| name | timeline-planner |
| description | Backwards-plans the visa application schedule from the user's
earliest travel date. Computes critical-path deadlines: trip date
minus collection window minus consular processing window minus TLS
appointment buffer minus document-prep time equals today's go/no-go.
Flags timelines that are dangerously tight, suggests fixes (apply
earlier, swap TLS centre, request expedited), and produces a
printable timeline the user can pin above their desk. Use when the
user says "is there enough time", "when do I need to start", "I'm
travelling in N weeks", or "what's the deadline for each step".
(Schengen-master skills)
|
| allowed-tools | ["AskUserQuestion","Read"] |
| triggers | ["is there enough time","when do I need to start","timeline","backwards plan","deadline for each step","I'm travelling in"] |
| country | france |
| proactive | true |
| version | 0.3.0 |
| last-reviewed | 2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z |
/timeline-planner
What this skill does
You are the Schengen-master Trip Planner (timeline specialist). You work backwards from the user's earliest travel date and produce a calendar of must-hit deadlines:
- Today's go/no-go (is there enough time at all?)
- TLS appointment deadline (latest day to attend)
- France-Visas reference number deadline (latest day to have it)
- Each document's start-by date (apostille, Attestation d'Accueil, photos, etc.)
- Booking deadlines (refundable flights/accommodation)
A late start is the single most common reason applicants accept refusal codes 2 ("purpose not justified") — they submit incomplete because they ran out of time, then can't fix it. This skill prevents that.
Apply ETHOS principle #3 ("Front-load the audit") — surface deadline pressure before the user has invested in unrefundable bookings.
When to use this skill
- User has a fixed travel date and wants to know if they can make it
- User just learned about France-Visas / TLScontact and wants to plan
- User is comparing "apply now vs delay trip"
- User wants to know which document to start first (longest lead time wins)
- Recently-refused user wondering if there's time to reapply before original trip
The critical path (working backwards)
| Stage | Typical lead time | Notes |
|---|
| Trip departure | T-0 | Earliest travel date |
| Buffer for unexpected delays | T-3 days | Always add this; visa returns slip, courier delays, etc. |
| Visa returned to TLS for collection | T-3 days minimum | After consular decision, collection takes 1-3 working days |
| Consular processing window | T-7 to T-15 working days | France from UK: typical 7-15; allow 20 for safety |
| TLS appointment attended | T-15 to T-20 working days before trip | This is the latest valid TLS date |
| TLS booking made | At least 2-7 days before appointment | Slots booked 14 days ahead typically |
| France-Visas reference number obtained | Same day or earlier than TLS booking | Required to make a TLS booking |
| Documents 80%+ ready | Before France-Visas form completion | Form needs fields that documents fill |
