Post Study Work Visa in France
Indian students who study abroad in France do not only gain a high-quality higher education from top universities and specialised schools – they also get a strong route to post study work and a long-term global career.
France offers a structured system of post study work visa in France options. The most important one is the APS visa (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), a temporary residence permit that lets international students, especially Indian students, stay on and look for jobs or build their own business after graduation. On top of this, there is a special 5-year alumni visa in France for Indian graduates.
What Is APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour)?
The APS, officially called “Recherche d’emploi ou création d’entreprise”, is a residence permit that works like a post study work permit for non-EU graduates. It allows international graduates from a recognized French institution to:
- Stay in France for 12 months after completing a higher degree (usually a master’s degree)
- Seek employment or prepare to create their own company in the same country where they studied
- Work without strict weekly hour limits during this post study work phase
For Indian students, a bilateral arrangement between the French government and India extends this post study work visa in France to 24 months – 12 months plus one renewal of 12 months.
APS for Indian Students – Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | “Recherche d’emploi ou création d’entreprise” (Job Search / Business Creation) |
| Main purpose | Post study work – time to seek employment or start a project linked to your studies |
| Duration | 12 months; for Indian nationals, can be renewed once (total 24 months) under bilateral agreements |
| Who can apply | Non-EU students, usually master’s graduates or higher from a French institution |
| Work rights | Can work in France full-time or part-time and find jobs in your field |
| Typical label on card | Residence permit mentioning job search / business creation |
| Nature | Temporary visa, non-immigrant status, but counted towards future permanent residency in many cases |
For many Indian students, this is the most practical post study work visa or study work visa route because it bridges university and the next work visa or long-term work permit in France.
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- Technically, APS is not a Work Visa, it’s a residence permit, allowing international students to seek employment or explore business options in France.
- During the stay, Indian students can part-time or full-time without any work hours restrictions. In the due course, students can find permanent job. The APS is an ideal instrument, helping Indian students to transit themselves in French life seamlessly
Noteworthy Aspects of APS
- The APS can be secured by paying tax stamps of €75 (equal to ₹6750) as per latest rate. Additionally, visa holders are allowed to travel and stay at Schengen countries with minimum stay of 90 days for every 180 days
- The official French name of this visa is ‘Recherche d’emploi ou création d’entreprise’.
- France values exceptional international talent, thereby allows students to explore its thriving economic scene for rewarding careers
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Eligibility Criteria for APS and Post Study Work
The eligibility criteria for APS focus on your degree, your status in France and your timing. Key points:
Degree level and institution
- You must hold a master’s degree or higher (such as specialised master’s, engineering diploma or similar master’s programmes) from a recognized French institution or French university.
- Some professional short-term courses or only a bachelor’s degree may not qualify for APS; such recent graduates usually move directly to a work contract route or another visa type.
Legal stay as a student
- You must have studied at least one semester in France on a valid student visa such as the long stay visa VLS-TS (often called France student visa) or a carte de séjour étudiant.
- Your status as a student should be in good standing, with proper attendance and exam participation.
Nationality
- APS is open to many non-EU overseas students.
- Indian nationals benefit from extended post study work duration due to India–France bilateral agreements, giving post study work permit validity up to 24 months.
Application timing
- You must apply while your student visa or residence card is still valid – usually in the final semester or just after results.
- If you leave France without applying, you may instead use the Job Search / Business Creation work visa route from India, which is non renewable.
Insurance and funds
- Valid health insurance for the full APS period is required.
- The local prefecture may ask for proof of funds to show you can stay in France and support yourself during post study work. Bank statements or a job offer can be used.
Required Documents for APS
When applying for this post study work visa in France, Indian students should prepare all the documents carefully. Requirements may vary by local prefecture, but core items are similar.
| Category | Required documents |
|---|---|
| Identity & stay | Passport with valid French visa in France, copies of previous entry stamps |
| Student status | Valid student visa card (VLS-TS or carte de séjour), proof you were a student in good standing |
| Degree proof | Diploma or provisional certificate / attestation de réussite from the French institution |
| Address in France | Rental contract, housing certificate or utility bill (usually less than 6 months old) |
| Insurance | Proof of health insurance (French social security or private plan) covering the APS period |
| Photos | Recent biometric passport photographs (some prefectures ask for e-photo) |
| Forms | CERFA form for job search / business creation, and cover letter explaining your post study work plan |
| Financial evidence | Bank statements and/or job offer showing you can manage living costs during your study work period |
| Extra for business | Simple business plan if you want to start your own company or own business in France |
Having a complete set of required documents ahead of time makes the visa process smoother and reduces the chance of delays in your visa application at the visa office or prefecture.
