Job Search & Business Creation Residence Permit

For international students and researchers, the “Job Search / Business Creation” residence permit bridges the gap between your studies and your professional journey in France.

Eligibility:

• Recent graduates with a qualifying French higher education diploma:
• Professional License
• Master’s Degree or equivalent (Engineering Degree, IEP Diploma, etc.)
• Specialized Master’s Degree
• Master of Science (MSc) certified by the Conférence des grandes écoles
• Researchers who have completed their work in France

Important Exceptions:

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, Algerian students, and students from countries with migration agreements with France do not require this permit.

Permit Benefits:

• Valid for 12 months, renewable for 1 additional year.
• Seek and perform any professional activity during its validity.
• Prepare for a business creation project in your field of study/research.
• Work until securing a permanent or fixed-term employment contract.

How to Apply:

In France: Before your current permit expires, apply at the prefecture.Abroad: Within 4 years of graduation, apply at the French consulate in your home country.Upon Approval: You will receive a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) marked “Job Search / Business Creation.” Validate it online within 3 months of arriving in France.

Required Documents:

Recent Graduates (Applying in France):

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• 3 recent photos
• Current “student” (or “student-mobility program”) residence permit
• Recent diploma or certificate of completion
• Proof of health insurance
• Business creation project proof (if applicable)
• Proof of address (dated within 3 months)
• Residence permit fee: €75 (paid by revenue stamps)

Recent Graduates (Applying Abroad):

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• 3 recent photos
• Diploma obtained within the past 4 years
• Proof of previous “student” (or “student-mobility program”) residence permit
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of sufficient financial resources
• Business creation project proof (if applicable)
• Proof of address (dated within 3 months)
• Residence permit fee: €75 (paid by revenue stamps)

Researchers (Applying in France):

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• 3 recent photos
• Current “researcher talent passport” (or “researcher-mobility program”) residence permit
• Confirmation of research completion by the research organization
• Proof of health insurance
• Business creation project proof (if applicable)
• Proof of address (dated within 3 months)
• Residence permit fee: €225 (paid by revenue stamps)

After Your Permit Expires:

If you find a job or create a business, apply for a new residence permit suited to your situation. You can change your status and apply for a new permit before the “Job Search / Business Creation” permit expires.

Job Opportunities:

Open-ended (CDI) or fixed-term (CDD) employment contract: Apply for a “temporary employee” or “temporary worker” residence permit or a multi-year “talent – researcher passport” residence permit (if applicable).High-paying employment contract (> €36,509.20 gross annual remuneration): Apply for a multi-year “talent passport” residence permit (“qualified employee” or “innovative company”). Business Creation:If you establish a viable business or freelance activity, apply for a temporary residence permit marked “entrepreneur / liberal profession” or a multi-year residence permit marked “passport talent – business creation.”

Short-Stay Visa (VLS-T) for Students in France

The Temporary Long-Stay Visa, or VLS-T “student”, offers a streamlined option for international students planning short-term studies in France. This visa allows you to stay for a period of 4 to 12 months and is not renewable.

Benefits of the VLS-T Visa:

Schengen Area Travel: Enjoy visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Zone during your stay.Social Security Access: Register with a higher education institution to gain access to France’s social security system for healthcare coverage.

Advantages of the VLS-T:

Simplified Process: Unlike the VLS-TS, there’s no need to validate your visa upon arrival in France.

Important Considerations:

Work Restrictions: You are not permitted to work while studying under a VLS-T visa.Financial Support: VLS-T holders are not eligible for financial aid programs like VISALE (free student rental deposit) or CAF housing allowance.No Extensions: The VLS-T cannot be extended beyond its validity period. You must leave France upon its expiration.

How to Apply for a VLS-T Visa:

The application process depends on your country of residence:For residents of countries participating in “Studies in France”: Apply for enrollment and visa simultaneously through the Etudes en France platform. Your visa application will be automatically sent to the French consulate in your country.For residents of other countries: Contact the French consular authorities in your country of residence to initiate the visa application process.

Unsure about Visa Requirements?

Use the visa assistant tool on the France Visas website (https://france-visas.gouv.fr/) to determine if you need a visa to study in France.

Live and Learn in France for Up to a Year

The Long-Stay Visa Equivalent to a Residence Permit, or VLS-TS “student”, allows you to immerse yourself in French education for a period of 4 months to 1 year. This visa is ideal for students pursuing higher education programs in France.

Benefits of the VLS-TS Visa:

Travel Flexibility: Freely explore all Schengen Area countries during your studies.Work Permission: Supplement your income by working up to 964 hours per year (20 hours/week).Financial Support: Benefit from VISALE, a free student rental deposit program.Housing Assistance: Receive financial aid for housing through CAF (Family Allowance Fund).Extendable Stay: Apply for a multi-year residence permit to continue your studies beyond the initial visa validity period.

How to Apply for a VLS-TS Visa:

The application process depends on your country of residence:For residents of 46 countries participating in Studies in France”: Apply for enrollment and visa simultaneously through the Etudes en France platform. Your visa application will be automatically sent to the French consulate in your country.For residents of other countries: Contact the French consular authorities in your country of residence to initiate the visa application process.

Unsure about Visa Requirements?

Use the visa assistant tool on the France Visas website (https://france-visas.gouv.fr/) to determine if you need a visa to study in France.

Important Note on Multiple Entry VLS-TS:

While a multiple-entry VLS-TS allows for travel outside France, visa validation is mandatory after three months of arrival. Please validate before traveling outside France to avoid requiring a new visa application upon re-entry.

Validating Your VLS-TS Visa:

Upon arrival in France, you must validate your VLS-TS visa online within 3 months. Here’s what you’ll need for the validation process:

• Valid email address
• Visa information
• French arrival date
• French residence address
• Payment method (credit card or electronic stamp purchased from a tobacco shop)

Continuing Your Studies in France:

If you wish to extend your stay beyond the VLS-TS validity period, apply for a multi-year residence permit at the prefecture two months before your visa expires. The new permit’s duration will correspond to the remaining years in your study program.The validity of your multi-year residence permit is directly linked to your academic program. It will be issued for the number of years remaining in your course, ensuring your visa status aligns with your studies.For Example, In Undergraduate Programs completing your first year in a License program typically qualifies you for a two-year multi-year residence permit, covering your studies until the end of your third year.For Graduate Schools, The renewal of your residence permit will be valid for the entire duration of your program, allowing you to focus on your studies until graduation.