Expert: Kitty Kavey - 2/7/2008

Question
I have been with Heffner management for 3 years.  They want to send me to Paris and all over Europe to model.  How long does it take me to get a work visa? Is my agency suppose to help me? Do I have to be placed with a European agency before I can get a visa?

Answer
Your agency is supposed to help you with getting a work permit and visa if necessary - particularly since they presumably have sent over models to the EU before.  
It can easily take weeks to get a visa and work permit, so do apply as soon as you can.  You can contact the French Embassy in the US if you need to obtain the information on your own, or if your agency asks that you make all the arrangements.
The French embassy website is located here:

http://www.ambafrance-us.org/visitingfrance/

and explains what you need, where to apply, how much it costs, etc.

Alternatively, if you are placed with a European agency, you can ask their assistance - again because presumably they have experience with foreign models coming over to the EU to work.

Otherwise, if you need to manage on your own, contact the embassy.  They are usually quite helpful, and most of the time you can find much of what you need to know on their website.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty