Overstaying a visa In France?

How to reset Schengen Long Stay Visa (Student Mobility) in France?

• I am a Canadian citizen and will be participating on a student exchange program in France from Sept 2011 to April 2012. Under the Youth Mobility Program, I will be applying for the student visa (2B). I wish to travel in the Schengen Area for a couple days after my studies, but given that my Temporary Long Stay Visa (2B) and Carte de Séjour will be only valid until the end of April 2012 (i.e. I will need to leave France after the visa expires), what can I do to reset the visa? I was thinking of visiting UK for a bit and then re-entering the Schengen region. Is this possible? My interpretation is I will leave France in the form of a Student Visa and re-enter the Schengen Area with the Tourist Visa for 90 days in a 180 period. Is there a minimum waiting period for foreigners in order to obtain a different visa (Student and Tourist)? Thanks :)

• Answer:

  The staying period of 90 days in 6 months only applies to short term visits on either a type C visa or as citizen of a visa exempt country. There is no waiting time after having used a long-stay national visa (type D) or a temporary residence permit. Holders of type D visa or residence permits can immediately apply for a short term Schengen visa from their home country without a waiting period after their visa/pernmit has expired. Holders of visa exempt passports can immediately re-enter the Schengen zone for up to 90 days after they have left to a country outside of the Schengen agreement..