Stay Back in France After Masters – Best Options

If you're considering staying in France after completing your master's, several excellent options are available. 

I found the process straightforward and rewarding, offering numerous opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. 

To extend your stay, you can explore visa options, job prospects, and post-study work permits. 

In this guide, I've compiled the best options to help you navigate the process smoothly and make informed decisions about your future in France. 

Dive in to discover the best paths to extend your French experience!

Post Study Work Permit on France Student Visa

Types of France post study work visas are elaborated in the following table:

Types of  Visa	French Name for the Visa	About the Visa
Short-Stay Visa	Visa de court séjour	For students attending short courses of up to 90 days, usually in spring or summer.
Temporary Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS)	Visa de long séjour temporaire	For students attending training courses lasting three to six months.
Long Stay Visa	Visa de long	For students attending courses longer than six months, equivalent to a residence permit.

Recent Updates for France Work Permit

Recent regulatory changes have significantly impacted various aspects of immigration and visa policies. These updates include the following:

1. Student Visa Deposit: New regulations require a deposit for student visas. This refundable deposit is returned when the permit expires, is renewed, or when the applicant secures another permit for a different reason. The deposit may be reduced or waived for financially needy students or those with high grades.

2. Welfare Benefits: Foreign nationals must now work in France for 30 months before claiming welfare benefits such as childcare. Citizens of other countries can claim welfare benefits after five years of employment in France.

3. Work Permits for High-Demand Sectors: Non-EU nationals without legal residence permits can apply for a permit if employed in critical sectors like restaurants, construction, and farming. They must have been physically present in French territory for three years and employed for 12 consecutive months.

4. Family Reunification: The waiting period to apply for family reunification has increased from 18 to 24 months. Applicants must provide proof of a steady income and health insurance. Spouses must be at least 21 years old.

5. Annual Immigration Report: The government is now required to submit an annual report to parliament detailing immigration statistics, including the number of immigrants, asylum seekers, residency permits, family reunifications, deportations, and naturalizations.

What are Stay Back Options After Studying in France

Temporary Residence Permit

Foreigners intending to work in France and become residents for more than three months require a residence permit. This requirement applies to British citizens who arrived in France after January 1, 2021, and Algerian citizens under the French-Algerian Agreement. However, EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals are not eligible for this permit.

Eligibility

• A permanent employment contract.
• An authorized employment medical certificate is issued to the employer before engaging the employee. 

Documents Required

• Valid Passport which will show the civil status, date of issue, expiry date and stamping pages, visa. 
• If no passport, an ID with a photograph is required (e.g., consular card, certificate of nationality).
• Appropriate long-stay visa, referred to as the ‘Talent Passport’ or VLS-TS, or a legitimate residence permit.
• Electric, gas, water, Internet utility bill, rental or lease agreement, or a letter from the landlord.
• If staying in a hotel, provide the hotel certificate and the invoice for the last month.
• If staying with a private individual, bring a signed certificate and a photocopy of their valid identity card or residence permit.
• Three recent standardized passport photos
• Declaration of non-polygamy if coming from a polygamous country.
• Copy of payment receipt for the residence permit tax and stamp duty
• OFII’s medical certificate when issuing the permit.

Application Process

Step 1: Go to the website estrangers en france to apply for the work permit.

Step 2: The work permit is issued to the employer.

Step 3: The international talent applies for a visa simultaneously with the work permit at the French Consulate or the French Embassy.

Step 4: The visa is provided

Step 5: The employee arrives in France. 

Step 6: : Request a medical examination at an OFII-approved facility using the passport.

Step 7: Confirm the visa online within 3 months of arrival at estrangers en france. 

Step 8: Apply for an extension at the prefecture or sub-prefecture of the place of residence  France.

Permit Details

• Validity: This temporary residence permit is a one-year permit and is renewable under specific conditions.
• Types: Different types include entrees, investors, company directors, founders of start-ups, and employees.
• Cost: The total cost is €325, including €200 for the immigration office and €125 for stamp duty. 

Talent Passports

Talent Passport is a multi-year residence permit that serves as a work permit, allowing the holder to engage in salaried professional activities without needing additional procedures. During the validity of the residence permit, the holder is permitted to work as an employee. 

You become eligible for Talent Passport if you are able to provide the following proof as a foreign employee:

• A permanent employment contract or a fixed-term employment contract for a minimum of 12 months with a French employer.
• A qualification obtained after completing a minimum of three years of higher education or presenting documents validating equivalent professional experience of at least five years.
• A gross annual salary of at least 1.5 times the average annual gross salary, i.e., €53,836.50 as of May 1, 2023, as set by decree.

In case of job change, if the eligibility criteria continue to be met, changing employers and taking up a new position is possible.

