France's post-study offer is genuinely strong for Indians, and recently got stronger thanks to the India-France framework. Here is how to convert your degree into a job and a longer stay.
Who qualifies
- You hold at least a master's-level qualification from a French institution (a Licence Professionnelle, master's, Mastère Spécialisé, an MSc from a Conférence des Grandes Écoles school, or a recognised grande école engineering degree).
- You held a French student residence permit or VLS-TS during your studies.
How long you get
- 12 months initial RECE/APS permit (standard for qualifying graduates).
- +12 months one-time renewal for Indian master's graduates under the India-France bilateral framework, so up to 24 months total.
- Apply at your prefecture within 2 months before your student permit expires.
What you can do on it
- Work up to 964 hours/year (about 60% of full-time) in any job to support yourself while you search.
- Switch to full-time immediately if you find a job related to your field paying at least 1.5x SMIC, then move to a work or talent-passport permit.
- Start a business related to your studies instead of job-hunting.
The longer game
Once employed, you move onto a salaried work permit or the Passeport Talent (for qualifying salaries/roles, including researchers and startup founders), which is the fast lane toward longer residence and eventually settlement (France has its own PR and citizenship rules; a France-specific guide is coming). French strongly widens which jobs you can take, see the language reality.
FAQ
How long can Indians stay in France after a master's?
A 12-month job-search permit, extendable once to 24 months for Indian master's graduates under the bilateral framework.
Can I work full-time on the job-search permit?
Up to 964 hours/year generally; switch to full-time once you land a role in your field paying at least 1.5x SMIC.
Does it cover starting a business?
Yes, the permit covers job search or creating a business linked to your studies.
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