Smoothly anticipate your foreign students’ status transition with the support of Eres Relocation France
Every year, many foreign graduates in France wish to stay and begin their professional careers in the country. To facilitate this transition, France offers the Provisional Residence Permit (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour – APS), a temporary status that allows job searching or preparing to start a business. However, this period is limited, and careful planning is essential to secure the right long-term immigration status.
It should be noted that it is the bilateral agreements related to professional mobility that determine whether you are eligible for a Provisional Residence Permit (APS) or the Job-Seeking/Business Creation Permit (RECE).
What is the APS?
The APS, generally issued for 12 months (non-renewable), is available to foreign students holding at least a Master’s degree or an equivalent diploma listed in an official decree. It allows:
- Searching for a job related to the graduate’s field of study
- Preparing to start a business in France
During this time, holders may work under certain conditions, typically with a fixed-term or permanent contract, provided they meet the requirements of their intended future status.
Planning the change of status
The APS is a transitional permit: to remain in France beyond its validity, an application to change status must be filed before it expires.
Depending on the situation, this could mean applying for:
- Talent Passport – Young Graduate
- Employee or Temporary Worker
- Business Creator
Planning ahead is key to avoid any interruption in the right to stay.
Key elements to prepare
- A compliant job offer: The position must match the degree obtained and meet the minimum salary thresholds set by law.
- Complete documentation: Degree certificate, employment contract, proof of resources, proof of accommodation, etc.
- Processing time: Prefecture processing times can be lengthy; it is recommended to submit the application several weeks before the APS expires.
- Eligibility checks: Especially for the Talent Passport, which requires meeting a minimum salary level.
Why seek professional assistance?
While the change of status process may seem straightforward on paper, it often involves legal and administrative nuances. An incomplete or late application can lead to a refusal or loss of residency rights.
At Eres Relocation France, we assist students, young graduates, and employers with:
- Identifying the most suitable status for the individual’s situation
- Preparing and reviewing the complete application
- Liaising with the relevant authorities
Are you a foreign student in France or an employer hiring a young international graduate?
📩 Contact our team today to plan your application and ensure a smooth transition to the right work status.
