Thanks for the house swap ideas. Unfortunately, my 'home' is a big old dusty chateau in mid-renovation. I don't think anyone would want the hassle, nor the cold rooms huddled around electric heater during the fall/winter months. Regarinding the UK situation, my job is moving without me but my employer is open to me coming there to continue working and will sponsor. However, the timeframe to do so is a problem. Our UK employment attorney says they will not let me into the UK without either a Visa or a booked return trip; and they certainly won't let me move my belongings or my dogs until the Visa is sorted.
Hi Donna,
When you say your job is being moved to the UK, do you mean 'with you' or 'without you'? And could your husband work from the UK for a while? Maybe you could find house-sitters for 3 months, that could look after your dogs, while you sort this out? Moving your dogs to the UK may be complicated — and I'm not sure 29 days is enough to organise it or that it's worth it if you hope it will only be for a few months.
What about trying to swap your house in France with a house in the UK, for three months? Maybe British people who are planning to move to France but would like to try it out first? Where do you live?
I'm French and I never thought it was so hard for working US citizens to set up shop here... I wish you good luck.
I have spoken to my UK office. They have applied for their Employee Sponsorship License in April, but the UKBA is months behind due to the Olympics. Once they get their License, I can apply for a Visa. Unfortunately, this timeline extends beyond my current required departure date. So do I go to the UK and hope that the Visa comes through? Or do I go back to the US and move again a month later.
Add to that, I can't move my belongings to the UK without proof of a Visia. And if I leave without my belongings I can't get back to them for three months.
so sorry to hear about this, no idea that they could do that. If your job is moving to the UK why don't you go there? Which part? you could rent a property for a short while while you sort yourself out. Where are you now and where would you go to if it was the UK? If you need any help there are lots of us here from the UK who could help. Sounds like one door is shutting but another is about to open, good luck Grace x
Hi Donna, what a horrific situation.
I have a suggestion however. Why don't you get someone to house/pet sit for the three months you're away. There are sites that organise this for you such as http://www.partirtranquille.com/ http://www.trustedhousesitters.com/fr/house-sitting-assignments/ and so on (I googled it).
It's a bit late but you never know.
Hi Donna,
Fully aprreciate that you are no t looking for sympathy - though you have mine anyway!! This all sounds horrendous, and completely barking mad!! But that in itself if probably quite French! Sometimes there just doesn't seem to be any logic to what the Powers-that-be decide!!
We have cats not dogs, so don't take them to UK with us when we go. However I do know that there are (were) pretty strict regulations about travelling with animals. I think you need to check that early to see whether you will be able to take the dogs with you when you go!
Not sure whereabouts you are in France - but hope that there are people nearby who can help with some of the practical details! I am sure you have Google'd (or equivalent) something like "Removals France". It might well be worthwhile trying some UK companies - on the basis that they might be quite pleased to have a full truck on their way back to UK if they have delivered somebody and their worldly goods over here! Also - it might be easier to impress the urgency of the situation on to them!
I wish you luck with the Avocat, and the practicalities of getting all this sorted. If by any chance you are anywhere near Poitiers then I would be happy to help! GOOD LUCK
Hi Nola, I am based in the Tarn. My lawyer says she has never seen anything like this in her experience. She suggested I appeal, but now that my job is moving there is no point. I could not stay in France without the job. She is contacting the Prefecture to see if she can get them to agree to give me additional time.
I sympathize Donna with your problems with the French Admin. But you should probably be able to get this decision postponed another 3 months through your lawyer. Failing this then try and get some sort of visa agreement for the UK (if your job is going to be based there) which will then allow you to come and go in France (and elsewhere in the EU) as you like.
I once tried to live in the US beyond my visa limit ... and got chucked out manu militari ...so we do understand
What does your lawyer say? Where are you based?