Madagascar - Short-stay visa for France refused

Regarding your visa request, didn’t you mention it was for medical exams? If so, no surprise it was refused.

If not, the authorities likely felt you didn’t have enough ties (steady, well-paid job, kids, etc.) to Madagascar to ensure you’d return. That’s usually the main reason visas get denied. Only solution: strengthen your ties to Mada, typically by landing a good job.

No one here can really help—doubt a French minister reads this forum, so no one has the clout to override immigration services.

I think you’ve unfortunately hit the nail on the head with your problem—there are very few people who get approved with this system that has no clear rules.

Some people do know tricks to get the coveted visa, but personally, I don’t, so all you can do now is hope that those people reach out to you.

Keep the faith—you never know. God’s in charge, and unfortunately, humans come after.

Good evening Adeline... and unfortunately, I can't help you because I have no power, just to offer you some comfort after reading your message and to tell you what I would do in such a situation... like they rightly said, "insist on your approach" by clearly explaining the ins and outs, push hard with several people—charm them, demand, threaten by saying your file wasn’t properly examined... in short, insist heavily even if it’s not in your nature 😛. Sometimes, as they say, "moving heaven and earth" can bring good surprises, and you’ve got nothing left to lose. Go to the Alliance Française—sometimes there are people with good connections in the right places or who could help get your file through with favorable elements. Anyway, I’m with you wholeheartedly, and maybe a Guardian Angel will watch over you soon. Keep us posted. Laurence 🙂

Hi Adeline,

I read your message and I’m ""happy"" to tell you we had the same problem as you.

A friend of mine put together her entire file to come study in France, and despite support from the Alliance Française—her application was really well put together and had no issues—her visa was refused, and they didn’t give her any reason. She had financial support, insurance, on-campus housing, and a scholarship.

After appealing to the appropriate authorities, we only got a response when it was too late—it was the end of December, and the school year had started in November. Their answer: NO.

So, we decided to reapply this year and try our luck again, because it really is an adventure...

If you’re under 30 and single = NO If you’re over 30 with family in France but no job and/or kids (yes, plural) in Madagascar = NO If you’re traveling for health reasons but don’t have a job or aren’t married with kids in Madagascar = NO If you have a serious illness and might die on French soil = NO There are plenty of other reasons for them to say no, but listing them all would take too long—though this gives you an idea.

You should know that the current minister is worse than their predecessor, and the unwritten, unknown rules are extremely strict, making it easy for them to send people back to Madagascar. Around 50 per month, and they don’t talk about it. If your residence permit is about to expire and you don’t have a job = deportation If your residence permit is about to expire and you have a temporary job = deportation If your permit has expired and you haven’t received the new one yet, and you don’t have the receipt with you = deportation

The worst part is that it’s fast—immediate, even. They put you on a plane the same day.

At this point, if nothing else works, we’re thinking of a sham marriage so she can come study. Then we’ll divorce afterward, and she’ll go back... . . ..LOL

hi, yeah, the situation has gotten tougher. This didn’t start with the new leadership. The French administration doesn’t have to justify a visa refusal for entry into the country. It’s a law that’s over 50 years old. It has to be said that so many abuses have taken place that it’s not surprising to get a systematic refusal. "Sham marriages" are also one of the reasons for the administration’s intransigence. And for you, it’s a source of trouble you can’t even imagine. Helping a foreigner enter European territory by any means is punishable by legal action. If someone has been refused a visa, their identity is recorded in the system, and there’s little chance of being allowed into the country. Each case is painful, but the administration is within its rights.

Hello,

First of all: I want to clarify, as you can see in my text, that this ending (sham marriage) was just a joke. . . I did say that we had started another application.

Secondly: Regarding the end of your intervention, I don’t know by what right you’re speaking, because there are things required to get the visa. . . and in the end, even if you have a complete file, all possible and imaginable guarantees, it’s: NO.

I shared the reasons given by the embassies for the refusals, and I didn’t list them all, but. . . meh. . .

Hi Adeline,

While everyone can understand your disappointment—even your distress—honestly, no one can really help you here. It’s actually lucky they gave you a reason, and it’s clear. You can apply again, justifying with medical certificates the need for exams that aren’t available in Madagascar and proving upfront that you have the means to pay for them. I know of a case—though it’s not recent—where it worked. You’re a victim of the abuses and the existence in France of too many associations that defend undocumented immigrants without offering any real solutions for their integration. Plus, a visa for France gives access to the entire Schengen area.

