Post Study Work Permit in France: How to Apply for France Work Permit?

Before proceeding further, let us examine the advantages of pursuing education in France and the prospects available to international scholars:

• France hosts some of the finest academic institutions globally. 11 universities in France are featured in the top 500 list of QS World University Ranking 2022.
• France holds one of the strongest representations among the top 100 most innovative enterprises compared to other European nations. There are 71 competitiveness clusters in France with an attractive ecosystem that brings together universities, laboratories, start-ups, and many major corporations.
• The universities in France offer around 1500 courses that are taught in English. Hence, language is never an obstacle to study in France. However, knowledge of French has its own share of benefits.
• Studying at the universities in France is affordable as compared to other European countries. Apart from that, the government of France offers over 500 scholarships exclusively for Indian students.

Suggested: Know about Different Scholarships to Study in France

Among all available options, the most favorable stay back alternative for international scholars following their education in France is securing a post study work permit. To obtain a France work permit, you must satisfy several qualification conditions. Only then will you be permitted to remain in France once your student visa extension expires. There are different types of France work permit for Indian students. They are:

• Temporary Residence Permit
• Talent Passports
• EU Resident Card

Let us now examine each of these categories in detail one by one:

Temporary Residence Permit

In 2019, the French administration revised regulations concerning post-graduation pathways for international students. Under these updated rules, international scholars may apply for a temporary residence permit to remain in France for an additional 12 months following course completion in order to seek employment or launch a business. Although this authorization is non-renewable, nations holding bilateral professional mobility agreements with France can extend the permit for another 12 months.

There are two types temporary France work permits:

• Residence Permit for Employee
• Residence Permit for Temporary Worker

Talent Passports

Students can avail this France work permit with special skills and achievements. If your work contributes to the French economy in any way you are eligible for it. If you are looking for work permit in France after masters, the talent passport is a great option. You must fulfill one of the following criteria to be eligible for talent passports in France:

• Be a recent graduate in any field and display notable talent
• Employee of a French employment contract on admission
• Research scholar
• Invest in the France economy or opt for a start up
• Efficient in any co-curricular activity
• Have a EU blue card

EU Resident Card

EU Resident Card is exclusively for highly skilled employees who need a 1-3 year residence permit. To be eligible for this permit, you must hold a diploma or degree to prove your three years of higher education or five years of professional experience in a specific subject. You should have the experience of working for minimum 1 year and earn a monthly salary that is at least 1.5 times the French average gross yearly pay.

If you have legally and uninterruptedly resided in France for at least 5 years or are the holder of a European Blue Card, you will be eligible for this France work permit. Through the EU Resident Card you can stay in other European Union (EU) countries too. It is valid for a duration of 10 years and renewable. You will be allowed to work in France and stay in other EU member countries without long-stay visa.

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There is a list of documents necessary to acquire a France work permit for Indian students as well as other international students. Mentioned below are the France work permit requirements:

• A passport valid for at least 3 months after the intended stay
• Visa application form
• Copies of all educational transcripts
• Birth certificate
• Health insurance
• References from previous employers
• Passport sized photos
• Appointment letter from the company
• LOR from an employer
• A detailed explanation of the type of work you will be engaging in France

To apply for a post study work permit in France you need to complete the following steps:

• Figure out the type of work permit in France you will require depending on the type of your job and the amount of time you will work in France.
• Once you decide on your work permit, you need to fill the France Visa application, and arrange all supporting documents.
• Following the completion of the visa application form, you need to schedule an appointment with the Visa Application Centre (VAC) for document verification and biometrics.
• When all steps are finished and approved, you can submit your application. You are also required to provide your biometrics, consisting of fingerprints and a digital photograph, on your scheduled appointment day at the VAC.
• Upon finishing the France work permit application procedure, you must patiently await the decision of the Embassy or Consulate.

Suggested: How to Apply for PR in France?

The processing duration for a France work permit varies based on the specific category of work visa you request. Typically, a France work permit for Indian students requires 15 to 20 working days for issuance. It is recommended to initiate your application procedure in advance to prevent any unforeseen hurdles.

Now that we have covered the complete procedure for obtaining a post-study work permit in France, let us examine the latest updates regarding this matter from the relevant officials:

• Starting in April 2021, the French Ministry of Interior began closely evaluating international workers prior to issuing work permits. Among all evaluation standards, meeting a specific salary threshold is compulsory for every applicant. Based on the Statutory National Minimum Wage (SIMC), the mean monthly income must equal 19,237 EUR as of January 2021.
• Effective April 6, 2021, all work permit requests must be filed exclusively online. Upon approval of the application by the relevant officials, the applicant obtains a digital work permit.
• December 31, 2020 signifies the conclusion of the post-Brexit transition phase. Currently, British nationals are likewise required to submit their France work permit requests through the appropriate pathway.

A post-study work permit in France is advantageous for individuals wishing to remain and launch their professional journey right after finishing their studies at prestigious French institutions. Therefore, review the details provided above and begin your France work permit application promptly. For additional support, please reach out to our counsellors at Ashiraj today!