Application Process: In France and From India
Applying for APS While You Are Still in France
For most Indian students, the best path is to apply for the post study work permit while they are still students in France:
Start early: Begin the application process 1–2 months before your master’s degree results or thesis defence. Do not wait until the last week of your student visa.
Collect documents and tax stamp:
- Prepare the APS form, degree proof, address proof and other papers.
- Buy a tax stamp of €75 (about ₹7,830) for the APS card.
Submit to the local prefecture
- You apply at your local prefecture (or online platform ANEF in many regions).
- Some prefectures ask you to upload scans; others may request postal or in-person submission. Always follow the local instructions.
Receive temporary receipt
- After submission, you get a récépissé (filing receipt). This acts as a temporary visa and lets you stay in France legally while your APS is processed.
- Processing usually takes a few weeks.
Collect APS card: Once approved, you receive your APS residence permit card, labelled “Recherche d’emploi / Création d’entreprise”, valid for 12 months of post study work.
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Second Year Extension for Indian Students
For Indian students, the APS-style post study work permit can be renewed once, giving a total of 24 months:
- Apply at the local prefecture again before the first APS expires.
- Show updated documents, professional experience (internships, contracts), and if possible, a stronger job offer or business plan.
- A complete file greatly increases the chance of a smooth renewal of this study work visa.
Job Search / Business Creation Visa from India
If you returned to India without obtaining APS, you can still apply for a Job Search / Business Creation work visa (VLS-TS) within 4 years after graduation:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Through France-Visas and VFS / consular visa office in India |
| Who can apply | Non-EU graduates, including Indian nationals, with a relevant higher degree from France |
| Duration | 12 months, non renewable |
| Fee | About €99 (≈ ₹10,340) plus later €75 tax stamp (~₹7,830) on arrival |
| Rights | Time to seek employment or prepare a business plan; full-time work allowed during validity |
This route also serves as a study work visa option for those who completed studies earlier and now want to work in France again.
Working During APS: Jobs, Salaries and the French Job Market
While on APS, Indian students are free to find jobs across many sectors – from engineering and IT to luxury management and hospitality. The French job market is closely linked with the wider French economy, which remains one of Europe’s largest and most diverse.
You can:
- Take internships, CDD (fixed-term) contracts or CDI (permanent) roles
- Work in start-ups, scale-ups or larger firms
- Continue study work part-time while exploring options, though most graduates aim for full-time roles
Salary Benchmarks and Minimum Wage
To switch from APS to a standard work permit in France, your work contract normally needs to offer a salary above 1.5 times the French minimum wage, which is roughly €2,700 per month in recent years. That is around ₹2.8 lakh per month at today’s rate.
Typical entry-level annual packages:
| Role type | Approx. salary in EUR | Approx. salary in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate roles (business, engineering, IT) | €30,000/year | ≈ ₹31,30,000/year |
| Strong technical roles or Paris-based roles | €40,000–€45,000/year | ≈ ₹41,70,000–₹47,00,000/year |
| Salary threshold for many APS France work permit changes | ≈ €2,700/month | ≈ ₹2,80,000/month |
Many students use this period to gain valuable experience, gain international work experience and show professional experience relevant to their degree. Alongside classes, some even work half times in student jobs before graduation. Over time, this makes their profile more attractive in the job market.
Moving from APS to a Long-Term Work Permit in France
The main goal of post study work is to move from APS to a longer work visa or France work permit so that you can continue to work in France and later apply for permanent residency. The main options include:
“Salarié” Work Permit
- For a standard employee with a long-term work contract (usually at least one year).
- Needs salary at or above the set threshold and a job in line with your master’s degree or bachelor’s degree.
Talent Passport
- For highly skilled master’s graduates and professionals with a high salary level (for example €30,000–€40,000 or more per year, depending on category).
- Can be valid for several years and is very useful for a stable global career.
