Graduating from a French university or Grande École is a major milestone. You survived the intense coursework, navigated local bureaucracy, and earned a degree recognized across Europe. But if your goal is to launch your career in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, or anywhere else in France, your next immediate mission is securing the right to stay and work after your student visa expires.
France offers a dedicated residence permit for recent international graduates: the RECE (Recherche d'emploi ou création d'entreprise), which officially replaced the older APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) scheme for most university degree holders.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting your post-study work permit in France, from qualification rules and application steps to the key salary thresholds needed to convert your status into a full work visa.
What is the RECE / APS Permit?
The RECE permit gives international graduates temporary legal residence in France to look for full-time employment or start a business.
Historically, this permit was called the APS. While many students and advisors still use "APS" informally, the official administrative category for most university graduates is RECE.
Here are the primary features of the RECE permit:
- Duration: Granted for 12 months. It is non-renewable for most nationalities, meaning you have one year to secure a qualified job offer or launch an approved startup. (Note: Certain bilateral agreements, such as the India-France agreement, offer specific extended provisions or short-stay multi-entry visas for alumni).
- Work Freedom: While searching for a full-time job in your field, you can work part-time or temporary jobs in any industry up to 60% of the annual French working hours limit (about 964 hours per year).
- Smooth Conversion: If you land a qualified job related to your field paying above a specific salary threshold, you can switch straight to a professional work permit without your employer having to clear local labor market tests.
Who is Eligible for the France Post-Study Work Visa?
Not every course completion qualifies you for the RECE permit. French immigration laws focus on higher-level qualifications awarded by recognized institutions.
You can apply for the RECE permit if you have obtained one of the following within the past 2 years:
- A Master’s Degree (Grade de Master): Equivalent to Bac+5 (5 years of higher education).
- A Specialized Master (Mastère Spécialisé): Recognized by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE).
- A Vocational Bachelor’s Degree (Licence Professionnelle): Recognized by the French state.
- An RNCP Level 7 Qualification: Certified by the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles.
- A Master of Science (MSc): Accredited by the CGE or awarded with state recognition.
If you are currently choosing a degree program in France, check degree accreditations early on. You can use the Studplex Matching Engine to explore accredited French Master's and MSc programs that directly qualify you for post-study work rights.
STUDENT STATUS (VLS-TS / Titre de Séjour)
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RECE PERMIT (12 Months Validity)
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Part-Time Work Full-Time Job Offer
(Up to 964 hrs/yr) (Related to Degree)
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Sustain Living Expenses Is Salary ≥ 1.5x SMIC?
(Approx €2,700+/month)
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┌──────────┴──────────┐
YES NO
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Passeport Talent Standard Salarié
(Fast-track Visa) (Labor market test)
Key Benefits of Holding a RECE Residence Permit
Moving from a student visa directly to a traditional employee visa (Titre de séjour Salarié) can be tough because French employers normally have to prove they couldn't find a French or EU citizen for the job first (a process known as opposabilité de la situation de l'emploi).
The RECE permit removes this hurdle completely. Here is why holding RECE gives you a clear advantage:
1. No Labor Market Opposition
When you find a qualifying full-time job, your employer does not need to publish job advertisements or justify hiring you over local candidates. As long as the job matches your degree and meets the salary threshold, the work permit authorization is guaranteed.
2. Flexible Temporary Income
Searching for a corporate job can take months. Under RECE, you retain the legal right to work part-time in retail, hospitality, tutoring, or freelance projects while attending interviews.
3. Freedom to Launch a Business
If you prefer building your own company, the RECE allows you to spend 12 months developing a start-up or innovative business project in France.
The Golden Rule: The 1.5x SMIC Salary Requirement
To convert your post-study RECE permit into a full-time work residence permit, your job offer must satisfy two non-negotiable conditions:
- Direct Alignment: The job responsibilities must directly match your field of study and degree level.
- Minimum Salary Threshold: Your gross monthly salary must be at least 1.5 times the French Minimum Wage (SMIC).
As of 2024, the gross monthly SMIC sits around €1,766. That puts the minimum threshold for converting your RECE visa at approximately €2,650 to €2,700 gross per month (around €32,000 to €33,000 gross per year).
What Happens If You Meet or Exceed This Salary?
- If you earn 1.5x SMIC or higher: You qualify to switch to either a standard Titre de Séjour Salarié or a Passeport Talent - Qualified Employee (Passeport Talent - Emploi Qualifié). The Passeport Talent option is valid for up to 4 years, gives faster processing, and offers direct family reunification benefits.
