Post Study Work Visa in France
Indian students are eligible for plethora of professional opportunities in France through Post-Study Work Visa in France called APS (Authorisation Provisoire de Séjour). This article will try to provide comprehensive analysis of APS requirements, who are eligible, what documents are required, professional opportunities and special mention about Short-Stay Visa for Indian alumni.
What is APS?
- APS (Authorisation Provisoire de Séjour) is a temporary residence permit, allowing international students to stay in France and explore employment and business opportunities post-study. You can apply on your own or your France Consultants can help you with the process.
- The APS facilitates 12-month stay for foreign students, once coming out university. The Indian students can extend the stay by another 12 months after expiry, as specified by the bilateral agreement between India and France signed in 2015 under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi.
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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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APS Eligibility Criteria
Following are the mandatory requirements to secure APS visa for international students, including Indian students
- Firstly, students must have a postgraduate degree acquired through French universities. It can be, MSc accredited by Conférence des Grandes Ècoles, Specialized master’s, engineering diploma or Licensed Professionalalle. Most Indian students easily qualify with their master’s degree.
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- Indian students must hold the position of genuine students in France, studied legally via residence permit or student visa. The primary visa categories are VLS-TS or carte de Séjour ‘étudiant’. The pursuance must be in good standing. APS is meant only for international students studied in France.
- Indian students as overseas students in France qualify for receiving APS visa, it is applicable to all non-European students. However, visa extension is only meant for few countries, including India, as both the countries agreed upon bilateral agreement.
- Indian students are advised to apply for APS visa during validity of their student visa or residence permit, typically in the advanced stage of postgraduate degree or soon after completion.
- Health Insurance is mandatory for obtaining the visa, students can procure health insurance via private insurers or French social security.
- Local prefectures (French governor office) may demand financial proof sometimes, students must show evidence via bank statement demonstrating enough amount to survive for few months. Indian students must prepare for this rule, it is highly recommended to maintain required bank balance.
- Majority of Indian students acquire an APS visa hassle-free, in fact many of them obtain the visa in their first attempt with planned and proper documentation.
Documents Required for Post Study Work Visa in France
Indian students are advised to prepare the required documents accordingly for smooth facilitation of an APS visa. Below is the list of important documents needed for obtaining APS visa.
Application Form
Applicants must fill in correct and accurate information in the APS visa form. They need to fill Cerfa for “Recherche d’emploi ou création d’entreprise” obtained from prefecture’s office or website. Incomplete, partially filled or fraudulent applications stands cancelled or rejected.
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Valid Passport: Indian applicants must submit photocopies of a valid passport containing identify pages and visa stamps. Maintain at least 06 months’ validity beyond the APS period.
Student Visa or Residence Permit: Applicants must show their current Carte de Séjour or VLS-TS visa to demonstrate legal status.
Attestation or Diploma Certificate: Applicants must submit a copy of a diploma certificate or an attestation de réussite, which is proof of degree completion, in case the diploma hasn’t been issued.
Address Proof: Must submit a copy of rental contract, housing certificate or utility bill showing evidence of current French accommodation. Any one of the proofs mustn’t be more than 06 months old.
Health Insurance: Applicants must show valid health insurance obtained via private insurers or French social security for minimum APS duration.
Passport-Sized Photographs: Need maximum 04 copies of latest photo as per French immigration rules. Few prefectures may ask for e-photo with code.
Republican Values Declaration: Applicants must sign the form provided by the prefecture office, declaring your consent to abide the French laws and values.
Financial Proof (optional): Few prefecture offices may ask for financial proof, applicants must show sufficient finances, or job offers as proof of finances.
Proof of Company Project (optional): Applicants who are aspiring for business ventures in France must show business plan relating to field of study
Indian applicants are advised to check the requirements of their prefecture office, make copies of all documents. Organized documentation enhances the approval rate, the success rate is 95% for complete application
Application Process
The application process is based entirely on whether applicant is staying at France or India.
