Applying for french visa but UK visa expires soon

[sunnyday]

Anyone got experiece applying for french visa? From what I read they are very strict to the rules. They are asking to see a return ticket to my home country if UK visa is not valid by more than 3 months of the validity of the requested visa.

'Your British Residence permit must also exceed by more than 3 months the validity of the requested visa. Exception will be made (1 month) for people returning for good to their country on presentation of their travel tickets. The British residency must stamped onto the passport.'

The problem is i am planning to extend my UK visa when I get back to the UK and I have commitment documents to show that I have a reason to return to the UK. Would they accept that? Anyone experienced this please give some advice.

[SYH]

Well you really don't have a choice, you show this evidence and also the application which shows that you can't apply for an extension any earlier than 28 days, assuming that is the case. If you can apply earlier, I would get it over with to avoid having to negotiate with another govt about how to execute their rules around your personal schedule

[Fairtrade]

You would still have to satisfy the immigration official when coming back to the UK if your UK visa is not valid for 3 months or more.You would have to explain that you are coming back to UK to finish some last minute things like close your bank account or finish your work contract ect. Can't you extend your UK visa first before travelling to France?

Like you said France only issue Schengen visas to people with British visas valid for at least 3 months or the exception is for up to a month if you have proof that you have a return flight back to your home country after the holiday.

So can't you just renew your British visa now, and then apply for a schengen visa or do you need to go to France now?

[sunnyday]

I can't renew my UK visa now because it will take up at least 5-6 weeks like usual. By the time I get my passport back, I wouldn't even have time going on holiday. Plus mine UK visa doesn't expire until end of Auguest. If I'm only allowed to apply 28days prior to the expiry date, then renewing my UK visa now is not an option as I will have to wait till July.

I am actually going to return to study in September in the UK therefore extend my UK visa after the trip to france. I have the school offer letter to prove that. so basically buying a flight ticket pretending that I am going home would be just a pseudo move, and I was hoping to be honest and explain this to the embassy that I am planning to return to the UK for the study and extend my UK visa here. The thing is, I don't know if they will care enough to make an exception for me or simply ignore my circumstances.

What's my best bet, as I would really not want to spend £40 for visa application with a 50/50 chance.

SYH, where can I find the 28 days rule on the web?

[Shan12]

You can go for a same day service for your visa... unfortunately it will cost £595 and you will be treated with great contempt.