EU Blue Card
- For well-paid skilled workers with salaries significantly above the average.
- Strong route towards permanent residency within the EU.
Each of these is a different visa type, but all require:
- A clear job offer linked to your studies
- A proper work contract with sufficient salary
- Submission of all the documents requested by the authorities
Time spent on APS plus years on a work permit usually count towards the five-year stay needed in many cases for long-term permanent residency cards in France.
5-Year Short-Stay Alumni Visa for Indian Graduates
In addition to APS and post study work permit routes, Indian students who hold a French master’s degree or PhD can apply for a special 5-year short-stay alumni visa in France.
Key features:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible | Indian alumni with postgraduate or doctoral degrees from a French institution, including Indo-French joint degrees |
| Validity | Up to 5 years, multiple entry |
| Stay rule | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area |
| Purpose | Tourism, alumni meets, conferences, interviews and networking – not full-time long-term post study work |
| Family | In many cases, spouse and children can also apply under similar conditions |
This visa is not a post study work visa or study work visa, but it helps alumni stay connected with top universities, attend events, go for interviews and keep one foot in the European environment even after they leave France and return to India.
Practical Tips for Indian Students Planning Post Study Work in France
For Indian students planning to study abroad in France and then use post study work visa in France options, a simple plan helps:
Choose the right programme: Pick top universities and master’s programmes that match strong industries such as data, engineering, finance or luxury – this improves your future work permit in France chances.
Think about APS from day one
- Keep your student visa status clean. Pay attention to renewal dates, insurance and address registration.
- Keep copies of transcripts and certificates from your recognized French institution.
Use career services wisely
- University career cells and alumni networks help you seek employment, find jobs and understand the job market.
- Get your CV and cover letter reviewed in both English and basic French.
Improve your French
- While many jobs are in English, even A2–B1 level French shows effort and helps you work in France more comfortably.
Stay organised with paperwork
- Track every visa in France stage – from long stay visa and France student visa to APS and then to a long-term work visa or work permit.
- Always keep scanned copies of your visa application receipts and cards.
Conclusion
For Indian students who dream of a global career, France offers a clear study-to-work pathway: start with a strong master’s degree at one of the top universities, move to APS or other post study visa options, build post study work experience, and then step into a stable work permit in France or high-value Talent Passport.
The combination of APS, the post-study work permit, long-term work visa options and the 5-year alumni visa gives international students – especially Indian students – the time and flexibility to turn study work years into lasting success. With careful planning, the right application process and steady effort in the French job market, France can be not only where you study, but also where you gain valuable experience, grow your professional experience and shape your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does France have a post-study work visa?
Yes. Non-EU graduates who hold at least a master’s degree can request the Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS). The permit is valid for 12 months and can be renewed once, giving up to 24 months in France to work full-time, look for a permanent position, or set up a company. During the APS period, if you secure a work contract that meets the salary threshold (at least 1.5 times the minimum wage—about €2,650 gross per month in 2025), you may switch to a multi-year permit such as the Passeport Talent without leaving the country.
Can I get PR in France after studying?
Yes, though it is a separate process. You need five consecutive years of lawful residence, proof of steady income at or above the French minimum wage, an A2 French language certificate, and a clean criminal record. Time spent with a student card counts only in part, so most graduates reach the five-year mark after holding an employee card or a Passeport Talent. Once the requirements are in place, you can apply for the ten-year Carte de résident or the EU long-term resident card.
Is it hard to get a work visa in France?
It is feasible when preparation is thorough. A valid job offer comes first; the employer submits the application to the labour authority together with the contract. The post must meet the wage threshold for the chosen route: in 2025 the Passeport Talent – Young Graduate track starts at €43,254 gross a year, and the EU Blue Card remains at €53,836. The employer also needs to show that the vacancy can’t be filled locally. Appointment slots at some Préfectures are scarce, so gathering the paperwork several months ahead is advisable.
Can I stay in France after my master’s?
Yes. Master’s and higher graduates may lodge the APS request as soon as final results are released and before the student permit expires. Approval grants up to 24 months to work full-time, look for a job, or launch a business. When you sign an employment contract that meets the salary rules, you can convert to an employee permit or a Passeport Talent without leaving France, keeping your residence record continuous and helping when you later seek permanent residence.
