Julie's French Nationality

Julie's French Nationality

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UPDATE: Here's my entire timeline, from sending the dossier to the official celebration - Montpellier/34, American, by marriage:

• January 31, 2020 - mailed dossier
• June 30, 2020 - dossier accepted (préfecture closed for 2-3 months due to COVID-19). Letter arrived July 4th 🙂
• February 4, 2021 - préfecture entered my déclaration
• February 9, 2021 - letter arrived with date for my préfecture interview. No gendarme visit.
• April 8, 2021 - préfecture interview. Sent to SDANF quickly, ministerial number 2021DX006... I did not get an automatic email. 
• July 15, 2021 - officially French! (I only found this out later; it's on my French birth certificate)
• July 27, 2021 (3 1/2 months after the interview) - on the electoral rolls! 
• August 5, 2021 - email that my birth certificate is available
• August 20, 2021 - received my online birth certificate (email notification)
• September 7, 2022 - appointment with mairie for ID and passport (I made the pre-demande 3 weeks before)
• October 1, 2021 - picked up ID and passport
• October 22, 2021 - Ceremony and Welcome to French Nationality; received my declaration of French nationality.

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Timeline to Apply (Submit Dossier)

My initial check of the requirements was actually in 2010, at the French embassy in Costa Rica. The consulate told us that there was a new law coming into effect in January 2011. From that point onward, I would have to prove that my level of French was to the B1 level; the only proof acceptable at that time was the DELF language certificate. He also said that because he was born abroad, Rick would have to get a Certificate of French Nationality (CNF) before I could apply as his spouse.

Fast forward to 2017 - I was a new resident of France, and knew that I needed to prove a French level of A2 or better for my titre de séjour (residence permit) renewal. So, I took the DELF B1 test (the diploma is good for life) in October 2017, knowing I could use it for both my residence and my nationality dossiers. (details here)

In early 2019, I got serious about collecting required items. I joined an online forum for people applying for French nationality, and learned all sorts of things!  Each préfecture has its own way of doing things, so I made sure to get the Hérault information. Because I have not lived in France for more than 10 years, I have to include police reports from both the USA and Costa Rica.

I started to gather the documents that didn't expire. I knew that my California marriage certificate included our birth dates and birth places, so I hoped the same for my parents'. My parents sent me their marriage certificate, but it didn't show birth dates! So, my list had to include their birth certificates instead. My new long-term list was:
   DELF diploma (done 2017)
   Rick's CNF
   my birth certificate, certified, with apostille
   parents birth certificates
   FBI report
   Costa Rica police report
 
March/April 2019
- my parents seemed happy to collect all the birth certificates and mail them; all told, these took about a month, plus 2 weeks for the mail to reach me in France. They mailed them from California April 29, and I received them May 11.
- a friend in Costa Rica agreed to pick up my police report there and mail it to me. But I still had to find out how to order it. I asked about this on my nationality forum, and was told that (probably) the Costa Rican embassy would arrange it for me. A friend here in Sète helped me to write emails to ask for details. (details here)
- after a lot of research and corresponding anxiety, it was clear that I had to get my fingerprints taken to get the FBI report. I found myself putting off doing this :-\
- we found details on how to get Rick's CNF, and sent off for the supporting documents.
- we made sure we had all our bills in both names; I called our electric company to fix Rick's name, and had a nice surprise! I fully expected to stumble through the call in French, but then they found someone who spoke English for me - et voilà!

May 2019
- We still hadn't received the French documents needed for Rick's CNF, so he re-ordered them (expected in 10 working days)
- I requested my police report from Costa Rica, and was told it would be ready the 15th (everyone involved is a little bit skeptical, but we'll see)
- My parents' birth certificates and my birth certificate with apostille arrived. The very good news is that the apostille is already in English, Spanish, and French! So that's one less page that requires a translation.

June 2019
- Amazingly, my police report arrived from Costa Rica, well within the expected 2 weeks!

