I applied for a French VISA from the US almost 18 months ago. During the VISA process I was asked and provided proof of Medical Insurance, proof of Income in excess of 2000 per month and etc. I got the VISA worded Visiteur. Shortly after within a month I married a UK Citizen. We own a house in France and spend our time between the US, UK, and France. Because I spend more than 90 days in a six month period and being an American I understood I needed a VISA. However, since marrying a UK Citizen I do not think I do. Within two months of my first arrival in France I wrote OFII several letters requesting a CArte de Sejour reflecting my correct status as an EU Spouse or even as Retiree considering I do not intend to work in France. During the process the French asked if my wife was going to live in France, she still works part time in the UK and returned about two weeks every few weeks to the UK to work. She like I has no intention of working in France. I also forwarded all my documentation to OFII (Marriage Licence, Certificate of Domicile (we own a house), Utility Bill & etc.). My wife and I went to OFII where I had a medical exam and interview. They gave me a Carte De Sejour after I paid 349 Euros. The Carte De Sejour shows my status as Visiteur and was dated to coincide to expire with my VISA (349 euros wasted.) This year I went through the same drill to renew my Carte De Sejour only difference I went to the Prefecture not OFII. I paid 106 Euros got my new Carter De Sejour (not in my Passport a separate card with a Micro Chip on it). The problem it still says Visiteur Temporaire , good for a year. I tried to exchange my Drivers License for a French one (there is an agreement between the State of Texas and France) and was not able because my Carte De Sejour states Temporaire.
How do I correct my status on the Carte De Sejour, what is the process,or am I stuck paying every year and not knowing if I'll be allowed to spend anymore time at our home in France?