First, it depends on whether it's a man or a woman traveling to France and who they'll be staying with—like an older *vaza* hosting a Malagasy woman. In many cases, the answer is no, but over 50% of applications are approved, and I know people who’ve managed to get that coveted visa to come to France.

But you’ve got to understand France’s perspective: the risk of the visitor not leaving is high, and a French visa lets you travel across all Schengen member states.

hi, I quote you: "Secondly: Regarding the end of your comment, I don’t know by what right you’re speaking, because there are requirements to get a visa... and in the end, even if you have a complete file, all possible and imaginable guarantees, it’s: NO." You’re on a public forum, and I’m responding politely. Just because I’m not a "yes-man" doesn’t mean you should get upset. The realities of everyday life can be hard to swallow. But the plethora of "undocumented immigrants" is the reason for stricter laws. And if there weren’t so many fools defending illegal immigrants, everything would be simpler. There are thousands of "undocumented Malagasy" in the country...

To hope to continue your studies in France, you need to be among the top 30/50 in the country... Otherwise, there’s the university in Madagascar.

When Madagascar deports foreigners, the country doesn’t pay for the return ticket! You pay, or you wait at Antanimora until your family pays or the embassy advances the amount, which you or your family must reimburse.

In France, it’s the taxpayer who foots the bill, and the current situation doesn’t allow us to feel sorry for the issue of welcoming illegal immigrants!

I’ll go further—last year, I wanted to bring my recognized daughter and her mom for a 2-month vacation (even though all the required documents for the visa were in order), but we got a flat-out refusal. Their excuse? That we weren’t married, down to the last 2 Ariary.

Well, that’s kind of normal as far as your mother’s concerned. As far as the French state is concerned, your mother doesn’t count for you—only marriage or a civil partnership (PACS) has any legal value. For your daughter, yeah, it’s a shame.

Hi Andre

The PACS is no longer valid for this purpose.

I asked about it two weeks ago, and the answer was categorical: A PACS doesn’t grant any rights regarding residence permits, nationality, visa applications, or family reunification. The PACS is only for people who have legally entered the country and are in compliance with the law.

Only and exclusively marriage counts in these matters.

Here’s the exact response I received.

Meanwhile, others with no blood ties get in without any issues, officially 🤪

I have a 28-year-old Malagasy friend who was evacuated to France at the end of 2011 for severe medical issues in his brain. He and his mother easily obtained an indefinite-duration visa given the seriousness of his medical situation. Here’s what they explained:

- The French Consulate in Madagascar likely determined that his illness could be treated in Madagascar and that a medical evacuation to France wouldn’t be necessary. In this case, his application wouldn’t be considered and would be refused.

- A medical evacuation requires a prescription from his treating physician in Madagascar stating that his illness can’t be treated locally and that evacuation to France is necessary for a "life-or-death" situation. Additionally, a medical counter-visit by a French doctor accredited by the French Consulate in Madagascar would need to confirm this. Otherwise, the application wouldn’t be considered and would be refused.

- Malagasy students from extremely wealthy families in Madagascar (like the children of CEOs) who passed the French baccalaureate at the French Lycée in Antananarivo have a 99.9% chance of easily obtaining their visas to continue their university studies in France, even without having family ties there. - Malagasy students from extremely wealthy families in Madagascar (like the children of CEOs) who followed a typical Malagasy school curriculum also have a 99.9% chance of obtaining their visas to continue their university studies in France, even without having family ties there. - Average, less affluent Malagasy students with very wealthy family ties in France (earning more than 5,000 € net per month) easily obtain their visas with a 99.9% chance.

Hi,

It's not just a question of money... You're forgetting to mention that you have to go through Campus France, among other difficulties...

Best regards

Hi there, here's my situation—maybe you can help me out!!!

I went to Madagascar in March 2013 for a 2-month internship at an orphanage. While I was there, I made lots of friends, including a Malagasy guy who became my boyfriend! I went back to Madagascar again in August for a month and a half to be with him. Now, I’d love for him to come to France, but the visa is the big issue here.

I thought maybe it’d be better to apply for a visa with marriage in mind, but I’m scared it’ll get refused!! What do you think? Do you have any solutions to suggest? This long-distance relationship is becoming unbearable, and I don’t want to move to Madagascar. Thanks in advance for your answers and help.

Hello,

There’s no longer a marriage visa for France. If he comes and you get married, he’ll still be a tourist with his tourist visa for the number of days it was issued, and he’ll have to leave and apply for family reunification later.