Applying During Stay in France
- Applicants must ensure the application process is initiated during the validity of student visa, ideally 1 or 2 months before the program ends, they mustn’t wait till the last minute. Once the visa expires, the APS application stands rejected.
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- Prepare in advance, gather all required documents. Application requires a stamp tax of €75 (equal to 6750 INR). Applicants can purchase it online or at TABAC store.
- Apply at the prefecture office as soon as you are ready with all requisites. The process differs though, sometimes, online submission is preferred, especially in cities like Paris or Lyon, so book an appointment.
- Applicants can also send it via post, a process preferred in some prefectures. Always check for walk-ins or specified submission procedure.
- After successful submission, applicant will receive a temporary receipt (rècèpissè), it will automatically extend the stay for maximum 04 months, as your application time for processing. The rècèpissè acts as a permit during application process or applicants may get APS card. The processing of application starts instantly or takes 04-08 weeks time.
- Once the applicant receives the APS visa card typically labelled as “Recherche d’emploi ou création d’entreprise” with validity of 12 months, applicants must check the dates thoroughly.
Extension for Second Year (Indian Applicants)
- Indian applicants who want to extend the visa tenure for another year must approach the prefecture office before expiry of the visa. Submit all updated documents alongside proof of Indian nationality. Complete and organized application receives the renewed APS card or rècèpissè instantly.
- Indian students are advised to apply for renewal before the expiration of the visa, if visa expires, them they must leave the country, renewal process can’t be done while staying in France.
Applying from India
Students who returned to India without applying for APS visa can apply from India within 04 years of graduation for Job Search or Business Creation Visa via the following process.
- Apply via France-Visas portal only, select “Recherche d’emploi ou création d’entreprise” and business
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- The documents needed are – postgraduate degree, evidence of finances, insurance, local police verification certificate and medical insurance. The processing fee is €99 (approximately ₹10,000)
- Once approved, the visa is labelled as “Recherche d’emploi/création d’entreprise” with one-year tenure. Allowing full-time work, applicants must validate it within three months from issue date paying €75 stamp tax.
- Applicants are informed that this visa cannot be renewed and applicable only to applicants who did not use APS while staying at France. This option is beneficial for those students who returned to India and want to work in France once again.
During APS Visa Period
- Indian students must be active and search for jobs enthusiastically or keep developing the business plan during visa tenure. 90% is the success rate of APS application.
- Go for temporary roles or internships, in the meantime try to find a permanent job. Never waste time during visa period. Always monitor the expiry date of the visa, if needed go for changing permit before the expiry. Concerned university’s international office or alumni can help with the process.
Work Opportunities in France
The APS visa serves as a Launchpad for Indian students to explore the French job market and seek an accomplished career
- Indian students working on APS visa are not restricted to part-time jobs or internship roles, students can opt for short-term contract jobs, start-ups, freelancing and remunerative internship roles. The goal must be securing permanent position as per academic pursuance.
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- The French economy and job market is thriving with continuous growth. The major employing sectors are – engineering, business, IT, luxury brands management, research and hospitality.
- Indian students with French degrees and bilingual proficiency of English and French has unlimited opportunities. To make the most of the opportunities, Indian students must
- Build a professional network with association of alumni, attend career fairs, create profile on LinkedIn.
- Create a CV detailing each and every achievements, preferably in both English and French language.
- Learning French language enhance job prospects and help in securing high-paid and respectable jobs.
Transition to Work Permit
- Soon after securing a desired employment, Indian students are advised to apply for changing APS visa to work permit.
- For transition from APS visa to work permit the requirements are – secured employment must be from your concerned field, remuneration equal to €2,700 per month (gross salary) that is equal to €32,400 annually (as per 2024 data).
Types of Work Permits in France
The following are the types of work permits issued by the French authorities –
Salarie Permit – need at least one year job contract.