August 21 2019
Went to the Tribunal d'Instance in Montpellier to request Rick's CNF. They wanted more documents. We went home and ordered them.
Meanwhile, we found out that we have to move! This adds more than a little wrinkle to our timeline!

October 24 2019
Rick's updated documents came. They are now taking 9 weeks (instead of 10 days)!

October 30 - Returned to tribunal. They indicated that we should have the CNF in 8 weeks.

November 20 2019 - I started my request for the FBI report. Attempted fingerprinting... gave up...

October/November 2019 - We moved, and had to start collecting new justificatifs de domicile. I also had to update my carte de séjour. (details here)

December 26 2019 - Rick's CNF is ready! We have an appointment to pick it up January 2nd. I plan to ask for their help in fingerprinting me...

January 2 2020 - picked up Rick's CNF! (details here) Asked about fingerprinting; it's a no go at the tribunal, but the police station will do them!

January 3 2020 - got fingerprinted at the police station, and mailed them to the FBI (details here). I also double-checked the current requirements from the Hérault préfecture, to make sure nothing had changed. The only difference was they had fixed the link to the newest version of the request form, and added a line for an email address :-)

January 18 - FBI report came! The electronic version, that is. But many who have successfully completed this adventure used this version. As it turned out, the paper copy is exactly the same as our printed electronic version.
So, we sent off my foreign documents to translators for estimates.

January 30 2020
Translated documents arrived!
   all birth certificates + 1 apostille (3 + 1)
   both police reports (1 from Spanish, with apostille)
It's time! I gathered all those last-minute elements:
- We didn't need to order a new French marriage certificate, since we had ordered several for the CNF application
- I didn't need a new photo, since I had some for my Residence permit update
- We had colored paper left from the CNF application
- I needed to get 3 stamped, self-addressed envelopes, and a letter-suivi big enough to hold my full dossier; these are easy to get at the post office, so I'll get them when I mail my dossier.
- I bought the 55€ timbre (the fee) online, and printed out the proof
- We printed a whole lotta receipts from a whole lotta utilities, banks, rental agencies...