The best option is to follow the marriage procedure in Madagascar and bring him over later with full legal compliance, avoiding any reason for visa refusal.

Check out the French Embassy’s website in Madagascar:

http://www.ambafrance-mada.org/Mariage

http://www.ambafrance-mada.org/IMG/pdf/Formalites_avant_mariage_devant_les_autorites_locales-3.pdf

There you go—you’ve got everything you need.

If you’d like more info, I’m in the same situation right now and available to help.

See you soon

hi,

Thank you so much for your time and help! So, if I understand correctly, I need to go back to Madagascar and get married there. Then I come back to France and my husband applies for family reunification—is that right? However, I’d like him to come to France before we get married so he can see my life here and get to know my country! As a student, do you think it’ll be tough to get a Schengen visa? See you soon...

knowing a Malagasy who became my boyfriend! I went back to Madagascar again in August for a month and a half to be with him! I thought it might be better to apply for a visa with a view to marriage

So if I understood correctly, I need to go back to Madagascar and get married there

No offense to anyone, but you want to marry someone you’ve only known for three and a half months??? 🤪 The Malagasy are even more intense than the Senegalese 😄

No offense, but you want to marry someone you’ve only known for 3 and a half months??? 🤪 The Malagasy are even crazier than the Senegalese 😄

Rvgrens, I think you’ve misunderstood my problem. I’M NOT ASKING FOR JUDGMENT ON MY SITUATION, BUT RATHER FOR HELP FINDING A SOLUTION!! And from what I’ve just seen, you’ve got nothing to offer me, so if you don’t mind, go check somewhere else—I’d appreciate it 😉!!!

You’ve been warned, Cheers.

Blah blah blah blah . . ..

I really love the response . . .. I’m laughing about it. . .. hee hee hee. . .LOL. . .

GREAT! ! ! !

If you want your boyfriend to see your life in France first, the only solution is for him to apply for a tourist visa. If it’s refused, marriage is the only remaining option. You’ll need to come to Madagascar. Don’t overlook the six weeks required for publishing the banns, and the preliminary appointment for both of you at the French Consulate General in Antananarivo. Once the marriage is done, you’ll have to request the transcription to obtain the French family record book (about 3 months). After that, you’ll need to apply for a visa. You’ll have to prove you have a large enough place to accommodate him and sufficient income to support him. Once he arrives in France, he’ll have to follow the integration process for foreigners and will receive a one-year visa without a residence permit being issued.

Once the marriage is completed, you’ll need to request the transcription to obtain the French family record book (around 3 months). Once obtained, it will be up to you to apply for a visa. You’ll need to prove you have housing large enough to accommodate them and sufficient income to support them.

I’ll add a few clarifications:

Housing Beyond health and equipment standards, the minimum living space required varies by geographic zone, ranging from 22 to 28 m² for a childless household. This threshold increases by 10 m² per additional person (5 m² beyond 8 people).

Money Income to be justified by the applicant: 2 to 3 people: Average of the minimum wage (Smic) net monthly over the 12 months prior to the application.

The applicant’s income can come from salaried or non-salaried work, asset management, retirement pensions, etc. The spouse’s income is also taken into account, provided they have income that will continue to be paid once they leave their country. The following are excluded from the couple’s income: family benefits active solidarity income (RSA) solidarity allowance for the elderly temporary waiting allowance specific solidarity allowance retirement equivalent allowance.

Thanks for usefully completing my answer.

Thank you so much for your replies!!

Regarding the resources I need to justify: I'm a student and I'm entitled to a scholarship as well as a return-to-work allowance (Pôle Emploi compensation). Do you think that would be enough as proof??

My boyfriend just got his agricultural engineering degree, and we're looking for a thesis director so he can do a PhD in France, but no one wants to take on a foreigner 😕 It's tough...

If you have any other ideas besides marriage, I'm all ears because I JUST WANT TO BE BY HIS SIDE...

Best,

Morgane

Thank you so much for your answers!!

Regarding the resources to justify: I’m a student and I’m entitled to a grant as well as a return-to-work allowance (Pôle Emploi compensation). Do you think that might be enough as proof??

My boyfriend just got his agricultural engineering degree, and we’re looking for a thesis director so he can do a PhD in France, but no one wants to take on a foreigner 😕 It’s tough...

If you happen to have any other ideas besides marriage, I’m all ears because I JUST WANT TO BE NEAR HIM...

