vault. Drop your documents in as PDFs and we get to work.
3Get your marked-up reviewEvery issue, colour-coded and ranked, with the fix, in your inbox within 72 hours of receiving your file.

What we check in your file

The eight places US and UK long-stay applications most often go wrong.
  • Visa typeThat you are applying for the one that actually fits your situation.
  • Proof of funds and incomeThe amount, the format, and the way it is presented.
  • AccommodationAttestation, lease or proof of address, evidenced the right way.
  • Sworn translations and apostillesWhich documents need them, and whether yours are done correctly.
  • The cover letterWhat it has to say, and the gaps that quietly raise questions.
  • ConsistencyThe dates, names and amounts that have to match across your whole file.
  • The traps specific to US and UK filesThe things that turn up again and again on American and British applications.
  • What comes nextWhat to expect at TLScontact or the consulate, and OFII once you land.

Send us the refusal with your file

A consulate gives you the ground for refusal, rarely the reason. The ground is a category. The reason is the specific thing in your dossier that put you in it, and it is usually not what applicants assume.

We have done exactly this: read a refused file next to the letter, worked out what actually triggered it, and the resubmission went through. Nobody can promise that outcome. What we can do is make sure the second attempt is not the first one again.

Same review, same $279. Include the refusal letter when you send your documents.

$279per person
Back in writing within 72 hours of receiving your file.
Get my dossier reviewed

Nowhere else will your file get this much care

Maxime Roseau and Aurelio Maurici
Maxime Roseau and Aurelio MauriciFrench relocation experts, EasyFranceNow

To us your dossier is never just a file. It opens the project of a lifetime, often a dream you have carried for years. So we go into every detail, as deep as your file needs, and we listen to you and to your project, not only to your documents. You will not find people this attentive anywhere else.

French, on the groundVisa and full relocationKnow the system inside out

What our clients say

Real reviews, pulled straight from Google and Trustpilot.
GoogleTrustpilot
The staff at TLScontact commented on how complete and detailed our application was when we submitted it.
CCourtenay WolfeLong-stay student visa - July 2026
Google

I cannot recommend EasyFranceNow highly enough!

We worked with Maxime on my son's French long-stay student visa application, and the service was outstanding from beginning to end. Our case involved numerous questions regarding the correct visa category, supporting documentation, parental authority, insurance, and other application requirements. Maxime was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and responsive, taking the time to answer every question thoroughly and ensuring we understood each step of the process.

The final application was exceptionally comprehensive, well organized, and meticulously prepared. In fact, the staff at TLScontact commented on how complete and detailed our application was when we submitted it.

We were told that standard processing would take 2–3 weeks, but to our amazement, my son's passport was returned with his visa in just 3 days. While visa decisions are made solely by the French Consulate, I truly believe that submitting such a complete, accurate, and professionally prepared application helped the process move as efficiently as possible.

Thank you, Maxime, for your exceptional guidance and support. We couldn't have asked for a better experience.

I now feel much more confident and prepared to submit a new application.
AAdrienneDossier review after a first denial - Sep 2026
Google

UPDATE (25 Sept 2026): I've just received my visa approval, upon my second application. I'm thrilled and can finally exhale. Maxime had just reached out to me the day before to see how things were going. Because I'd received an email just a few days earlier from TLScontact (on behalf of the consulate) asking for more documentation, I was stressed and already assuming I'd get another denial. Maxime reaching out to me exactly when he did was so needed. He was able to put my mind at ease as I anxiously awaited the return of my passport and the consulate's decision. I feel so fortunate to have found EasyFranceNow. Although I've only used them to review my dossier, I already know I'll be engaging them for some of their other services. They are fantastic!!

As prepared as I thought my visa application/dossier was, it was quite a gut-punch to receive a denial. I considered consulting with a French attorney, but then learned of EasyFranceNow's visa dossier review and decided to do that instead, only consulting with an attorney if I felt it might still be necessary. Not only was their review a quick turnaround, it was extremely thorough, down to recommended changes for a sentence here or there, grammatical recommendations and, of course, the more substantive recommendations. As well, Maxime made himself readily available via WhatsApp for real time dialogue and feedback to answer additional questions. As such, I now feel much more confident and prepared to submit a new application. I not only highly recommend their services, but genuinely regret not having them review my application and dossier prior to submitting my visa application the first time.

