From Student to Professional: How Indian Graduates Can Stay in France with the APS

If you’re an Indian student finishing your higher education in France, you’re probably wondering what comes next. The good news is that France offers a unique opportunity through the Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS), a temporary residence permit that allows eligible international students to remain in the country after graduation to look for a job or start a business.

🇮🇳 What Is the APS and Who Can Apply?

The APS is a short-term residence permit available to students from countries that have signed bilateral agreements with France — and India is on that list. This provision is part of a broader legal reform (Law on Asylum and Immigration, 10 September 2018) which updated how international graduates can stay in France for work or entrepreneurship purposes.

Indian students who have completed higher education in France are eligible to apply for the APS, provided they hold one of the following qualifications from an institute with a RNCP recognition:

• A Licence professionnelle (professional bachelor’s degree)
• A Master’s degree or an equivalent diploma (e.g., engineering degree, IEP diploma, diploma in veterinary sciences, etc.)
• A Master of Science (MSc) degree labeled by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles

Students aiming to launch their own startup can also apply under this scheme.

🎓 What Does the APS Allow You to Do?

The APS grants recent graduates up to 12 months (non-renewable) to stay in France while they:

• Look for full-time employment
• Prepare to start a business in a field related to their academic training

During this period, you can work part-time (up to 964 hours per year, approximately 20 hours per week) under the same conditions as a student visa, until you secure a long-term contract (CDD or CDI).

📌 How to Apply for the APS?

The application process depends on whether or not you have received your diploma by the time your current student visa expires.

1. If your visa is expiring and you have not yet received your diploma:

You can apply for a temporary extension of your student status by going to your local préfecture at least 15 days before your residence permit expires. Bring:

• A letter from your school confirming the date of your final thesis defence or pending results
• Your valid passport and student residence permit
• Proof of address (less than 3 months old)

You will receive a récépissé, a temporary extension that allows you to legally stay in France as a student.

2. If your visa is expiring and you have obtained your diploma:

You can directly apply for the APS (“Étudiant en recherche d’emploi ou création d’entreprise”). To do this:

• Visit the website of the préfecture in your place of residence
• Download and fill in the APS application form
• Send it by post with the required documents to the designated address listed on the site

🛫 What Happens When the APS Expires?

Before your APS runs out, you must apply for a change in your residence status based on your professional situation. You have a few options:

• You’ve found a job: If you have a valid CDD or CDI with a salary of at least 1.5 times the French minimum wage (about €2,220 gross/month), you can apply for a temporary residence permit as a “salarié” (employee) or “travailleur temporaire” (temporary worker).
• You’ve started a business: You can apply for a temporary residence permit marked “entrepreneur/profession libérale” or a multi-year “Talent Passport — entrepreneur/profession libérale”.
• You’re involved in research: If you’re continuing in research, you can apply for the “Talent Passport — chercheur”.

💡 Important tip: Don’t wait until your APS expires to start the status change process. Apply as soon as your new situation (job, company, research contract) is confirmed.

Your French journey doesn’t have to end at graduation — it could just be beginning . The APS offers a valuable bridge between student life and professional life in France. Whether you dream of working in a French company, joining a startup, or building your own business, this permit gives you the legal time and flexibility to take your first step. Make sure you stay informed, follow deadlines, and take advantage of the resources offered by your préfecture.

Need help navigating your APS application or post-study plans in France?
 Ask Sétu has partnered with experts in jurisdiction to support Indian students with:

✅ Personalised guidance on APS
 ✅ CV & job readiness support
 ✅ Entrepreneurship advice in France

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