I am an American living abroad in France for the past 3+ years. My children have flown at least 5 RT's a year to the US and back to visit their father.
As is the normal process, the children and I were issued Visas at the French consulate in Chicago in our passports to allow us initial formal entry in France in 2006 and those visas expired in 90 days (the time to allow us to make a formal carte de sejour or residence permit request). The visas in the childrens passports state 'see carte de séjour parent'. The carte de séjour was issued to me as a salaried worker. I renew the carte de sejour each year.
As far as I know, the other expat parents I work with have the same situation administratively.
The kids have travelled up until now either with me or on the airline Unaccompanied Minor program. We have always have our passports looked-at to be sure they aren't expired, but no immigration check until Amsterdam (or entry point in Europe normally).
Yesterday, my daughter was supposed to return to France after the holiday at her father's in the US. She was denied boarding because they said her VISA in her passport was expired. I tried to tell them that yes, it is normal for the visa to be expired becaue the carte de sejour was issued. They said she would need her OWN carte de sejour or a new visa or a return flight to the US within 90 days or they would not let her leave the country.
I cannot send MY carte de sejour with my daughter when she travels because I need to always have it with ME. Also, only my name appears on my actual carte de sejour. It just has the mention: salarié which means i am allowed to have my minor children reside with me in France. Minor children are not issued their own carte de séjours.
Has anyone else ever encountered this? As far as I can understand there is no way for my daughter to be allowed to return from the US to France as a UM.
We had to scramble to reschedule her flights, and buy a refundable ticket with a 'false' return to the US.
If it matters, this happend with NW/Delta in San Diego.
If any expats have ideas on how to handle this, I'm all ears! Thanks!
