Well everyone, I went for my 5th visa appointment today. I arrived at 8:30 to a hugely long line that looked like it started forming at 6 am. Luckily after I passed through security, I went directly to guichet Z like I was told last time, handed over the papers that they needed, proof that I paid for school through June, and took a seat and got comfortable. I don't know what they do back there and why it takes so long. I guess its because they analyze every. single. detail. of your dossier.
I was called back to guichet U around 9:45...not a bad wait I thought. (Don't know whether thats me becoming accustomed to queues in France or what...but it wasn't long at all.) She asked me to sign a few documents, hand over my crazy, standard sized, prison, no smile, passport photos, and to verify some information. After she carefully took out a double sided piece of tape to attach my photo, she handed me a small piece of paper with another rendez-vous time. It had a date on it to which I was to return and pick up my titre de séjour!!! SUCCESS!!!! (Titre de séjour = visa/residence permit.) She doesn't know how long it will be extended for, but I am hoping through the end of July.
I bounced out of the office on cloud 9, and couldn't wait to text everyone I knew. I am not celebrating until it is IN MY HANDS, but am much more at ease now. Downside...I paid for 70 euros worth of tax stamps that I didn't need to, and now have to buy 49 more euros of different tax stamps. My Christmas money is dwindling down to nothing....but-I will now be legal!!! haha!
I go back March 12th to pick up my titre de séjour but until then I have a récipissé and I can travel and function as normal.
So rest easy parents, friends, and grandparents....J'ai réussi!!!!
Congratulations, Maggie. You showed them.
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