Best,

Morgane

If I remember correctly, the agricultural engineering degree obtained in Madagascar is recognized in France. So it should be possible for him to do a PhD in France—the process is the same: he’ll need to go through the French Consulate, and they’ll provide the list of documents required.

Thanks so much for your replies!!

Regarding the resources I need to justify: I’m a student and I’m entitled to a grant as well as a return-to-work allowance (unemployment benefits from Pôle Emploi). Do you think that might be enough as proof??

I think the main issue here is that you’re actually committing fraud (unintentionally).

As far as I know, you can’t be on unemployment benefits and have student status at the same time. And definitely not a grant *plus* ARE (return-to-work allowance). That’s for sure—it’s one or the other.

With that kind of income, I doubt you have enough stable revenue for your application to be approved.

I think you're actually committing fraud (unintentionally).

It seems to me that you can't receive unemployment benefits and have student status at the same time. Even less so a scholarship + ARE (return-to-work allowance) 😮

No, you're mistaken because when I apply for my scholarship, I state that I'm receiving unemployment benefits from Pôle Emploi, and it's still accepted!! I have a lot of friends in the same situation, and they receive both too, so I don't think it's a mistake!! In any case, I have nothing to reproach myself for—I've always declared all my income!!

Hi there,

Your memories are good, but things have changed over the past few years.

There’s an institution near the embassy called CAMPUS FRANCE where you must register to make any requests and search for a program in France.

That’s a good idea because once he’s in France for at least a year, he can use this route to apply for a study grant and also find housing—all without even mentioning you in his applications (which would be better). And marriage can happen in time.

Here’s the registration site: http://www.madagascar.campusfrance.org/

For scholarship applications, you need to submit them before January for the following year.

You should also apply for housing on the campus where he’s making his request.

Come on… Hang in there… We’ll get there! ! ! !

We also went through this process, and he’s been registered with Campus France since September, but still nothing... I agree with you—“it’ll be better” and it gives us time to get married whenever we want... But honestly, with no response from Campus France, we’re starting to lose hope!!!

Anyway, thanks for all the support—it’s great not to feel alone.

Hi

This application is extremely complex to complete.

When you start it, there are lots of stages to fill out, and if you miss one, it’s like with the embassy—it’s a fail.

The main thing is sending the printed and signed application to Campus France. But if they need help finishing it while I’m in Tana, I can lend a hand.

See you soon

Good evening, don’t stress—this answer is the most appropriate: (The best thing is to follow the marriage procedure in Madagascar and then bring him over later with full legal backing and no reason for a visa refusal.)

This isn’t about accommodation... but about bringing your spouse to your side. What could be more important? Later, if you’re looking at family reunification, that’s a different story—your income, apartment, and other factors come into play.

Just so you know, if the agricultural engineering degree is from the Ratsiraka era (eastern country), it’s not worth a clove of garlic, let alone a rabbit’s foot. (The only one recognized worldwide is the "Petrochemistry" degree obtained in Algeria.)

No, you're mistaken because when I apply for my grant, I state that I'm receiving unemployment benefits from Pôle Emploi, and it's still accepted!

After that, did you notify Pôle Emploi that you're switching to student status?

Do a Google search. You might be surprised.

Thank you so much for your replies!!

Regarding the resources to justify: I'm a student and I'm entitled to a grant as well as a return-to-work allowance (unemployment benefits from Pôle Emploi). Do you think that might be enough as justification??

I think the main issue here is that you're committing fraud (unintentionally, I’m sure).

As far as I know, you can't receive unemployment benefits and have student status at the same time. And even less so a grant + ARE (return-to-work allowance). That’s for sure. It’s either one or the other.

With that kind of income, I doubt you have enough stable revenue for your application to be approved.

Come on, you're exaggerating!!!!!

France is a wealthy country, as far as I know.

We can well afford this kind of generosity!!!!!

I think the main issue here is that you’re committing fraud (unintentionally, I’m sure).

As far as I know, you can’t receive unemployment benefits and have student status at the same time. And even less so a scholarship *and* ARE (return-to-work allowance). That’s a given—it’s one or the other.

With that kind of income, I doubt you have enough stable revenue for the application to go through.

Come on, you’re exaggerating!!!!!

France is a wealthy country, last I checked.

We can afford this kind of generosity!!!!!

Fraud has practically become a national sport! And while the French aren’t the only ones doing it, they’re not exactly the worst either. I don’t mind a student getting some help, but when those benefits become a lifelong income, that’s a different story.

