APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) is a temporary residence permit that allows international graduates to remain in France after completing their studies.

Purpose of APS

• Look for a job in France
• Work full-time
• Gain professional experience
• Convert to a long-term work permit

APS is not automatic—students must apply correctly, within deadlines, and with complete documentation.

International students are eligible for APS if they have completed certain types of recognised qualifications in France.

Eligible diplomas (typical list)

• Master’s degree from a French public or recognised higher education institution
• RNCP Level 7 qualification (Master-equivalent)
• Certain recognised engineering diplomas

Nationality

APS is available to many non-EU students, including:

• India
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan
• Nepal
• UAE/GCC nationals

APS validity

• 24 months (2 years) for:
  • Master’s degree holders
  • RNCP Level 7 graduates
• 12 months (1 year) for:
  • RNCP Level 6 (Bachelor-level) graduates

Key advantage: APS allows full-time employment, unlike standard student visas which limit weekly hours.

When to apply

• Apply before your student residence permit expires
• Ideally 2–3 months before expiry to avoid gaps

Where to apply

• At the prefecture of your place of residence
• Or via the online prefecture portal (depending on department)

Missing the deadline or applying late can result in loss of legal stay and make APS more difficult or impossible to obtain.

Typical APS document list includes:

• Valid passport
• Current residence permit (VLS-TS or carte de séjour étudiant)
• Final diploma or official attestation of completion
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of address in France
• Up-to-date CV
• Proof of job search or employment (if available)
• Passport-size photos
• Completed APS application form
• Tax stamps (timbres fiscaux, if applicable)

Some prefectures may request additional documents, depending on your situation and local procedures.

APS allows graduates to:

• Work full-time (typically 35 hours per week)
• Accept CDD (fixed-term) or CDI (permanent) contracts
• Continue or start internships
• Work while actively searching for long-term roles

This makes APS far more powerful than many post-study options worldwide, because you are allowed to work full-time while looking for your ideal job.

APS itself does not have a strict minimum salary requirement, but salary becomes critical when converting APS into a long-term work permit.

For CDI / CDD conversion

• Salary usually must be at least around 1.5× SMIC
• Roughly €2,600–€2,800 gross per month (varies by year and official index)

For Talent Passport-type options

• Higher salary thresholds apply
• Often around €38,000–€42,000+ per year, depending on category

Understanding salary requirements early helps you negotiate better offers and choose the right contracts during APS.

APS is a bridge, not the final status. The main pathways are:

• APS → Salarié (standard employee work permit)
• APS → Talent Passport (for highly qualified profiles, certain sectors, or higher salaries)
• APS → Entrepreneur / Profession Libérale (under specific conditions)

Once converted, graduates can:

• Stay long-term in France
• Renew their permits annually or on a multi-year basis
• Start counting toward long-term residency timelines

APS holders often find the best opportunities in sectors facing skill shortages:

Technology

• Data science
• AI & machine learning
• Cloud computing
• Cybersecurity
• Software development

Business & Management

• Marketing and digital marketing
• Sales and business development
• Supply chain and logistics
• HR and recruitment
• Project management

Engineering

• Mechanical
• Civil
• Industrial
• Aerospace

Hospitality & Luxury

• Hotel management
• Luxury retail
• Tourism operations

RNCP graduates often perform very well in these sectors because of their practical, job-oriented training.

Here is a simplified comparison of post-study work options:

APS offers one of the clearest, less risky career pathways in Europe when combined with the right degree and job strategy.

Some frequent mistakes that can damage APS or work permit chances:

• Applying late or after the residence permit expiry
• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents
• Not planning job search early during the final year
• Ignoring salary thresholds for work permit conversion
• Working illegally or without proper contracts
• Choosing non-recognised diplomas that do not lead to APS

With proper planning and guidance, these issues are fully avoidable.

APS success starts during your studies, not after graduation. Students should:

• Choose APS-eligible programs such as RNCP Level 7 or recognised Master’s degrees
• Take internships seriously and aim for strong performance
• Network with employers and alumni early
• Improve French language skills step-by-step
• Prepare a strong, updated CV in French/European format
• Understand work permit rules and salary logic before negotiating offers

A common long-term pathway is:

• APS → Work Permit → Long-term residency

With:

• Stable employment
• Regular tax payments
• Continuous legal residence

Graduates can later apply for:

• Multi-year residence cards
• Certain long-term EU residency options (subject to conditions)

For skilled graduates, France offers a realistic and structured long-term future when APS, work permit strategy, and career planning are aligned.

StudyConnectFrance helps students design their entire journey around APS success:

• Program selection with APS and employability in mind
• Internship and job search strategy planning
• APS application checklist and timeline
• Guidance on salary thresholds and work permit conversion
• Long-term career and residency roadmap discussions