I requested a dossier review of our paperwork for our visa application to ensure everything was ready for submission and was beyond pleased with their service. They provided a very quick turnaround with very detailed explanations and recommendations. They were extremely helpful and honestly provided assistance beyond my expectations. I highly recommend their service.
Thank you

CHCheri HendricksonDossier review - Sep 2026Google
We are reapplying for a long-stay...

We are reapplying for a long-stay visitor from the United States to France. We wanted to be sure we had addressed the issue in our previous application appropriately. Maxime and the EasyFrance team were incredibly prompt (less than 24 hours) in reviewing applications for our family of three. They provided clear feedback, color coded with elements of the application that were ready (green), needed slight adjustments (yellow), and wrong/missing (red). We appreciated the professionalism and response time. Now we wait to see if our application is cleared!

NGNoelle GibbsUnited States - Jul 7, 2026Trustpilot

Used Easy France Now for my French visa and Maxime was great.Very Patient answered all my questions fast, and walked me through everything step by step.would definitely use them again.

JTJames TFrench visa - Oct 2026Google
Long-term visa application help

I just needed help with applying for a long-stay visa and Maxime gave me solid advice and a clear list of documents I needed to get. If you need some guidance with the French immigration process I'd recommend these guys everytime.

JAJamesUnited States - Jun 5, 2026Trustpilot

Get your dossier reviewed

Choose how many people it is for and check out securely below. We then email you a private link to send your dossier.
Maxime Roseau and Aurelio MauriciReviewed by our foundersFrench relocation experts
$279for 1 person - one-off
Number of people
1
  • A line-by-line review of your full dossier
  • Colour-coded green, yellow and red, with the exact fix
  • Back in writing within 72 hours
  • A private, end-to-end encrypted Sync.com link for your file
Secure card checkout via Stripe. Your documents never touch email. They travel through Sync.com, encrypted end to end and private, and are deleted once your review is sent.
Prices in US dollars. Taxes may apply at checkout. This is practical guidance, not legal or immigration advice, and it does not guarantee a consulate's decision.

Common questions

What do I send you and how?+
Once your order is in, we email you a private link. You send your assembled dossier through it as PDFs or clear photos: the forms, proof of funds, accommodation, translations and your cover letter. Our team gets to work as soon as it lands.
How fast do I get it back?+
Within 72 hours of receiving your documents, and often a good deal sooner.
What does the review actually look like?+
A written, colour-coded pass over your whole file: green for what is ready, yellow for what needs a slight adjustment, red for what is wrong or missing, with the exact fix beside each one.
My dossier is not finished. Can you still review it?+
Yes. Send what you have and we will flag what is missing too. If you have not started at all, the planning call is the better first step, then come back for the review once the dossier is built.
What if the review is for more than one person?+
Set the number of people at checkout and the price updates automatically. After checkout, send each person's dossier through the same private link. Families do this regularly.
Do you guarantee my visa is approved?+
No, and be wary of anyone who does. No one can guarantee a consulate's decision. We catch the issues that commonly get US and UK files refused, so you submit a stronger file.
Are my documents kept private?+
Yes. You upload through a private link into an end-to-end encrypted, zero-knowledge Sync.com vault, so not even Sync can read your files. They are used only for your review, then deleted, and never shared with anyone else.
Is this legal advice?+
No. It is practical guidance from people who know the system, pointing you to the official sources to confirm. It does not replace a lawyer or a tax advisor.
Can you just do the whole application for me?+
That is our done-for-you service, ask us about it. The review is for people submitting it themselves who want a second set of eyes first.

Your file checked before it counts

You only get to submit once. From $279 per person, have the two people who do this for a living read your dossier line by line and tell you exactly what to fix, while you still can.

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