2. If you live in Chicago, you can require to pick up in person. Then you don't need the prepaid mail. (The FAQ is a bit outdated. See the information page for 'long stay visa for researcher')
I received my student visa 11 days after dropping off my paper work. That's less than the projected 2 weeks! Well done.
The staff was courteous during my appointment, which only took few minutes. Later on when I called to check on my passport, the customer service was nice and helpful. I have to say both the appointment and my call were conducted in french, not sure if that played a part in my experience :) The one wish is that they process application via mail and do not require applicants to be there in person; for my case it would have saved me 4 hours drive and parking fees for just 10-15 minutes.
It was however getting any clear answers over the phone for any questions I had. Emails are a little more helpful.
4. They provide extra copies of Long Stay and Short Stay application forms in the office.
Super nice and professional. Remember, they do not allow you to bring bags with you, and only those with an appointment can go up to the consulate. Everybody else has to wait down in the lobby.
Some tips:
This is the first time I've ever reviewed a business or agency, I feel it's necessary to warn people what they'll be dealing with. The employees at this consulate are shockingly unhelpful and disrespectful. If you are used to the way french bureaucrats handle things, you won't be surprised. They won't answer your questions via phone call, they'll tell you to email them and then they will never answer your emails. If you have every document required of you and tou have no special circumstances, you'll be fine. But if anything out of the ordinary occurs don't expect any help from this consulate.
(2017-6-14) Very nice and accommodating officers.
3. No need for the $23 Express mail, if you don't want to. You can use the prepaid. Priority mail. They do need a 'confirmation number sticker', not only the stamp.
Hope these helps~
1. No backpack allowed in the building. The security guard would either direct you to the fitness center for locker rental (10 dollar), or ask you put it in your car. Women's Handbag is OK.
Consulate General Of France is a US Embassy based in Chicago, Illinois. Consulate General Of France is located at 205 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, USA.
Please contact with Consulate General Of France using information above: Address, Phone number, Fax, Postal code, Website address, E-mail, Facebook. Find Consulate General Of France opening hours and driving directions or map. Find real customer reviews and ratings or write your own review.
Find Embassy in Chicago