Work visas for Americans to work in Europe are hard to get…I mean, really hard to get. Normally the only method is getting a visa “sponsored” by a company based in Europe, but even then, you have to prove no one in the European Union can fill your place. So when people ask, how did you get a three year visa to work and live in France, it’s rather amusing to be able to respond, “WHEELIES or more specifically: StuntBums.com.”
France offers a “Talents et Competence” visa, which allows us abnormal people a chance to practice our art, sport or passion in France. During the extensive application process you must prove you have a personal project that will benefit both the French and American public. Since the whole goal behind StuntBums is to unite and grow the global stunt community and it’s been a personal goal to live and work in Europe, this seemed like our ticket in. Still, the whole project depended on whether the French government would view sportbike freestyle as a positive form of human expression or a meaningless, dangerous activity. Lucky for us, the French dug our project and outlook on life and granted us the visa!
Moving back to Europe has always been on my to-do list since I lived in Italy for a year back in college. I love the daily adventures and challenges purposed by the life of an expat. This year we will be settling into the French lifestyle, learning the language and culture and trying to do as much riding as possible! We are living in the South, for maximum sunny, warm days to practice wheelies and to have a solid group of stunters to ride with. With hope, things will go as smoothly as they possibly can this year and I am sure I will have many stories in the upcoming months to entertain you and maybe inspire you to visit! To follow our adventures check out StuntBums.com or my personal blog, LeahStunts.com. Until next time – au revoir!
