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France is one of the best countries to study for Indian students. It is the first country to sign a mutual recognition agreement with India. Moreover, 1500 French programs are taught in English. France is also an interesting destination to study abroad as it offers a post-study work permit to Indian students. France’s post-study work visa is given to students for 1 year. Keep reading to learn more about post-study work visa in France. Keep reading to learn more about Post study work visa France.
This Blog Includes:
- Does France provide post study work visa?
- Post Study Work Visa in France for Indian Students
- Post-Study Work Visa Permitted Activities
- Post Study Work Visa in France for Indian Students Eligibility Criteria
- France Post Study Work Visa Documents Required
- Post Study Work Visa in France for Indian Students: Application
- What to Do After the Expiry of the Post-Study Work Visa in France for Indian Students?
- 5-Year Validity Short Stay Visa for Indian Students
- Documentation Needed for a Short Stay Visa for Indian Students
- FAQs
Does France provide post study work visa?
Yes. France provides a post-study work visa to international students. International students who have completed a Master’s degree in France can apply for a post-study work visa. The visa is given for 1 year. The post-study permit entitles the visa holder to a long-stay visa for 1 year. The visa is renewable once, for a total of 2 years. To obtain this long stay visa, applicants must apply for the same within 4 years of obtaining a Masters degree in France. The application can be sent by visiting the VFS office in India.
Learn all about France Student Visas
Post Study Work Visa in France for Indian Students
The France post study work visa is a long-stay work visa (job seeker-new business creator residence permit) granted to international students who have completed their Master’s from a French educational institution. The visa can be extended. At the time of a long-stay visa validity, the visa is equivalent to a Schengen visa. Thus, allowing the visa holder to move around and stay in the Schengen Area outside France for periods not exceeding 90 days over any period of 180 consecutive days.
Post-Study Work Visa Permitted Activities
The post study work visa in France for Indian students is also called the long-stay visa for work-business creation/job search. The visa permits the following activities
- Seek employment and legally work during the validity of the residence permit
- Set up a company in a field related to the training or research
- Authorization to work until the signing of a definitive employment contract temporary or permanent
Post Study Work Visa in France for Indian Students Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Post-Study Work Visa in France for Indian Students are as follows. Students must meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the visa.
- The student must have stayed in France with a student residence permit (such as a VLS-TS or a residence permit mentioning “student”
- Additionally, the student must have obtained either one of the following French higher education diplomas. That is, a master’s degree or equivalent (For example, an engineering degree, a degree from an institute of political studies (IEP), etc), a Licence Professionelle (vocational degree), a Specialised Master’s degree, or a Master of Sciences (MSc) accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles
- The visa is available to researchers who have stayed in France with a researcher talent passport residence permit. However, the researcher must have completed the research mission.
Learn all about France Work Visa for Indians
France Post Study Work Visa Documents Required
The following documents are essential for obtaining the post study work visa in France for Indian students. The long-stay visa for work-business creation/job search is given after the submission of these documents.
- The applicant must provide a copy of the residence permit bearing the word ) “étudiant” or student or “étudiant – programme de mobilité” or the student mobility program. This is usually issued at the time of obtaining the degree.
- Provide a copy of the degree obtained within the 4 years preceding the application. The degree must be equivalent to an MA degree.
- Provide proof of plans to set up a business in a field relevant to the educational background of the applicant. (If applicable).
Post Study Work Visa in France for Indian Students: Application
The application process for the Post Study Work Visa in France for Indian students can be submitted either in the following format;
- In France at the prefecture before the expiry of the residence permit
- Abroad. That is, the French consulate in your country of residence (VFS office India)
- If the applicant has left France (within 4 years) after obtaining any of the higher education diplomas will have to validate the “job seeker/new business creator” residence permit’ after he/she arrives in France. This has to be done within 2 months of issuing the visa.
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What to Do After the Expiry of the Post-Study Work Visa in France for Indian Students?
In case the post study work visa in France for Indian students or the long-stay visa for work-business creation/job search visa holder has obtained a job or set up a business they have to apply for a residence permit to remain in France. There is no need to wait for the expiry of this residence permit. The change of status can be applied immediately.
- In case of employment– The applicant can request a temporary residence permit as an “employee” or “temporary worker. However, the salary must be equal of at least one and a half times the national minimum wage. That is, around €2,281,82 gross per month. Additionally, the employment must be validated by the DIRECCTE.
- In the case of self-employment: The person can apply for a temporary residence permit stating “entrepreneur/freelance. Otherwise, they can apply for a multi-year residence permit stating “talent passport – business creation”.
5-Year Validity Short Stay Visa for Indian Students
France offers a 5-year short-stay visa to postgraduate students who have studied in France. Indian students who have obtained a Master’s or higher degree are eligible for the same. The postgraduate degree can be undertaken in India, France or a 3rd country. The only condition is that the student must have completed 1 semester (4 months) of study in France. The visa will be granted for 5 years. It will be a multiple entry short stay visa. The duration of the short-stay visa can depend on the expiry date of the travel document. Eligible students can visit the VFS centre to apply for this short-stay visa. It is important to note that the short-stay visa is not a post study work visa in France for Indian students. The reason is, that this visa does not permit the student to work or look for a job. Moreover, this visa can only be issued to the Alumni and not the family members of the student.
Watch this video to learn more about 5-year short stay visas for Indian students
Documentation Needed for a Short Stay Visa for Indian Students
The following documents are needed for short-stay visas for Indian students. Note; the short-stay visa is not a post study work visa in France for Indian students. To prove their alumni status students can present;
- Provide a copy of the MA degree or a higher degree obtained in India, France or a 3rd country
- Provide proof of having completed 1 semester in France. For example, a certificate e issued by a French institution stating the completion of an academic stay
- A document showing the duration of academic stay in the French institution.
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FAQs
International students can apply for an Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) or a temporary resident permit. The residence permit is available for 12 months. During this time, the student can search for employment opportunities.
International students can enrol for a Master’s program in France. Next, they need to apply for a temporary residence permit, It is available for a maximum period of 2 years. During this time, the student must obtain a desirable contract work. To obtain a PR, a student must stay in France for at least 5 years.
After completing a 1-year stay in France, a student must apply for a temporary residence student card. The student card is valid for 1 year. On the other hand, a multiannual student card is valid for 2-4 years. In some cases, the residence permit is issued automatically.
France is providing a multiple entry short-stay visa to Indian students. Those who have completed at least 1 semester of study (Master’s degree or higher) in France are eligible for this visa. The visa gives a 5-year short-stay entry to the Schengen area. However, this cannot be considered as a post-study visa or a work visa.
We hope you now understand the post study work visa in France for Indian students. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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