How Can You Extend Your Stay in France After Graduation?

Exiting from a French university has actually a lot to offer; such a study opens quite a lot of new opportunities. Getting work experience, obtaining further education, and just living in France a bit more can all be easily foreseen. In fact, a majority of international students have but one common intention in mind: staying beyond graduation. Below is a complete guide on how to extend your stay in France after graduation.

Knowing What to Do upon Graduation

By the completion of one’s study, his/her student visa or residence permit automatically becomes invalid. If one desires to stay in France longer, he/she will need to change the nature of his/her visa or residence permit. Basically, the French government has opened a few opportunities to graduates, which are bound by individual objectives and situations.

1. Applying for a Temporary Residence Permit for Stay in France

Probably the most popular option is that of applying for a Temporary Resident Permit, known as the “Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour” (APS). It will allow a person who has recently graduated the chance to stay in France for a period of no longer than one year, seeking employment or making other plans.

Eligibility Criteria:

• You must have completed your degree from an institution of higher education in France, acknowledged by the French State.

• The qualification has to be at least at the Master’s level.

• You will have to apply for an APS within four months from your graduation date.

How to apply:

• You need to obtain an appointment at the prefecture or the sub-prefecture of the area where you live.

• You will be expected to show your passport, residence permit, evidence of graduation, proof of address, and proof that you will have enough money to sustain you while you stay here.

• Fill in the application form and pay the related fees.

2. Job Search

With an APS, you can apply for a major-related job. If you have a job prospect, you can apply for a work permit afterwards. This would authorize you to stay longer in France, accordingly.

Types of Work Permit:

• Skills and Talents Residence Permit: The competency and talents residence permit is for people who have a skill or talent highly exceptional. 

• Employee Work Permit: For people who are able to get an offer from any employer in France. 

• Entrepreneur/Investor Permit: It is for people who would like to start their own business.

Application Procedure of Work Permits:

• He must prove that there was no EU/EEA citizenship available for the post.

• You must apply to a local prefecture with your work contract, your qualification documents and other support documents.

3. Further Studies

If you are going to continue your study then you can apply for a new student visa. You can take admission in any registered course of program like Ph.D. or additional courses and can apply for the student’s visa for extension.

Application Procedure:

• Apply to any French educational institution and apply for admission.

• Attach a letter of acceptance, proof of resources and proof of accommodation to the French consulate or prefecture.

• Get a new student visa that enables you to stay in France till the duration of the new programme.

4. Application for a French Long-term Visa

But if you are looking for a longer stay, for whatever reason, then you will need the long-term visa. This could eventually be made long-term residence if you could develop a clean plan of your future in France.

Types of Long-Term Visas:

• Residence Permit: For those with a long-term project or business plan in France.

• Family Visa: If you have a spouse or close relative who is French, you can take advantage of obtaining a family visa.

Application Procedure:

• You will prove an integration into French society regarding linguistic ability and employment or business intent.

• Apply to the Prefecture with all documents providing long-term stay proof.

5. Legal and Financial Considerations

Also, in the process of extension, consider the following legal and financial requirements:

Legal Considerations:

• Make a good timing application for a new visa or residence permit before the expiry of your permit.

• Fulfill the requirements that will continue to qualify you for the legal status, Depending on the conditions of the new visa or residence permit.

Finance:

• Be ready to provide evidence of enough money in a bid to support yourself for the rest of your stay.

• Also, provide for expenses for application fees and eventual traveling and living expenses related to an in-person appearance.

6. Professional opinion

Complicated is the French immigration system. Not quite uncommonly, one may be necessitated to seek advice from an appropriately qualified attorney or consultant specializing in French residency and immigration. He will give you individualized advice according to your condition and see that your application is done fully and correctly in all respects.

7. Keep Informed

Keep current on changes in French immigration policy and requirements. Governmental regulations are changing, and keeping an eye on these matters will make a difference in making the right choice at the right time.

After graduation Stay in France can be a very realistic objective if approached in the right manner. Whether you wish to gain work experience, further study, or simply look at other options, there are a few possible ways recent graduates can stay in France. Now, understanding precisely what’s open to you, taking time over your application, and seeking professional help where required will give you an extension to stay and the ability to enjoy France for a little longer.

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