- If your salary is below 1.5x SMIC: You cannot use the simplified RECE conversion route. Your employer must go through the standard labor authorization procedure (autorisation de travail), exposing the job offer to local market checks.
If you are planning your study route and want to make sure your career path matches target French market salaries, check your detailed eligibility and track application deadlines on the Studplex Roadmap page.
Documents Required for the RECE Permit
Preparing your paperwork early is key to avoiding gap periods in your legal status. The prefecture will expect a clean set of documents submitted through the online system.
Post-Study Work Permit Document Checklist
| Document Category | Specific Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identity & Status | Valid Passport (all written pages) & current Titre de Séjour or VLS-TS | Passport must be valid for at least 12 months. |
| Proof of Degree | Official Master's Degree Diploma or Attestation de Réussite | Issued by your French university or Grande École. |
| Proof of Residence | Utility bill (EDF), rental contract, or Attestation d'hébergement | Must be under 3 months old. |
| Health Insurance | Proof of registration with French Social Security (Ameli / CPAM) | Valid coverage for the duration of the permit. |
| Passport Photos | 3 recent e-photos with digital signature code (e-photo avec signature numérique) | Obtained from authorized photo booths (Photomaton). |
| Tax Stamp (Titre de Recette) | €75 payment proof | Paid online when picking up the physical card. |
Step-by-Step Application Process for RECE
France has digitized most residence permit applications through the ANEF portal (Administration Numérique pour les Étrangers en France). You rarely need to stand in line at the Prefecture for your initial submission.
Step 1: Request Your "Attestation de Réussite"
You do not need to wait for your final physical diploma ceremony, which often happens months after classes end. As soon as your final grades and thesis defense are validated, request an official Attestation de Réussite Jury from your university registrar.
Step 2: Submit Application on the ANEF Portal
Create or log into your account on the ANEF portal roughly 2 to 3 months before your student residence permit expires. Select the option for Demande de Titre de Séjour - Recherche d'emploi ou Création d'entreprise. Upload all digital scans of required documents.
Step 3: Receive Your Attestation Prolongée d'Instruction (API)
Once your application passes initial verification, the portal generates a temporary document called an API or Récépissé. This document keeps your residence legal, preserves your work rights, and covers you if your student card expires while you wait for processing.
Step 4: Pay the Fee and Collect Your Card
When your RECE card is printed and ready, you will receive an SMS notification from your local Prefecture. Buy a €75 fiscal stamp (timbre fiscal) online, book your collection appointment, and pick up your physical card.
Practical Career Tips for Landing a Job on RECE
Having 12 months on your RECE permit sounds like a lot of time, but hiring processes in France can take anywhere from two to four months. Here is how to keep things moving efficiently:
Turn Your End-of-Study Internship (Stage de Fin d'Études) into a CDI
Most French Master's programs require a 6-month internship (stage). Treat this internship like a long job interview. French companies frequently use end-of-study internships as a pipeline to hire entry-level staff on full-time contracts (CDI - Contrat à Durée Indéterminée).
Learn Conversational French (B2 Level Minimum)
While tech companies, research labs, and multinational headquarters in Paris employ English speakers, the vast majority of local French companies expect professional working fluency in French. Reaching B2 French significantly improves your chances of landing a contract that meets the 1.5x SMIC requirement.
Adapt Your Resume to French Hiring Norms
- Keep your CV to 1 page (unless you have 5+ years of prior professional experience).
- Clearly state your visa status at the top: "Titulaire d'un titre RECE - Autorisation de travail immédiate". This reassures recruiters who might worry about visa paperwork.
- List technical skills, tools, and clear measurable outcomes from your academic or internship projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel outside France while holding a RECE permit?
Yes, but ensure you have the physical RECE card or a valid Récépissé/API that explicitly permits re-entry into the Schengen Area alongside your valid passport.
What happens if I don't find a qualifying job within 12 months?
When your 12-month RECE permit expires, it cannot be extended under normal circumstances. If you do not have a qualifying job offer or business registration meeting the legal requirements, you will be expected to exit France or switch to another valid status (such as family status or enrollment in another advanced degree program).
Is the RECE permit available to students who leave France after graduating?
Yes. If you returned to your home country after completing an eligible Master's degree in France, you can apply for the RECE permit from abroad at a French consulate within 2 years of receiving your official degree.
Final Thoughts
The RECE permit offers international graduates in France a clear, straightforward bridge from university to a professional career. By taking advantage of the 12-month job search window and aiming for roles that meet the 1.5x SMIC requirement, you can position yourself for long-term career growth in Europe.
Start organizing your documents during your final semester, keep track of your residence permit expiration dates, and make full use of university career centers and alumni networks early.