Types of Student Visas in France

France offers three types of visas for international students; let’s understand what these are:

Short-Stay Visa

This visa is for students who come to France to attend short courses offered by universities for up to 90 days, either in the spring or summer months. This visa cannot be renewed and expires at the end of the three months.

Temporary Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS)

This visa is for those students who come to France to attend training courses lasting three to six months. This visa cannot be renewed.

Long Stay Visa (Student Visa)

It is for students who come to France to attend courses for more than six months. Long-stay visa is equivalent to a residence permit in France. It enables students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees, to work in France. This visa can be renewed, subject to certain terms and conditions.

Why Choose France to Study Abroad

France is laden with opportunities for students with advanced degrees, especially in Paris, a hub for start-up companies with ample opportunities for growth. According to the QS World University Ranking 2025, 35 French universities rank among the top, making France an attractive destination for international students. 

With an average base salary of €49,500 per year, France attracts talent from around the world. 

Additionally, students with a master’s or higher degree from a French university can work part-time in the country for up to two years after their studies, smoothing the path to staying in France. 

In 2013, the French Embassy in India facilitated travel for Indians holding French degrees, allowing alumni with a master’s or higher degree to obtain a tourist or business visa for four years.

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EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit issued to non-EU/EEA citizens to boost talent within the European Union. It grants permanent residence and EU citizenship and provides a possible means for international students to stay back in France.

Objective: The permit aims to attract global talent to ensure Europe becomes a preferential destination for other nationalities seeking employment.

Participating Countries: EU member states, except Denmark and Ireland, issue the EU Blue Card.

Key Features

• Equal working conditions and wages as those given to nationals.
• Free movement of people, goods, and services within the Schengen area.
• Unemployment support or severance.
• Suitable conditions for bringing family members.
• A pathway for immigrants to gain permanent resident status and citizenship.
• Freedom of association, allowing individuals to form, join, or belong to unions and associations of their choice.

Eligibility Conditions

• Must be from outside the EU/EEA.
• Must have three years of work experience.
• Must hold a valid job offer letter or contract with an employer in any European Union member state.

What are Work Permit Requirements for France

Getting a post study work permit in France involves a thorough application process, with the employer primarily responsible for completing the application. The employer must submit the application at least two months before starting their work. Below are the basic requirements and relevant documents necessary for a work permit in France.

1. Explanation Letter: A reference letter from the employer detailing the employee's job description, reasons for hiring, and assignments to be accomplished.

2. Work Permit Application Form:

• For Employees Living Outside France: Cerfa no. 15187*1 in four copies.
• For Employees Already in France: Cerfa no. 15186*1 in four copies.

3. Commercial Register Excerpt:

• Lawful Groups
• Sole Owners
• License for craft
• Tax notice as a last resort unless the other documents are presented.

4. Transfers Within the Company: Evidence provided by the French company to support its relationship with the foreign company.

5. Identity Proof: A copy of the worker's passport or other government-issued identification.

6. Residence Permit: A photocopy of the employee's residency permit is needed if the employee is already resident in France.

7. Employee's CV: Record their competencies and working experiences.

8. Certificates: Official documents necessary for the job, including certificates or licenses.

9. Regulatory Conditions: Evidence indicating that certain regulatory conditions required for the position are met, if applicable.

10. Labor Market Search Evidence: Documentation demonstrating that the employee is already working for a company in France.

Additional requirements for employers who live outside France: 

1. Proof of Employment or Initial Contract: Evidence of service with the foreign company for over 90 days.
2. French Social Security Registration: The applicant's affidavit for registration under the French security regime.
3. Paid Leave Scheme Registration: Application for registration, including an official register and a signed declaration for a specific paid leave program.
4. Appointed Representative: If needed, a letter designating a French resident to handle certain legal matters on behalf of the company.

What is Application Process for France Work Permit

Getting a post-study work visa in France is a simplified process that involves certain procedures and required documentation. The employer is primarily responsible for applying for the employee's work permit, preferably at least two months before the employee intends to start working. Here is a detailed guide to the application process:

Step 1: Determine the Need for a French Work Visa

It is relatively easy for those with a work visa to find jobs in France. The need for a work visa depends on nationality and the location of the area being visited. Most non-EU/EEA nationals will require a residence permit to reside and work in the country legally.

Step 2: Identify the Correct Work Visa Category  

It is best to know the specific work visa category that covers your type of work. 
France offers several types of work visas, including those for salaried workers, business builders, professionals, the self-employed, sporting professionals, or volunteer employees.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

The general documents required for a visa include the following:

• The complete application form for French work visa
• Two recent (not older than 3 months passport-sized photos)
• Valid Passport
• Proof of financial means.
• Certificate of a criminal record with no ongoing criminal cases.
• Proof of payment for the work visa.
• Degrees, CV, employment certificates.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Once the employer has obtained all the documents, the employer submits the work permit application in France. This application will be processed through the French consulate within the applicant's country.

