Obtaining a work permit in France allows you to experience and explore the multicultural society, food, fashion, and arts, network with like-minded minds, and have the opportunity to grow in your various chosen career paths. France is amongst the top five study destinations for international students. With all the benefits students international students stand to enjoy, there is indeed no doubt that the country ranks as part of the top study destinations for international students. In this article, we’d indepthly explore the process of obtaining a work permit in France in 2024. For more updates in the education sector, subscribe to our newsletter.
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Table of Contents
Benefits of studying in France
Before we delve into the visa process, let’s examine the benefits and opportunities international students gain when they choose to study in France. These benefits include:
- There are a wide variety of courses offered by various schools in France. Schools in France offer around 1500 courses taught in the English language. However, it is important to note that proficiency in French is an added advantage.
- When compared to other schools in Europe, studying in France is more affordable. Additionally, there are scholarship opportunities available for international students to help with the cost of their education.
- Furthermore, the country is also home to some of the top universities globally according to the QS world ranking.
- There are also various multinational companies like TotalEnergies, AXA, EDF, Carrefour, Dior, etc located in the company, and international students who are focused and can get a slot will greatly improve their career.
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Types of Work Visas available in France
International students who desire to stay back in France would need a work permit to enable them to legally live and work in the country. There are different types of work permits available for international students and they include:
1. Temporary Residence Permit:
International students may decide to apply for a temporary residence permit after their studies in France, and if they are granted, they will be able to stay back in the country for 12 months to work. It is important to note that the passport is not renewable. However, citizens of countries who have a bilateral agreement with France can extend their permit for another 12 months. There are two types of temporary residence permits and they are:
- Residence Permit for Employee
- Residence Permit for Temporary Worker
2. Talent Passports
International students who desire to work in France after the completion of their master’s degree can opt-in for this passport. Also, students who are highly skilled and have made notable achievements or whose work contributes to the French economy can apply for this visa. However, to be eligible to apply, prospective applicants must fulfill one of the following criteria:
- Applicant must be an employee of a French employment contract on admission.
- Applicant must be a recent graduate in any field and display notable talent.
- Applicant must invest in the French economy or opt for a start-up.
- Applicant must be a research scholar.
- Applicant must be efficient in any co-curricular activity.
- Applicant must have an EU blue card.
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3. EU Resident Card
Furthermore, the EU resident card is for highly skilled workers who desire to work in France. The validity period is 1-3 years. The eligibility requirements for the EU resident card include:
- Applicants must hold a diploma or degree that proves that they have spent three years of higher education or five years of professional experience in a specific subject.
- Applicants must have a minimum work experience of 1 year.
- Applicant must earn a monthly salary that is at least 1.5 times the French average gross yearly pay
Additionally, applicants may be eligible for this work permit if they have legally and uninterruptedly resided in France for at least 5 years or are the holders of a European Blue Card. The EU Blue card allows holders to stay in other European countries and the validity period is 10 years. It is also renewable.
Required Documents for France Work Visa
Below is a list of the required documents applicants are required to submit to facilitate the processing of their work permit in France:
- A passport valid for at least 3 months after the intended stay
- Visa application form
- References from previous employers
- LOR from an employer
- Appointment letter from the company
- Copies of all educational transcripts
- Birth certificate
- Passport sized photos
- Health insurance
- A detailed explanation of the type of work you will be engaging in France
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Application Process for France Work Permit
Below is a step-by-step application process for a France Work Permit:
- Based on your qualifications and eligibility, you must first decide on the type of work permit you will be applying for. Additionally, the type of work permit you qualify for will be dependent on the type of job you have and the duration of your stay.
- After you have identified the work permit that best suits you, the next step is to the France immigration website and then fill out the application form. You are also to submit all the documents that will be requested during the process.
- Additionally, you will then proceed to book an appointment with the Visa Application Centre (VAC) to verify your documents and biometrics
- When you’re done with the process, you can now submit your application form and then wait for a response. Note that you are also to submit your biometric details on the bday of your appointment with the Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- If your application is successful, you will be contacted afterward.
How long does it take to process a work permit in France?
The processing time can be from 12 days to two months. If your application is rejected, you will be notified within two months.
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What should I do if my application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, your employer may lodge one or more administrative and legal appeals:
- A free informal appeal to the authority that made the decision.
- An appeal to a higher authority, namely the Minister of the Interior.
- An action for annulment before the administrative court.
Foreign employees are not allowed to undertake paid employment during the appeal process
What is the application fee for a work permit in France?
When applying for a French long-stay visa, applicants are required to pay a tax of €200 to the French Immigration and Citizenship Office (Office français de l’immigration et de l’intégration – OFII) upon issuance of their permit. Additionally, a stamp duty of €25 is charged on residence permits. Apart from these costs, there is an administrative fee of €225. Moreover, the long-stay visa that enables entry into France costs €99.
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Other important information to note
In addition to all the details mentioned above, other important information to note when applying for a French work permit includes:
- The Ministry of Interior in France is closely monitoring international workers before granting them work permits. There are several criteria that applicants must meet, and earning a desired salary is mandatory for all candidates. As of January 2021, the average earnings according to the Statutory National Minimum Wage (SIMC) should be 19,237 EUR per month.
- Starting April 6, 2021, all work permit applications must be submitted online. Once the authorities validate the application, the candidate will receive an electronic work permit.
- It’s important to note that the post-Brexit transition period ended on December 31, 2020, which means that British citizens must also apply for a French work permit through the desired channel.
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