Staying in France or Europe

Staying in France or Europe after TAPIF

One common TAPIF question is how do I stay in France or Europe after my contract ends?

The most obvious way is to just ask for a longer stay when you apply for your visa, but that can be hit-or-miss. I requested a longer stay, but was only given until May 15 the same as most assistants. Luckily you should be able to stay in the Schengen area as a tourist for up to 90 days after your visa expires. US citizens (as well as citizens of many other countries) are generally allowed to stay in the Schengen area for 90 days visa-free as a tourist and the time you spend in France under your work visa does not count towards these 90 days. 

Here is an excerpt of the official source. Article 6 of the EU Schengen Borders Code states:

1.  For intended stays on the territory of the Member States of a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period, which entails considering the 180-day period preceding each day of stay, the entry conditions for third-country nationals shall be the following...

2.  The date of entry shall be considered as the first day of stay on the territory of the Member States and the date of exit shall be considered as the last day of stay on the territory of the Member States. Periods of stay authorised under a residence permit or a long-stay visa shall not be taken into account in the calculation of the duration of stay on the territory of the Member States.

Note the very last sentence.

I also believe that this law means that you should not even need to leave the Schengen Area when your visa expires, but it is not entirely clear to me. You may wish to exit Schengen, go to the UK or elsewhere, and then reenter to ensure that there is no confusion.

Alternatively if you wish to stay even longer, consider my other post on TAPIF alternatives which details other ways you can spend more time in France by studying or working as an au pair.

Contract Renewal

Unfortunately if you wish to renew your contract you will not be allowed to remain in France. You will have to return to the US and apply for a new visa there. Renewal paperwork is released early January and the deadline to submit is in mid-March.