Hello, I’m not judging you or trying to discourage you. But if you feel this is the right path, still prepare yourself for long, difficult, and uncertain procedures—and definitely for some really tough moments. You’ve got to be ready to struggle quite a bit and likely plan at least one more trip to Madagascar.

There have been so many scams—fake marriages, people who didn’t return after their leave, fake documents (so easy to get in Madagascar, and not just there)—that consular agents aren’t exactly compassionate or attentive to every case. They’ve seen and heard so many professions of faith, promises, and "solid" applications that ended in fraud that, unfortunately, even in straightforward cases, they’re extremely meticulous and don’t apply the principle of presumption of honesty. It’s more like a direct presumption of fraud.

In my case, despite having proof of cohabitation (1.5 years living together in Madagascar, 3 years there for me, and my wife being older than me—pretty rare...), with a child, decent income, my wife couldn’t even get a transit visa for France, just for a short stopover when she came to join me in Asia. In the end, we had to make the trip in one go. No stop in Paris.

After that, it took a marriage and then 4 years before naturalization for life to finally get easier. Every time I went back on leave (since I’ve been living in Africa ever since), it meant a massive file and suspicion, even after a dozen Schengen visas.

In short, brace yourself for it not being easy—and especially nearly impossible if you don’t make things a bit official and don’t go back to Madagascar.

It’s up to you to decide if you’re ready for that.

Good luck

"I'M NOT ASKING FOR MY SITUATION TO BE JUDGED, BUT RATHER FOR HELP FINDING A SOLUTION!!"

The French consulate in Madagascar, representing the French Ministry of the Interior, is obligated to review and assess your situation—as well as your friend’s—so that your friend can obtain a visa to join you in France. This assessment determines whether the visa will be approved or denied. Your entire life—and your friend’s—will be scrutinized by the consul (who is a police prefect) because a visa for France isn’t granted with a wave of a magic wand just by presenting a marriage certificate (to avoid sham marriages). The first thing the consulate checks is your personal and professional situations (both yours and your friend’s). The *last* thing they verify is the marriage certificate itself. The solution I can suggest is to prepare a very strong application, putting your successful personal and professional situations front and center.

Your entire life and that of your friend will be scrutinized by the consul (who is a police prefect)

Let’s not exaggerate—we’re not under the Vichy regime anymore! All applications submitted to the French administration must be fully completed and accurate, nothing more. Furthermore, it’s not up to the Consulate to judge the validity of a marriage.

"Let's not exaggerate, we're no longer under the Vichy regime!"

Actually, the consul is exaggerating because their main task is to verify the authenticity of visa applications, even though the applicant's file is fully completed and in order. A meet-up with the consul for an interview feels like a real police investigation.

"It's not up to the Consulate to judge the validity of a marriage." On the contrary, the consul is obligated to determine whether it's a sham marriage or not.

"Let's not exaggerate, we're no longer under the Vichy regime!"

Actually, the consul is exaggerating because their main task is to verify the authenticity of the visa application files, even though they’re already fully completed by the applicant. A meet-up with the consul for an interview can even feel like a real police investigation.

"It is not up to the Consulate to judge the appropriateness of a marriage." On the contrary, the consul is obligated to determine whether it’s a sham marriage or not.

I’ve been through this, and it’s nothing like a police investigation. It’s just the application of French law, nothing more. For sham marriages, you should look toward the Maghreb, not Madagascar. There’s no connection between a sham marriage (verifying cohabitation) and the appropriateness of the marriage. The meet-up at the Consulate, prior to marriage, is mainly to check if the future Malagasy spouse speaks French. Everyone knows that marriage can be followed by a visa application, which is a rightful visa. Don’t confuse a foreigner who wants to bring their family to France with a French person who wants to bring their spouse.

"French law is being applied, nothing more."

Don’t try to teach me the ins and outs of French law because you don’t know anything about it. And don’t try to tell me how a French consul works because you don’t know anything about that either.

"Everyone knows that marriage can be followed by a visa application, which is a rightful visa."

Actually, from what I know, many Malagasy people married to French citizens have been denied visas—and even French nationality. Some of them have children together, kids stuck in Madagascar because they lack… a visa.

"French law applies, nothing more."

Don’t try to teach me the ins and outs of French law because you don’t know anything about it. And don’t try to teach me how a French consul works because you don’t know anything about that either.

From what I know, many Malagasy people married to French citizens have been denied visas and even French nationality. Some of them have children together, kids stuck in Madagascar because they don’t have… a visa.

