Job Seeker Visa in France
One documented route of this kind in France, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Job Search / Company Creation Permit (Post-Graduation)
A 1-year, non-renewable temporary permit for non-EU graduates of French higher education who wish to seek skilled employment or create a company in France after completing a qualifying degree (Master's level or equivalent). Eligible graduates apply before their student status expires. This permit is issued at the reduced-rate fee (€150 initial in France from 1 May 2026) and authorises salaried work related to the graduate's field of study.
- Processing time
- Prefecture decision within standard administrative timeframes; no statutory deadline published
- Validity
- 1 year, not renewable
- Language requirement
- No statutory language requirement for this specific permit
Requirements
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationality (Algerian nationals excluded)
- Holds or recently held a student residence card in France, OR obtained a qualifying French degree abroad within the last 4 years
- Qualifying degree: professional licence, specialised Master's, CGE-labelled MSc, or equivalent at Master's level
- Degree obtained within the past 12 months (for in-France applicants) or within the past 4 years (for abroad applicants)
- Valid passport
- Proof of address
Required Documents
- Valid passport with civil-status pages required
- Student residence card (current holders) or qualifying degree certificate (abroad applicants) required
- Proof of address dated within 6 months required
- Three identity photographs required
- Health insurance proof required
- Company creation project documentation (if applying to create a company rather than seek employment)
- Signed commitment to respect the principles of the Republic required
Official fees
- First-issue permit in France (reduced rate, from 1 May 2026): €100 tax + €50 stamp 150 EUR
- VLS-TS from abroad (reduced rate, from 1 May 2026) 100 EUR
- VLS-TS validation fee upon arrival in France (reduced rate) 100 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Verify eligibility
Confirm you hold or have recently held a French student card and have obtained a qualifying Master's-level degree from a French institution (or equivalent within the past 4 years if abroad).
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2
Apply at the prefecture (in France) or consulate (abroad)
In France: submit the application at the prefecture at least 2 months before your student card expires. Abroad: apply at the French consulate within 4 years of graduation. Pay the applicable reduced-rate fee (€150 in France; €100 for the VLS-TS abroad).
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3
Receive and use the 1-year permit
Work as a salaried employee in a field related to your studies (minimum €2,800.53/month gross) or develop a company creation project.
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4
Transition before expiry
Before the permit expires, apply for a longer-term status (e.g. employee card, Talent Passport qualified employee, or EU Blue Card) — this permit is not renewable.