💼 Work After Studies

Your pathway from student to professional

France warmly welcomes international students to build their careers post-graduation. With attractive stay-back options, you can remain in France after your studies to find a job, start a business, or gain valuable work experience.

🎯 Stay-Back & Work Options for International Graduates

1. Temporary Residency Permit for Job Search or Business Creation (APS – Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour)

  • Duration: Up to 12 months (renewable under specific conditions) after graduation

  • Who is eligible:

    • Students who have completed a Master’s degree or higher (Bac+5 and above) in France

    • Graduates of Grandes Écoles and recognized universities

  • Purpose: Allows you to stay legally in France to search for a job, sign an employment contract, or start your own business

  • Work rights: Full-time employment allowed during this period

2. Change of Status to a Work Visa (Salarié or Passeport Talent)

  • Once you secure a job related to your degree, you can apply to change your student residence permit to a work visa.

  • Employers must provide a job contract with a salary that meets the legal threshold.

  • Popular work visas include:

    • Salarié (Employee): Standard work visa for full-time employment

    • Passeport Talent (Talent Passport): For highly skilled workers, researchers, and entrepreneurs, offering longer stays and easier family reunification

3. Entrepreneurship & Startup Visa

  • Graduates interested in launching a startup or business in France can apply for a French Tech Visa, part of the Talent Passport, offering a multi-year residence permit.

  • The French government supports innovation hubs and incubators to help international entrepreneurs thrive.

🧑‍💼 Types of Jobs & Internships Available

Work Type Description Eligibility
Full-Time Jobs Professional roles matching your studies Requires work visa or APS permit
Internships & Traineeships Practical training often integrated in courses Can be paid and lead to employment
Research Positions Postdoc, PhD-level research, academic roles Requires doctoral qualification
Startups & Freelance Business creation under entrepreneurship visas Open to innovators and freelancers

💡 Important Tips for Staying & Working in France

  • Language skills: Knowing French improves job prospects, but many multinational firms operate in English.

  • Networking: Use university career services, job fairs, and professional meetups.

  • Salary Requirements: For most work visas, salary must meet or exceed the French minimum wage thresholds (~€27,000–€30,000/year, depending on visa type).

  • Timing: Apply early to avoid gaps in your legal residence. The APS must be requested before your student visa expires.

📑 Documents Needed for Stay-Back & Work Visa Applications

  • Valid passport and current residence permit

  • Diploma or proof of graduation

  • Job contract or business plan (for entrepreneurs)

  • Proof of financial means

  • Health insurance registration

  • Proof of language proficiency (if required)

🌍 Long-Term Residency & Citizenship

  • After 5 years of continuous legal residence in France (including study + work), you may be eligible to apply for:

    • Carte de Résident (10-year residence permit)

    • French citizenship, if you meet language, integration, and residency requirements

📩 How Can Impel Overseas Consultants Help?

We provide expert guidance on:

  • Navigating stay-back visa applications and renewals

  • Job search strategies aligned with visa requirements

  • Support for entrepreneurship and startup visas

  • Documentation and legal compliance

Start your career journey in France with confidence. Contact us today! 🇫🇷✨