January 31 2020 - The big day is here! After a "calm" double-check of the contents, it's time to mail my dossier (For Montpellier, we have to mail the dossier in order to get an appointment). I decided to add a copy of my passport, to match the ID used for my Costa Rican police report. I also stopped at the bank to see if they could provide an attestation - no, there is no such thing, but I got simpler account proof, and even got them stamped!
~~~

My complete Dossier, in order, separated by folded colored paper w/ content summary (to mail to Montpellier préfecture):
---
cerfa numéro 15277*03
timbre fiscale 55€ (purchased online)
phone number
email address
1 photo (nom, prénom on back)
3 enveloppes (SASE)
1 lettre suivie (500g-1kg) (note the tracking number)
---
original full birth certificate, translated, apostilled
parents' birth certificates, translated, photocopies (take originals to RDV)
marriage certificate (French, less than 3 months old)
---
Rick's CNF (copy; take original to RDV)
---
carte de séjour copy, front/back (take original to RDV)
récépissé for CDS address change
proof of communauté de vie - 2+ different recent justificatifs de domicile in both names:
   electric bill (2)
   rent contract, latest receipt
   internet contract (2)
   joint bank account attestation
---
criminal records - FBI report and Costa Rican report
- "extrait de casier judiciaire étranger" (translated; original)
- copy of my passport
---
DELF diploma (copy; take original to RDV)

My Dossier - 344 grams

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Possible problems:
- my Costa Rican police report includes my mother's name, but it is spelled wrong
- my birth certificate lists my father's middle initial, but his birth certificate does not.
- since we moved recently, we don't have the ideal document trail

Expected next steps:
x
- possibly have to resubmit (order a new French marriage certificate ASAP, as it can take 2 months)
UPDATE: on the 4th of July (LOL), I received the "acceptance letter," meaning I won't have to resubmit! Details here: http://slowtravelin.blogspot.com/2020/07/dossier-for-french-nationality-accepted.html
x
- study for interview
- RDV Montpellier préfecture, bringing updated documents
- gendarmes (police) visit

UPDATE: On February 9, 2020, I received a letter from the préfecture, giving a date in April for my interview! So far, no gendarme visit.  http://slowtravelin.blogspot.com/2021/02/julies-french-nationality-interviews.html
UPDATE: April 8, 2020 - We had a good interview, the gendarme visit didn't happen and is not necessary, and my dossier is complete! Details here: http://slowtravelin.blogspot.com/2021/04/julies-french-nationality-interview.html

x
Dossier is sent to SDANF for final dispensation/decision. Keep checking the tracking number of the lettre suivie that I included in my dossier.
Send email to SDANF to get ministerial number (tracking). Address: sdanf-accueil@interieur.gouv.fr Email title: prefecture number, surname, first name, date of birth, "état d’avancement de mon dossier"

UPDATE: June 28, 2021 - Both of these methods are now outdated! I didn't get any news automatically, but I was finally able to get my ministerial number:  https://slowtravelin.blogspot.com/2021/06/french-nationality-progress.html
x

- register to vote (UPDATE 2021 - this is automatic now)

UPDATE: July 27, 2021 - I'm on the electoral rolls! It's the first proof that I'm French!  (Still no email or letter, but that will come in time) 

https://slowtravelin.blogspot.com/2021/07/i-can-vote.html
- email/letter from préfecture announcing French Nationality

- order French birth certificate (may not need for mairie)
- pre-order ID and passport

UPDATE: I got an email on August 5, saying I was French, and that my birth certificate was available to order. I ordered it, and it arrived the 20th - this is when I found out that I had become French on July 15th! I pre-ordered my ID and passport, and made an appointment at the mayor's office to finalize the request. 
x
- go to Mairie to finalize request for ID and passport

UPDATE: September 7, 2021 - I had my appointment, took my photos (such as they are 🙄), and a copy of my birth certificate. They are supposed to be able to use an online version, but since I had a copy with me, they used it. They said the documents would be ready in about a month.
x
- receive documents

UPDATE: September 23, 2021 - mail! I am invited to a Ceremony and Welcome to French Nationality! It's at the préfecture, October 22 - I'll receive my declaration of French nationality.

UPDATE: October 1, 2021 - I picked up my ID and Passport! Details: https://slowtravelin.blogspot.com/2021/10/my-shiny-new-passeport.html
UPDATE: October 22, 2021 - my Welcome to French Nationality Ceremony! Details: https://slowtravelin.blogspot.com/2021/10/welcome-to-french-nationality-ceremony.html
=======================

Timeframe as of Fall 2019
Montpellier accepts or returns dossier in about 2 months.
RDV for interview at the préfecture (take updated docs): 1-2 years from dossier accepted.
Nationality: 1-2 years from préfecture RDV.
It is sometimes shorter for application by marriage.

Important information
The préfecture makes the first evaluation and either gives a positive recommendation to the ministre, or rejects with reason.

Websites
http://www.herault.gouv.fr/Demarches-administratives/Demarches-etrangers/Naturalisation
http://accueil-etrangers.gouv.fr/acces-a-la-nationalite-francaise/
http://timbres.impots.gouv.fr/

