Doubt About Visa For Visiting France

[immihelp]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am an Indian citizen working in USA. In December 2007, I wish to visit France in transit to USA for 5 days between December 20 and 25.I hold a valid Indian passport and a work visa for USA. I shall apply for the Schengen visa sometime in July 2007.
I am getting married on December 6th and would be accompanied by my wife on this journey. I would be responsible for all financial obligations during our stay.
My wife, a resident of Mumbai, holds a valid Indian passport and would have her US visa appointment scheduled around December 10, 2007.
Based on the above information, I request you to please provide me the following information:

• 1. When is the earliest that my wife can apply for the Schengen visa? Can she apply for the visa even before we get married, when she doesn’t hold a US visa, if I can provide her my financial documents?
  2. How many days, generally, would it take to get a visa after applying for the same?
  3. Generally speaking, is it possible that my wife applies for a Schengen visa after December 6th and she is granted the same before December 20th?
  4. If the tickets to France and onwards to the US are booked, and a French friend sends an invitation letter, can she apply for a Schengen visa even before she gets a US visa?

I request you to kindly answer my query at the earliest, so that we may plan our trip more realistically.

[immihelp]

I recommend that you apply for Schengen visa 2 to 4 weeks before traveling and after getting married.