Talent Passport – for those who have a salary equal to €30,000 – €40,000 or higher annually up to 04 years.
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EU Blue Card – for those who have yearly salaries of more than €53,000
No Quota – employers don’t need to give reasons for not hiring EU candidates
- Applicants who have obtained a valid employment contract should not wait for APS expiry, as the prefecture office facilitates status change based upon valid contract.
- If Indian students have secured less salary jobs or unrelated employment, they must go for employment with threshold of €2,700 or more per month.
- Indian budding entrepreneurs must develop business, either by registration or feasible plans. Developing businesses often help in obtaining talent passport.
Job Market Insights in France
French job market is diversified and shown significant growth in recent decades. Indian students can seek employment in most sought-after sectors such as, Engineering, IT, Hospitality, Finance, luxury brands management and research. The multinationals and tech-giants prefer English speaking candidates.
- The entry level salaries range between €30,000 – €45,000 per year, software engineers get an average annual salary of €43,000. Paris offers higher salaries, but also have high living costs.
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- As employment benefits, students are entitled to receive paid leaves, lunch vouchers etc. moreover the 35-hours per week regulation of France help employees to maintain work-life balance.
- For obtaining 10-years residence permit, the APS tenure is also included in 5-years stay at France. EU Blue Card and Talent Passports often facilitates long-term stay.
- Indian applicants must be optimistic during job-hunt in France, as there are ample opportunities of securing high-paid jobs in global corporations like, Capgemini, Airbus and L’Oréal, including entrepreneurial opportunities at Station F.
Short-Stay Visa (5-Year Alumni Visa)
Indian applicants are also eligible to apply for Short-Stay Visa (5-Year Alumni Visa) to remain in touch with France.
What Exactly is Short-Stay Visa?
The Short-term visa was introduced in the year 2013. This visa allows multiple visits France and Schengen member countries for Indian postgraduate and doctoral students from French universities for a duration of 03 months (90 days) every 06 months (180 days). This visa is meant only for business and tourism purposes, example includes Alumni events, Conferences and Interviews. It is not applicable for long-term work
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Noteworthy Benefits
- It is also open for Indian alumni, irrespective of the graduation year.
- With 90 days stay option every six months, it is valid for 05 years.
- Even spouse and children can obtain this visa.
- Although, it isn’t a work visa, it is useful for building network and travel enthusiasts.
Eligibility & Application Process
Eligibility
- Indians who are legal citizens of India, holding a postgraduate or doctoral degrees from French university, including joint Indo- French degrees.
- The limitation of graduation year isn’t applicable for visa seekers.
Application Process
- Applicants must apply for 5-year Schengen visa via VFS or France-Visas.
- Highlighting the alumni status, the Indian applicants must request for multiple entry option and full 05-year visa.
- Documents needed are – French degree copy, photos, passport copy, itinerary (if available), health insurance and sufficient financial resources.
- If applied at VFS, the applications are streamlined with enhanced approval rate.
- The visa stamping comes with 05-year visa sticker on the passport to the successful applicants. It allows seamless travelling to France.
Purpose & Usefulness of the Visa
The Indian applicants who have successfully obtained the 05-year Schengen visa enjoys numerous perks and privileges like,
- They can visit France or Schengen countries more frequently for tourism and professional opportunities.
- It allows the visa holders to attend interviews, networking events and alumni meet, including business conferences in Europe.
- The holders can maintain long-term ties with France after APS, especially if they returned back to India.
- It helps in obtaining work visas in future for the visa holders.
- This unique visa allows the holders to enjoy exclusive perks, allowing them to remain connected to France.
France offers maximum benefits and easy access for professional growth, with thriving economy, it offers rewarding careers in various sectors like, IT, finance, engineering and more. France could be the Launchpad for Indian students for an accomplished career in sophisticated and conducive environment.
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.
Sridhar Kongara
