Can you stay and work in France after your degree? Yes. France offers international graduates a dedicated permit to look for a job or start a business, and several long-term permits once you are hired. Here is how the post-study route works in 2027.
The post-study permits at a glance
| Permit | For whom | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Job-search or business-creation permit | Graduates of eligible master’s-level qualifications | 12 months, to find a job or create a business |
| Indian graduates (France–India agreement) | Indian master’s-level graduates | A longer post-study stay, up to 24 months |
| Employee permit | Graduates who sign a job contract | Linked to your job |
| Talent Passport | Qualified graduates and employees meeting a salary threshold | Multi-year permit, simpler renewals |
| EU Blue Card | Highly qualified employees meeting a higher salary threshold | Multi-year permit with mobility in the EU |
Conditions, salary thresholds and the list of eligible qualifications are set by French law and updated regularly: always check them on the official France-Visas and service-public.fr websites before you apply.
The job-search or business-creation permit
After a master’s-level qualification, non-EU graduates can apply for a temporary residence permit to look for a job or create a business in France. It is valid for 12 months and is not renewable. Apply before your student residence permit expires. Eligibility depends on the qualification you obtained, so check it with your school before you graduate.
Indian graduates: a longer stay
Under the migration and mobility partnership between France and India, Indian master’s-level graduates can benefit from a longer post-study stay, up to 24 months. France also offers a five-year short-stay Schengen visa to Indian alumni who completed a master’s in France. See study in France from India and MS in AI in France for Indian students.
Once you are hired
- Employee permit: the standard route when you sign a job contract.
- Talent Passport: a multi-year permit for qualified graduates and employees who meet a salary threshold, with simpler renewals and family rights.
- EU Blue Card: for highly qualified employees above a higher salary threshold, with mobility to other EU countries.
AI and data roles are among the most in demand: see AI jobs in France for international students.
Your timeline, step by step
During your studies, work up to 964 hours a year and build experience through internships or work-study; see working while studying in France.
In your final semester, check your eligibility for the post-study permit with your school.
Before your student permit expires, apply for the job-search or business-creation permit, or directly for an employee permit if you already have a job offer.
Once hired, change to an employee permit, a Talent Passport or an EU Blue Card depending on your job and salary.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students work in France after graduation?
Yes. Graduates of eligible master’s-level qualifications can apply for a 12-month permit to look for a job or create a business, then change to a work permit once hired.
How long can I stay in France after my master’s?
Generally up to 12 months with the job-search permit. Indian master’s-level graduates can benefit from a longer stay of up to 24 months under the France–India partnership.
What is the Talent Passport?
A multi-year French residence permit for qualified profiles, including graduates hired in a qualified job above a salary threshold.
Can I work while studying in France?
Yes. A student residence permit allows up to 964 hours of paid work a year, about 20 hours a week.
Are AI jobs in demand in France?
Yes. Data scientists, machine learning engineers, AI developers and data analysts are among the profiles companies look for, especially in the Paris region.
Apply online: the academic team reviews your file and invites you to an online interview.
