Stay Back Options in France after Studies for Indian Students

Stay Back Options in France after Studies for Indian Students: International students pursuing their education in France often wish to stay back, once they graduate. If you are one of those, you will require a residence permit as per the duration. During this stay back period, you can look for job opportunities. In this article, we will discuss in detail about the stay back options in France, steps to find employment, and some things to keep in mind.

According to Campus France, despite the coronavirus pandemic, France continues to welcome international students. If we go by the numbers, then the number of international students rose by 8% in 2021-22 and went over 400,000. International students want to study in France because by doing so, they will discover a society that is multicultural, welcoming, and proud of its history. In the host university, the French and foreign students, as well as teachers, will make the stay unforgettable. Besides, these reasons, the excellence in higher education and research in France is largely acknowledged around the world. When we talk about the future professional life of students, the academic stay in France shall act as an advantage as they will gain essential knowledge, backed up by internationally-recognized certification.

With these many advantages of studying in France, it is obvious that an international student may look for stay-back options in France. Many students may have a long-term goal of working in France and settling there. However, students face some challenges while finding a job because of immigration policies and cut-throat competition. Since part-time work options for international students are essential, they also remain eager to know whether they can stay back in France or not after the completion of their studies. In this article, we are going to discuss some rules and regulations that students need to follow if they want to stay back in France once their studies are complete.  

Types of Student Visas for France

There are different types of French study visas for international students. Let us understand the basic details of these visas.

• Short Stay Visa: This visa is applicable to those students who come to France to attend short courses offered by the universities for 3 months, either in the spring or summer months. This visa is non-renewable.
• Temporary Long-Term Student Visa: The student temporary long-term visa will allow students to stay in France for 4-12 months to attend higher education courses. This visa cannot be renewed.
• Long Stay Visa: This visa is valid as a residence permit (VLS-TS) for students. It enables to work in France for those who are enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D degrees. This visa is renewable, subject to terms and conditions.

Read: France Study Visa Guide 

What are the Stay Back Options in France?

All those students who are enrolled in the short courses do not have the option to stay back in France. Such students are required to leave, but they can apply again for a regular student visa.

Upon the completion of the course, the master’s students can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (APS). The Temporary Resident Permit or APS allows foreign students to remain in France for one year after the end of their studies. In this period, they can look for a job or prepare for the creation of a company in a field as per their training. When the APS expires, students are required to change their status and request a residency permit as applied to their situation.

Read: Post-Study Work Permits for Indian Students in France

How to find work in France after the completion of your studies?

In order to stay in France after graduation, non-European students must have a promise of employment or a work contract. They must also be paid at least one and a half times the minimum wage. Without the promise of employment, a foreign student may request for APS while they seek employment in France. APS is non-renewable and valid for 12 months. In order to get employed in France, students must have a professional bachelor's or a master’s level degree or be in the process of starting a company.

Can I work while studying in France?

Foreign students have the right to work while studying in France. Students who are not European Union nationals should have a student resident permit. French law allows foreign students to work up to 964 hours per year, or the equivalent of 60% of the maximum hours permitted. A minimum wage is guaranteed by the law. As of January 2021, the minimum wage is €10.25.

Stay Back Option in France after Masters

As discussed above, as of 2015, every Indian student who has completed a degree at the master’s or a higher level in France can extend his / her stay for up to one year. Note that, until a work contract has been signed, foreign graduates with a Temporary Residence Permit (APS) are authorized to work under the same conditions as if they were students. In other words, they can work up to 964 hours per year, or approximately 20 hours per week.

Five-Year Visa

In 2013, the French Embassy in India decided to facilitate travel for Indian citizens residing in India who have studied in France. So, as a result, as of July 2013, all such alumni applying for a tourist or business visa for France are eligible for a visa with a long period of validity, up to 5 years (subject to passport validity), provided the degree obtained in France is at the master’s or a higher level.

What is a Talent Passport?

In 2016, France established a Talent passport, a new type of multi-year residence permit for skilled foreigners who wish to live in France. It has been established for researchers, artists, employees on assignments abroad as well as internationally renowned public figures. Foreign students who hold this permit will find it easier to work in France after completing their studies. The family members can also accompany students and will be issued multi-year residence permits.

Some points to keep in mind while looking for work in France

Before starting to look for a job, prepare a good cover letter to meet the French workplace expectations. Some other points that should be also considered are:

• Search for job opportunities online. One can also create email alerts by saving the search criteria.
• Next, take the time to update your CV as per the job criteria for which you want to apply
• Also, make sure to send the applications to companies that interest you
• One can also go to job fairs to meet recruiters. Before doing this, be sure to be well prepared

Related Reads 

• Student Guide to France
• Campus France - What it is?
• Scholarships to study in France