SchengenVisaSupport
TLSContact France USA 2026 — France Schengen Visa from the United States
France does not use VFS Global in the United States. The French consulate outsources all US applications to TLSContact. If you've been searching for "VFS France USA" — this is the correct center to use.
TLSContact France Locations in the USA
TLSContact operates France Schengen visa centers in all major US cities. Use the center serving your state of residence.
TLSContact assigns applicants by state of residence. Always verify which center covers your state on the official portal before booking.
Fees & Payment
TLSContact centers operate cashless. Credit or debit card only.
Fee Breakdown (USD approximate)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy visa fee (adult) | €90 (~$97) | Paid at center. Non-refundable. |
| Embassy visa fee (child 6-11) | €45 (~$48) | Non-refundable. |
| Embassy visa fee (under 6) | Free | — |
| TLS service fee | ~$45–55 | Paid online when booking. Non-refundable. |
| Premium Lounge (optional) | ~$75–100 | Priority processing, dedicated staff. |
| Photo service (optional) | ~$15 | Or bring 2 compliant photos. |
| Courier return (optional) | ~$20–30 | Passport mailed back instead of collection. |
All USD figures are estimates. Verify exact fees on the TLSContact France portal at booking.
Operating Hours
Monday – Friday: Typically 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (varies by city)
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Holidays: Closed on US federal holidays and French national holidays
Confirm exact hours on the TLSContact portal for your city before travelling.
Documents Checklist
- Passport — valid 3+ months after return, 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years
- US visa / green card / EAD — valid proof of legal US residence
- Schengen application form — completed online on France-Visas portal, printed and signed
- 2 passport photos — white background, Schengen spec (35×45mm)
- Travel insurance — minimum €30,000 coverage, Schengen area, full trip dates
- Flight reservation — round-trip with PNR (not purchased tickets)
- Hotel bookings — refundable, all nights of stay
- Bank statements — 3 months, showing sufficient funds (~€65/day)
- Proof of employment / income — employer letter + 3 months pay stubs, or business documents
- Cover letter — purpose, itinerary, ties to US (return intent)
- Appointment confirmation — TLSContact booking printout
How to Book a France Schengen Visa Appointment (Step-by-Step)
- Complete the France-Visas online form — go to france-visas.gouv.fr, create an account, fill in your application, download your completed form.
- Create a TLSContact account — register at fr.tlscontact.com/en-US/.
- Select your city — choose the center serving your state of residence.
- Pick a date and time — appointment slots can go fast; check early morning for new releases.
- Pay the TLS service fee online — card required. The embassy visa fee is paid at the center on the day.
- Attend your appointment — bring all printed documents. Biometrics (fingerprints + photo) are taken at the center.
- Track and collect — use TLSContact's tracking portal. Pick up at center or choose courier return.
Processing Times from USA
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date TLSContact submits your file to the consulate (not from your appointment). Add 1-2 days for TLS submission.
| Period | Expected Processing |
|---|---|
| October – April (off-peak) | 10–15 business days |
| May – June | 15–25 business days |
| July – August (peak) | 30–45 business days |
| September | 15–25 business days |
Rule of thumb: Apply at least 6 weeks before summer travel, 3-4 weeks for other months. You may apply up to 6 months in advance.
Tips for US Applicants
- France approves ~90% of well-prepared applications from the USA — a complete, consistent file is usually enough
- Non-immigrant visa holders (H-1B, F-1, L-1, O-1) must bring their valid US visa + I-94 + I-20 or approval notice
- Green card holders apply in the same way as US citizens for residence proof purposes
- New York and Los Angeles centers fill soonest — try Washington DC or Chicago for earlier slots
- Appointment slots are released daily; check the portal early morning (8-9 AM local time)
- Never buy flight tickets before visa approval — bring a flight reservation with PNR instead
Complete your visa file
Before your TLSContact appointment, complete the three bookings every visa officer checks: a refundable hotel proof, flight reservation, and €30,000+ travel insurance.
Common Questions
Does France use VFS Global in the USA?
No. France uses TLSContact for Schengen visa applications in the United States — not VFS Global. All other VFS centers at the same address process different countries. Book at fr.tlscontact.com/en-US/.
How do I book a France Schengen visa appointment in the USA?
Create an account at fr.tlscontact.com/en-US/, select your nearest US city, choose a date, and pay the TLS service fee online. The €90 embassy fee is paid at the center on appointment day.
How much does a France Schengen visa cost from the USA?
€90 (~$97) embassy visa fee for adults + TLSContact service fee (~$45-55). Total approximately $145-155. Optional: premium lounge (~$75-100), courier return (~$25), photos (~$15).
What is the TLSContact France priority processing fee?
The Premium Lounge service ($75-100) gives you priority queuing, a dedicated assistant to check your documents before submission, and a more comfortable waiting experience. It does not speed up consulate processing time — only the appointment itself is prioritised.
How long does France visa processing take from the USA?
Standard 15 calendar days from submission to consulate. Summer peak (June-August) can extend to 30-45 days. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel in peak season.
Can I use my H-1B visa to apply for a France Schengen visa?
Yes. H-1B, L-1, O-1, F-1, and other valid US visa holders can apply. Bring your valid US visa, I-94, and supporting documents (I-20, approval notice). Green card holders apply the same way.
Should I buy flight tickets before visa approval?
No — bring a flight reservation with a real PNR. Buy tickets only after visa approval.
What is the difference between TLSContact and France-Visas?
France-Visas (france-visas.gouv.fr) is the French government portal where you fill and submit your application form online. TLSContact is the physical visa application center where you submit your passport and biometrics. You need both: fill France-Visas first, then book your TLSContact appointment.
🔥 Most Asked by Applicants
Other USA Visa Centers
- VFS New York — all Schengen countries except France
- VFS Los Angeles — Southern California
- VFS San Francisco — Northern California & Pacific Northwest
- VFS Chicago — Midwest
- VFS Washington DC — Mid-Atlantic
- VFS Houston — Texas & South