~~~
Costs:
$100 - birth certs
$125 - CR police report
$31 - FBI report
200€ - translations (4 English, 1 Spanish)
55€ - timbre
21€ - miscellaneous (photo, envelopes, postage)
$0 - DELF (reused)
$25 - CNF (3 trips to Montpellier = 15+7€)
----
$585 total

~~~

And Now...

Hot Toddy

There's nothing like a Hot Toddy when you have a cold!

Hot Toddy
Mix in a mug - lemon juice, hot water, and honey. Stir to dissolve, then glug in some whiskey. Drink hot!

I may just stay sick, just to have more of these...

Cold Season

Yep, it's officially cold season, and I have one 😒
Plus, it's looking like our weather is going to be a little unpleasant.

This is either bad or good:
Bad if I have to go out in it.
Good as another excuse to stay inside!

Sign Sense?

There is an intersection in Sète that has a sign that makes no sense to me - here it is, circled in blue...

Notice that every street is one-way (marked in red). So, what driver is going to see the "do not enter" sign? 

I have to assume it's left over from a time when one of these roads contained a different direction...

Loupian Hike

We went back to Loupian for today's hike - our route was a bit shorter than last time (see it here), but it was still very pleasant! We had a nice sunny day, with very little wind - not warm enough to tempt shorts though...

We parked at the church, and headed out of town

Saw some interesting plants

And vineyards

Had another look at the old mine

Last Summer, there was a fire here - we saw a lot of blackened trees and shrubs

We stopped for an early lunch, and enjoyed the view

The arugula is in fine form

As are the vines

I liked the way this plant looked, growing out of a stone wall

More arugula and vines

Back to the church

Then on to drinks, sitting in the sun in Mèze.

FBI Criminal Record Check

FBI Criminal Record Check

Now, *those* are some scary words! But all it really is is proof that you don't have a criminal record in the USA.

It's a little daunting to go through the request process though. The main drawback is finding a way to get your fingerprints taken. It's easy enough in the states - you can usually get them at a police station, or even at a post office that's set up for it! However, when you're abroad, it's difficult to (1) find a place that can do it, and (2) explain what you need well enough that they want to help you.

So, just why do I need this? I'm finally asking for French nationality!

What I did:

November 20 - I went online and created an electronic account, and paid $18
https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
https://www.edo.cjis.gov/#/

December - I tried to take my own fingerprints. It did not go well...

January 2 - I asked at tribunal (since we were there); they said no, and could only think of asking at the US embassy.
Then I asked at the local police station; he first said no, and that the préfecture does that, and it's not the same. That made me wonder if I hadn't explained it well, so I showed him the fingerprint page and the explanation page. He called someone, then said to come back tomorrow (no appointment time).

January 3 - I went back to the police station, and after a short wait, an officer and her trainee took me inside. She asked me to explain why I wanted my fingerprints, so I gave her the long story. She explained to her trainee that for Canadian and American police reports, they need to use fingerprints. Then, first she took my prints, explaining all the while, then her trainee took a second set. We all looked at the prints, and declared them good! The officer explained that they knew about this process because one of her colleagues married a Canadian, and she had to do the same for her police report. At the end, I said I might know in 2 weeks whether the prints were accepted or not, and she said to just come back if I needed to try again!
On the fingerprint card, I left everything blank except:
- Full name, as reflected in my electronic order
- date of birth
- social security number
- order number (I put this in the box for "reason fingerprinted")

I went right from the police station to the post office. I originally thought I would use Chronopost Express, but! even though it would only take 3 days, it was over 60€!! I eventually settled on a 2€ option (plus 8€ stamp) that will take up to 7 days. I put in the electronic account page and 2 sets of fingerprints, and sent it off! I ended up folding the pages, and I'm hoping that won't affect their acceptability...

What's next - I can follow the mail online (via the recommandé number), then the fingerprint analysis and reporting progress via the CJIS website, using my account number. Eventually, they will email my report, followed by snail-mail. According to those who have gone before, I can use the emailed report.

Inky fingers are all crossed!

UPDATE: once my letter left France (the next day!), I couldn't follow it; there were no updates from the USA. However! I received my electronic police report from the FBI just 2 weeks later (January 18)!

Certificate of French Nationality

CNF

Why does a French national need a Certificate of French Nationality (CNF)? For someone born abroad, it's an extra level of scrutiny, but then you are certified, by the court, as definitely being French. For most activities and documents in France, a French birth certificate (which you have if your birth was registered via an embassy) is sufficient. You can get your French ID and passport, for example. But, if you are like Rick, and want to pass on your right to citizenship to a spouse, well then, you need the CNF.

