How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Thinking about staying in France after graduating from a French university? In this video, Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio breaks down everything you need to know about the France job seeker/new business creator permit, including:  

✔️ Key requirements for international graduates  

✔️ The difference between applying from France (permit) vs. abroad (visa)  

✔️ Special provisions for certain nationalities (APS)  

✔️ How long you can stay and work in France  

✔️ Employment benefits and exemptions from labor market tests  

✔️ Options after your permit expires 

Whether you want to find a job, start your own business or plan your long-term career in France, this guide will help you understand your options. 

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French Job Seeker/New Business Creator Permit: A Guide for International Graduates 

If you've just graduated from a French university and want to stay in France to launch your career or start a business, the job seeker/new business creator permit offers an excellent pathway. This immigration option gives young graduates the flexibility to explore professional opportunities in France without the immediate pressure of securing employment before their student permit expires. 

What Is the Job Seeker/New Business Creator Permit? 

This permit allows recent graduates to remain in France and work without restrictions for one year while they search for employment or establish a company. Unlike many work permits, there are no limitations on working hours, types of activities or salary thresholds during this period. You have complete freedom to explore the French job market or develop your entrepreneurial ideas. 

Who Is Eligible? 

To qualify for this permit, you must meet specific educational requirements: 

• • • You must hold a diploma at least equivalent to a master's 2 degree or a professional license (licence professionelle) obtained in France 

• • • If you're already in France, your student residence permit must be valid when you file the Job Seeker permit application 

• • • You'll need to provide a Social Security certificate (attestation de droits) to include with your application 

Duration and What Comes Next 

The residence permit is valid for one year and is non-renewable. However, this doesn't mean your time in France must end after twelve months. If you find employment, receive a job offer or successfully establish a company during this year, you can apply for a residence card in a professional capacity before your Job Seeker permit expires. 

Special Provisions for Certain Nationalities 

Students from countries that have signed specific agreements with France have an alternative option. Instead of applying for the standard Job Seeker permit, they can apply for a temporary immigration document known as an APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour - APS), which grants the same rights. The duration of the APS varies depending on your nationality, ranging from six months to two years. 

Advantages When Transitioning to Employment 

One significant benefit of the Job Seeker permit is what happens when you secure employment. When you transition from Job Seeker status to another professional status, your employer will be exempt from conducting a labor market test, provided that: 

• • • Your salary is at least 1.5 times the French minimum wage 

• • • The job you're taking relates to your field of study in France 

This exemption makes you a more attractive candidate to potential employers, as it simplifies their hiring process considerably. 

Do You Actually Need This Permit? 

It's worth noting that applying for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit is not mandatory. If you secure a job quickly after graduation, you can file directly for a change of status from student to local hire or talent category permits. The best approach depends on your individual circumstances and timing. 

How to Apply 

The application process differs significantly depending on whether you're applying from within France or from abroad. 

Applying from France (Permit Application) 

If you're in France, you'll apply for a Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. Once you obtain your permanent certificate of completion after jury deliberation, you should file your application with the prefecture that corresponds to your residential address. The process varies by location, some prefectures allow you to complete everything through an online portal, while others require an in-person appointment. 

Applying from Abroad (Visa Application) 

If you're outside France, you'll apply for a job seeker/new business creator visa instead. You can file this application up to four years after obtaining your French diploma at the French Consulate in your country of residence. The approved visa will be valid for one year and will serve as your residence permit. Once you arrive in France, you must complete a visa validation process within three months. 

Regardless of which route you take, the ultimate immigration status you receive will be the same. 

Important Exceptions 

This immigration pathway is not available to Algerian students, who are subject to different immigration regulations due to bilateral agreements between France and Algeria. 

Making the Process Smoother 

Navigating immigration processes can be complex, especially when you're trying to focus on starting your career or business. Working with an immigration service firm like Fragomen can help streamline the application process, ensuring that all documentation is properly prepared and submitted, reducing the risk of delays or rejections. 

The job seeker/new business creator permit represents France's commitment to retaining international talent educated within its borders. By providing graduates with a full year of flexibility and work authorization, France creates an environment where you can thoughtfully explore your options and make informed decisions about your professional future. Whether you're seeking employment in your field of study or ready to launch an innovative business venture, this permit provides the foundation you need to pursue your goals in France. 

This was originally published September 30, 2025.