Recruiting a student or a recent foreign graduate in France
Employers in France can recruit international students and recent graduates from outside the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland, provided that they verify the applicant’s residence permit and, where applicable, complete the required formalities. This page outlines the essential rules and options available during and after studies.
In summary
- A foreign student can work in France during their studies, up to a limit as stipulated by law.
- Specific rules apply depending on nationality and the type of residence permit held.
- After obtaining a master’s degree or equivalent qualification, it is possible to remain in France to look for a job or start a business.
- Several types of residence permits allow you to undertake salaried or self-employed work.
- The application process must be carried out with the relevant French authorities and on official platforms.
Campus France
For any questions related to international mobility, students can contact the dedicated service at their university and consult the Campus France website, which centralizes procedures and useful resources. Employers can also find practical information there to better understand how to host and recruit international students in France
Can a foreign student work in France ?
A foreign student holding a valid “Student” residence permit is authorized to work part-time during their studies.
They can work up to 60% of the legal annual working hours, or 964 hours per year. This work must be compatible with the student’s academic progress.
Prior to hiring, the employer is required to submit a declaration to the Prefecture of the student’s place of work at least 48 working hours before the start of employment. If the 964-hour limit is exceeded, a work permit becomes mandatory.
Students of Algerian nationality
Algerian students must have a work permit from the start of any paid employment. They are authorized to work up to 50% of the legal working hours. The application for authorization must be submitted online via the dedicated platform.
How to recruit a recent graduate after their studies?
Upon completion of their studies, an international student with a master’s degree or equivalent may wish to remain in France to gain initial professional experience or develop a project.
For the employer, the main challenge lies in identifying the candidate’s residence permit and, if necessary, anticipating the change of status required to allow the continuation of professional activity under the immigration status best suited to the individual’s new situation.
Upon graduation, international students can apply for a change of residence permit to work in France, whether as an employee or self-employed individual.
The available options depend in particular on:
- The type of job or project.
- The candidate’s skill level.
- The salary level.
- The graduate’s profile.
Depending on the circumstances, the candidate may be directed towards a residence permit authorizing them to work as an employee, be self-employed or pursue an entrepreneurial project.
To ensure successful recruitment, employers are advised to begin their analysis during the candidate selection phase to verify:
- The current residence permit.
- The employment rights associated with this permit.
- The potential need for a work permit.
- The possibility of a change of status that matches the position offered.
See our pages dedicated to recruiting international talent or starting a business.
A foreign student holding a master’s degree or equivalent qualification can apply for a temporary residence permit or a long-stay “Job search or business creation” visa equivalent to a residence permit.
This permit aims to allow graduates to supplement their education with initial professional experience or to seek employment related to their degree. The application must be submitted to the Prefecture of their place of residence, and is subject to any provisions set out under bilateral agreements.
This permit enables them to reside in France for up to 12 months, but it cannot be renewed.
Two months before the expiry of this permit, the holder must change their status to a residence permit that matches their professional situation, without the employment situation being a factor in this decision.
A graduate who left France after obtaining their degree can benefit from this program for a maximum period of four years. If they reside abroad, the application for a long-stay visa must be made on the official France-Visas website.
The “Job Search or Business Creation” residence permit also enables them to develop an entrepreneurial project related to their training. It authorizes a stay in France for a maximum of 12 months, but it cannot be renewed.
The application must be submitted to the Prefecture of their place of residence. Two months before the expiration of this permit, a change of status is required to obtain a residence permit authorizing commercial or self-employment activities.