Step 5: Attend the Visa Appointment

The applicant must attend a visa appointment at the French consulate or embassy to provide their fingerprints, photograph, and signature, and submit the completed application form, photographs, passport, and all other required documentation.

Step 6: Await Approval

Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the French authorities. If approved, the applicant will receive their work visa, which allows them to enter and work in France.

Step 7: Register with French Authorities

Upon receiving the  work permit, the employee must register with the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) and complete any further formalities needed to finalize their residency status.

What is France Work Permit Processing Time

After applying for a French work permit, you can track the progress of your application. Monitor your visa application status on the provided tracking page and await notification via phone or website message for passport collection. 

Standard processing takes 15 days, but detailed reviews may extend up to 45 days. You will be informed about the collection date for in-person pickup at the visa center or if your passport will be delivered by postal service.

Stay Back Option in France After Masters 

While Pursuing Master’s

Master’s students in France benefit from a long-stay visa that doubles as a residence permit, eliminating the need for a separate work permit. This permit allows part-time employment for up to 964 hours a year, approximately 20 hours per week. If a student secures a job with a minimum annual wage of €53,836.50, they become eligible for a work permit.

Post-Completion of Master’s

After completing a master’s in France, students can obtain a temporary residence permit valid for two years. During this period, if they secure employment, they can request their company to sponsor a permanent residence or work permit. Additionally, graduates who leave France after completing their master’s can return within four years to seek employment or start a business, thanks to a long-stay visa marked as “Job Search/Business Creation.”

Stay Back Options in France After Bachelor’s

To remain in France following your graduation, as a non-European student, you must have a job offer or employment contract with a salary of at least one and a half times the minimum wage (€31,804.56 gross per annum as of 2024).

If you do not have a job offer or employment contract after your course completion, you can apply for an Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS), a temporary resident permit. This permit is valid for twelve months and cannot be renewed. During this period, you can search for employment opportunities in France. To be eligible for the APS, you must hold a professional bachelor's or master's degree or establish own company.

Talent Passport for Foreign Nationals

Talent Passport is a multi-year residence permit that serves as a work permit, allowing the holder to engage in salaried professional activities without needing additional procedures. During the validity of the residence permit, the holder is permitted to work as an employee.

You become eligible for Talent Passport if you are able to provide the following proof as a foreign employee:

• A permanent employment contract or a fixed-term employment contract for a minimum of 12 months with a French employer.
• A qualification obtained after completing a minimum of three years of higher education or presenting documents validating equivalent professional experience of at least five years.
• A gross annual salary of at least 1.5 times the average annual gross salary, i.e., €53,836.50 as of May 1, 2023, as set by decree.

• In case of job change, if the eligibility criteria continue to meet, changing employers and taking up a new position is possible.

In case of job change, if the eligibility criteria continue to meet, changing employers and taking up a new position is possible.

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Benefits of Post-Study Visa in France

If you secure a post-study visa, the benefits that you get are numerous. Some of them are outlined below:

1. No travel restrictions to Schengen countries for up to five years, as you won’t require a separate Schengen visa.

2. Free assistance from VISALE, the local visa office, for any visa and immigration-related difficulties.

3.Eligibility to receive rental subsidies for housing.

4. Most importantly, the ability to renew your work permit, making it easier to stay in France after your master’s without worry.

Visa Fee in France

A student visa (long-stay) application in France €90.  However, you must check the official immigration website before applying for your visa.

Is Staying Back in France after Master’s Difficult?

Staying back in France after a master’s is not difficult if you plan and strategize smartly. From the time you start your degree, you must have a clear goal in mind and work towards it diligently. Prove your skills to employers, take advantage of the 20 hours part-time employment rule, and network with companies during your studies.

By starting the process of networking and relationship-building early, it will be much easier to find employment by the time you finish your studies. Once you secure employment, the road to staying in France permanently and obtaining a permanent residence permit will become easier.

Job Opportunities After Master’s in France 

Based on the 2024 report, France has an employment rate of 68.80%, providing a pathway for exploring numerous job opportunities. Completing a master’s program in France offers an average base salary of €39,000 - €45,000 per year. Whether your degree is in engineering, hospitality, tourism, or management, there is no shortage of career options. Holding a degree from a French university will bolster your resume and impress employers.

As a foreign student, finding employment in France may seem challenging, but is not impossible. If you are already pursuing a degree in France, you are likely aware of the numerous benefits it provides. If you are still figuring out your plans to study in France, keep in mind  the valuable pointers mentioned in the article. Staying in France after your master’s will not only put your degree to good use but also help you build a quality life with immense opportunities for growth.