If you’ve completed your studies in France and are planning to stay for work, you’ll need to apply for a change of status from student to professional. This process is called:

“Changement de Statut – Étudiant à Salarié / Professionnel / Entrepreneur / Talent”

Below is a complete guide on how to navigate this process.

Important Points Before Applying

1. You must complete the degree you came to study in France. Applications are rejected if your studies are incomplete.

2. You cannot change your job field to something unrelated to your studies.

1. Work Contracts and Corresponding Permits

CDI – Contrat à Durée Indéterminée (Permanent Contract)

• Best scenario for long-term employment in France.

• Leads to a 1-year initial permit, usually renewable to 4 years.

• Includes a trial period (période d’essai). If your employer terminates the contract during this period, the work permit becomes invalid, and you must reapply with a new employer.

CDD – Contrat à Durée Déterminée (Fixed-Term Contract)

• Suitable for temporary work.

• After student visa limits (964 hours/year), you can apply for Salarié Travailleur Temporaire.

• APS extension is not available for CDD holders; you can work under the student limit or rely on Pole Emploi unemployment benefits.

2. Types of Work Permits

Note: Scientific contracts and CDD in research can also qualify for Passeport Talent permits.

3. How to Apply

Step 1: Contact Your Prefecture

Send an email to request an appointment for changing your status.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

By the Applicant:

• 3 passport-size photos

• Passport photocopy (all stamped pages)

• Current visa / APS photocopy

• Address proof:

  • Colocation: attestation d’hébergement + landlord ID + utility bill

  • Solo rental: electricity bill + rent receipts (last 3 months)

• Diploma photocopy

• CV / Resume

• Employment contract (CDI/CDD > 6 months)

• Recent payslips

By the Employer (if applicable):

• Cerfa Form N°15186*03

• Kbis (company registration)

• Company status & social contribution documents

• Motivation letter for hiring

• List of applicants for the post

Step 3: Submission

• After submission, you receive a Recepissé / APS valid for 3 months until your Titre de Séjour – Salarié / Talent / Entrepreneur is ready.

• A stamp is required when collecting the card at the prefecture.

4. Renewal

If your Recepissé / APS expires before the card is ready, you only need:

• Passport photocopy

• Original & photocopy of Recepissé / APS

• Passport-size photos

• Address proof (same as above)

5. Key Considerations

• Ensure your job or project matches your field of study.

• Salaries determine which type of permit you qualify for.

• For family benefits, Passeport Talent and Talent Project Leader are the most advantageous.

• Entrepreneurs and Project Leaders have flexibility but must demonstrate a viable business plan.