It’s more than an exam and it ain’t that bad!

You’ll have an appointment at the office for new immigrants (Agence Nationale de l’Accuel des Etrangers et des Migrations). It’s more than a medical office, it’s also a social welfare center. You will line up outside until your appointment time. If there are many people waiting, you may be limited to small groups at a time. Don’t worry about rushing, you’ll all be there the same amount of time. Plan on 2-3 hours for the entire program.

Once inside, you’ll give your name and appointment sheet to the office, they will ask if you understand French or not. You’ll then go into a classroom with water, juice, and possibly cookies and wait for everyone to enter.

There will be a few people asking introducing themselves, the office, and the day’s procedures. They will speak entirely in French. You will then watch a short movie about France, its history, and the meanings behind liberté, égalité, and fraternité. This will also be in French, but you can request an audio device in another language.

Learning French

You will be asked to sign a contract with France to learn the French language and to assimilate into their culture. You will receive up to 300 hours of classes free of charge to accomplish this. The classes are flexible and you can find them in your own neighborhood. Those that can get by and advanced speakers can take tests to reduce the 300 hour requirement for future residency applications.

The Interview

Eventually your name will be called for either the health exam or a personal interview. The interviewer will begin speaking in French, but can also speak in other languages if you have trouble understanding. They will ask for your basic information, schooling, job, etc. They are checking your level of preparedness.

There’s also a short written test that is fairly easy to pass. You’ll be asked to write down a phone number, a multiple choice section with 4 words, about your level of education, and to write a simple sentence. Those that pass this test get a certification of readiness. I’m not sure what that does, but it should help your future residency application steps.

The Health Exam

This is an exam, not a test. They are looking for potential problems that need to be further tested. Remember that France has socialized medicine and it is much cheaper to find out problems early rather than later.

Expect the following:

1. An eye exam for distance and up-close.
2. Your weight and height measured (fully clothed)
3. A blood sugar test
4. A chest x-ray
5. A blood pressure test.
6. A personal consultation with a doctor.

The chest x-ray is a bit confusing. You’ll be ushered to a small hallway with three cubicles. You’ll be asked to remove your clothing above the waist and wait to be called by the technician. The tech will lead you to the xray machine. Stand with your chest touching the paper-covered board. Before you know it you’ll be finished, dressed, and waiting in another room for your personal exam.

Summary

The entire visit was a positive experience. They treated everyone with great patience and respect. They also had a great sense of humor. After your interview and medical exam, you’ll have what you need to see the Prefecture of Police to get your residency card. Don’t forget to bring your passport and appointment announcement.
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