What is APS (Authorization Provisoire de Sèjour) visa?

• The APS is France’s official Job Search / Business Creation visa.

• It allows international graduates to live, travel, and work full-time in France while searching for a job or setting up a business.

• Typically applied for after completing studies and before your student visa expires.

• APS from abroad (within 4 years of graduation) is possible but valid for 1 year only and non-renewable.

• You plan to find a job related to your studies or create a business in France.

  ⚠ Special rules apply for European, Algerian nationals, or countries with bilateral migration agreements.

• It bridges the gap between student life and professional career.

✅ Who Can Apply?

You are eligible if you meet all the following conditions:

1. You currently reside or have resided in France with a student residence permit /student mobility program permit or you have a talent-researcher residence permit.

2. You have obtained a Master-level degree or equivalent (Graduates of RNCP-certified courses or public universities) in France.

   • Professional Bachelor’s degree (Licence professionnelle)

   • Specialized Master (Mastère Spécialisé)

   • Master of Science (labeled by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles)

   • Equivalent diplomas recognized in France

   • PHD post research

Must apply after completing your studies/research and before your student visa expires.

⚠ If you are from a country with a migration agreement with France, you can request an APS (temporary residence permit) for a first professional experience. 
⚠ Special rules apply for European or Algerian nationals.

⏳ Duration

•  Standard APS: 1 year initially, renewable once (total 2 years).
• APS from abroad: 1 year, non-renewable

📋 Eligibility Requirements

1. Completed your studies/research, with diploma or attestation de réussite / attestation de jury.

2. Valid student visa (carte de séjour étudiant en cours de validité)

3. Planning to find a job related to your field or create a business in France.

🌟 Key Benefits

• Legal residence in France for job search or business creation.

• Full work authorization throughout APS.

• Flexibility to explore multiple employers until a satisfying job is found.

• Travel internationally (visa rules apply for destination country).

• International work or internship opportunities

• Opportunity to change visa status once a job is secured.

🗂 Required Documents

• Valid passport (original + photocopy)
• Valid student visa (carte de séjour étudiant en cours de validité)
• Proof of graduation (diploma or attestation de réussite / attestation de jury)
• Proof of residence in France (less than 3 months old)
• Recent passport-sized photos (3–8 depending on prefecture)
• Any additional documents requested by the prefecture

📝 How to Apply

Step 1 – Secure an Appointment (Rendezvous):

The standard procedure is to apply for the APS (Job Search / Business Creation) via ANEF.
However, procedures may vary slightly depending on the préfecture, so it is strongly recommended to always check your préfecture’s official website.

⚠️ Do not wait until your residence card expires.
Once your card has expired, securing an appointment or resolving issues becomes significantly more difficult.

Important reminders

• • • Regularly check your email inbox and spam folder

    • The préfecture may contact you to:

      • • Request additional or updated documents
        • Send a convocation (appointment notice)

Documents issued after submission

Depending on how your application is handled:

A) For Application submitted via ANEF

You will receive an Attestation de prolongation d’instruction which is a Temporary document to extends your legal stay in France valid while your APS application is under review. Avoid major travels with this document. 

B) iF ANEF technical issue is encountered 

If ANEF is unavailable or dysfunctional: The préfecture may give you an in-person appointment where you will then be issued a récépissé. At the same time, be reminded to request for the ANEF blockage/technical issue to be rectified. In most instances, following this in person appointment at the préfecture, the ANEF technical problem will be solved. But if it persists one week after your appointment, write an email/registered letter to the préfecture. 

No response from the préfecture?

• • If no response is received within 2 weeks after your student card expires, send a registered letter (lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception) requesting an update.

  • Under French immigration law:

    • 4 months of silence from the préfecture is considered an implicit refusal

    • This situation generally requires legal intervention

💡 Tip: In case of delays, silence, or technical issues, consult TSA’s experienced immigration lawyer.  

Step 2 – Decision by the préfecture:

✅ If your APS is approved

• • • Via ANEF:
      You will receive an Attestation de décision favorable, confirming that Your APS application has been approved and your residence permit will be issued. You will receive an SMS requesting you to fix an appointment to collect your card. You will have to buy the required tax stamp (75euros). You can travel with this attestation. 

    • If ANEF technical issues persist:
      You will receive an SMS/in some cases - a convocation letter from the préfecture inviting you to collect your APS card in person, mentioning the tax stamp (75euros). 

❌ If your APS is rejected

Rejection may take one of the following forms:

• • • Simple refusal
    • Refusal accompanied by an OQTF (Obligation de Quitter le Territoire Français) - which warrants contestation within 7/30 days according to the notice. 

Step 3 – Card handover : 

🌍 Working and Internships Abroad

• APS holders can intern or work abroad while the visa is valid.

• Schengen countries: Internship ≤ 90 days allowed without additional visa.

• Non-Schengen countries: Check visa requirements of the destination country.

What card can be requested at the end of the validity of the APS ?

• you have secured a job (related to your studies)
• you started your own business