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Can someone explain or clarify the steps for me?  I was told the following:

    1   You need a dossier that shows France address, income, and complete an application

          Did I miss something?

    2    Send the application to VFS Global and wait for an interview.

          I was told it takes about a month for VFS Global to contact you for an interview.

    3   Go to the interview with the supporting dossier material - ( I was informed an FBI record search wasn't necessary.)

          ** I was informed that at this time you had to give your passport to them  <-- is this true?

          ** Also you need tentative arrangements, tickets, when you will be traveling to France.

     4  After the interview  VFS Global will send your passport and dossier information to the France Embassy in Washington DC.

     5 In about a month the embassy will return your passport with the VLS-TS in the mail.

I am sure I missed many things.  Please add any information you think is important that I missed.