In USA on B1, need to travel to Europe (Schengen)

[kettlefish]

I'm in a bit of a predicament

I'm currently in the US on a B1 (10 year multiple rentry), and have a California's DL as I'm getting ready to apply for an L1. However I need to go to France next month. According the the French consulate website I need to apply in my home country (South Africa).

This means I need to fly 36 hours (door to door) back to South Africa just to apply for a visa!

Does anyone have any suggestions, exceptions etc? I can change my travel plans if I need to accomodate port of entry elsewhere

Thanks in advance!

[immihelp]

You have to do what the consulate says. There is no other choice.

[kettlefish]

You have to do what the consulate says. There is no other choice.

Word of advice. Rather don't respond, it makes you and the site look very authoratarian, unhelpful and just... negative, not sure if that's what you going for but that's what I feel.

I did find a solution, contrary to your "no other choice". Furthermore posting several months later looks even worse.

[cafeconleche]

Can you share what the solution was? I'm sure some others would benefit by knowing. Did you show the French your L1 application receipt?