It's like you're French enough for you, but there's an extra layer of "Frenchness" needed for your spouse to become French :-\

March - got copy of grandparents' certificates, as much as possible

March 25 - requested father's birth certificate, marriage certificate

End of April - re-ordered the documents

May 21 - requested father's birth certificate again

June 12 - received parents' marriage certificate (still no father's birth certificate)

June 17 - created account at the Paris mairie, and ordered father's birth certificate again

June 17 - ordered Rick's French birth certificate from Nantes

July 6 - received father's birth certificate, in response to created account; mentions marriage, but not death (death abroad registered in Nantes)

July - received father's birth certificate/notice, in response to March request; only gives basic info, for genealogy (not useful for nationality)

July 24 - ordered father's death certificate

August 3 - received father's birth certificate ordered May 21.

August 5 - received email that (2) Rick's birth certificates would be mailed within 10 days

August 9 - received Rick's birth certificate, father's death certificate

made the dossier:
1 ID photo
1 copy and original of Rick's ID card
1 justificatif de domicile
1 French full birth certificate
1 father's full French birth certificate
1 parents' full French marriage certificate
1 copy grandparents' certificates
+++ extra items, in case
1 father's death certificate
1 copy and original Rick's voter card
1 copy and original Rick's passport

August 13 - called tribunal d'instance for appointment; no RDV required, just go between 8:30 - 11:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
Note: for Montpellier, this is not the Tribunal de Grande Instance.

August 21 - to Montpellier to submit CNF dossier.
Tribunal d'Instance, rue de Tarragone, some paid parking available on the street. Enter, go through security, turn right up a half-flight of stairs, go to the 4th door on the right. Sign in on the sheet, and wait (do not knock or open door). We waited less than 5 minutes.
At the tribunal office, we gave the items we had, as the clerk asked for them. She checked some of the information on her government network. She didn't need the extra things we brought. But she did need more:
- Our French Marriage certificate (< 3 months old)
- Copy+orig livret de famille
- Copy+orig Julie's Titre de Séjour
- French Taxes for the previous year (2018 avis d'imposition)
She asked a few questions, such as why we needed the CNF (so Julie could apply for nationality), how long have been married, and how long we have lived in France. She asked if Rick's mother became French, and confirmed with us that his father had not rescinded his nationality.
She said that 27 years of marriage - that's a long time to wait to apply for nationality. I said that abroad, the certificate of french nationality is difficult and takes a long time. She said that if you already have a French birth certificate, it is much faster! We didn't talk more about that (that is, having to provide more generations of information). At the end, she gave us the documents back, along with her list. We are to keep that until we have the rest, then bring everything back in. But she said not to worry! Once we submit everything needed, it should take 6 weeks to arrive.

August 21 - ordered 2 copies of our French marriage certificate and 2 copies of Rick's French birth certificate, all from Nantes. Wait time is 7 weeks. (October 9)

October 9 - expect marriage certificate. No, everything is backed up - even more!

October 24 - marriage certificate arrived! So did Rick's birth certificate! But just one copy... And, it's Thursday. So, we must wait till next week to go back to the tribunal.

October 30 - this morning, we drove into Montpellier to submit the updated dossier. We went through a different person, who went through everything again, and took the dossier! She did say that we might be called to add Rick's mother's birth certificate. Barring that, it will now take about 2 months (it's getting longer, just like everything else). We will be notified by mail when it's ready, then we go back to pick it up.

Wait 2 months for CNF (~December 30)

December 26 - the tribunal called - Rick's CNF is ready! We made an appointment for January 2nd!

January 2 - we got to the tribunal in plenty of time, signed in, and went in. Rick showed his ID card, and the agent led us through the certificate. She remembered that the reason he wanted it was so I could apply for nationality, and she explained some of the next steps for that. She stressed that I should include the photocopy, not the original, of the CNF when I mail my dossier. I would show them the original during the interview. The CNF is good for life, but to get another one, he would have to go through the same process.

Only now, anyone needing a CNF (from Montpellier) has to call for an appointment

Sign posted at tribunal

~~~
Official government website for CNF:
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1051