Not only narrow-minded but pretentious too!!!

have been denied visas

Don’t you have a slightly nicer way to phrase that for someone who claims to know everything? 😉😉😉😉

When you’re out of arguments, you attack the person, claiming they know nothing—how petty, really petty.

"Don’t you have a nicer way to put it for someone who claims to know everything?"

Well, actually, I do: some Malagasy friends married to French citizens had the misfortune of not getting their official entry visas for France. They had submitted complete applications—more than complete, even! Logically and theoretically, they should have gotten the much-desired visa since their files were fully in order, but unfortunately, that’s only true in theory. Between theory and practice, there’s a huge gap I invite you to dig into to learn more.

Between theory and practice, there’s a big gap I invite you to dig into deeply to learn.

If the gap already exists, there’s no need to dig it deeper... No need to push open doors that are already open 😉😉😉😉

But you really dug yourself into a hole here: you seem to know everything about French law, yet you know nothing about the directives the French Ministry of the Interior sends to its consuls regarding visa application procedures. You’re lecturing me about French law—a subject you don’t even master! What a joke this guy is!

But you dug it all wrong: you seem to know everything about French law, yet you know nothing at all about the directives that the French Ministry of the Interior sends to its consuls regarding visa application procedures. You’re talking to me about French law, a subject you don’t even master! What a loser this guy is!

When you confuse ministerial directives with French law, you avoid calling others losers. If you actually knew anything, it would’ve been obvious long ago—you wouldn’t have made a fool of yourself by claiming to know the cost of housing in Antananarivo better than those who live there 😉😉😉😉 I’ll stop here; I’m not going to serve as your punching bag.

"When you confuse ministerial directives with French law,"

Ministerial directive = decree issued by the Council of Ministers and subsequently validated by the President of the Republic to be published in the *Journal Officiel* after approval by the Constitutional Council. Any other questions?

Hello,

Just a clarification: don’t confuse a directive (which is closer to an instruction or an "internal" note given to ministry department heads) with a decree. A directive can also accompany a decree to explain how it should be applied.

Back to the topic, based on my own experience, I can assure you that a complete and coherent file will help you achieve your goal, but it’s true that you mustn’t give in to discouragement. Personally, I got married in Madagascar after receiving the *certificat de capacité à mariage* (which involves prior steps like publishing the banns in France and a whole bunch of documents like birth certificates, etc.). The *certificat de capacité à mariage* is issued after an interview where they ask you questions. From what I felt, these questions are designed to detect sham marriages—or maybe more "gray" ones. They likely compare age gaps, socio-cultural differences, and financial situations in France. If the gaps seem too large, the consulate will be very demanding (nitpicky) about the documents, which probably leads to many people giving up—and I think that’s exactly their goal. I also remember them photocopying all my visas in my passport to check if we really knew each other well... When everything goes smoothly, marriage, transcription, *livret de famille*, family reunification right after, one-year visa... Our son, recognized by me at birth at the town hall in Tana and also registered at the Consulate, born 4 months before our marriage, was immediately added to the French *livret de famille*. Regarding my wife’s daughters from her first marriage: - When we arrived in France, we immediately tried for a student visa with me as their legal guardian and financial guarantor, but the consulate refused (the reason was only given orally: we were bypassing the family reunification process to save time). It wasn’t entirely wrong in spirit since I was indeed married to their mother, but we did meet all the criteria... We didn’t push it and even avoided applying for a short-stay visa for their vacations to avoid "burning bridges"... - We finally put together the family reunification file in France (after my wife’s legal residency period in France). This file is relatively heavy (OFII, prefecture, home visit, income check, employer verification...) and long (communication between OFII and the prefecture is poor, and documents can get lost). Most of the people we dealt with were more or less condescending and treated us with contempt. Coincidentally or not, after reaching our breaking point and just after threatening to take legal action (we had neither a refusal nor an approval, just no response), we received a positive answer.

Today, the girls are in France and in school. (We could also talk at length about the obstacle course to get their education level recognized... But it’s done now, and they weren’t held back academically and are doing pretty well!)

It’s a long, *very* long, and extremely discouraging obstacle course... (Especially when you see that some Maghreb countries get ENORMOUS facilitations...)... but not impossible.

In conclusion, there’s no refusal that the administration can’t justify. You can only reproach them for excessive zeal and a lack of consideration and empathy, especially when you feel you’re "in the right"... but well, they receive directives... 😉 to discourage as many people as possible.